New moon nights – night when the moon is absent from the sky – make for great stargazing.

Here’s a great way to start – look due north after the sun has set and find the Big Dipper constellation [see photo] with its telltale 3-star handle and 4-star dipper.

In the summer, the dipper is at ‘9-o’clock’ and hangs dipper down.
In the autumn, the dipper is at ‘6-o’clock’ with the dipper facing up/handle to the left.
In the winter, the dipper is at ‘3-o’clock’ with the handle hanging down.
In the spring, the dipper is at ’12-o’clock’ with the dipper facing down/handle to the right.

2020/2021 Season

Extended Weekend: April 17-18 and 24-25, and May 1-2

The Lyrids is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in 1861. The shower runs annually from April 16-25. It peaks this year on the night of the night of the 22nd and morning of the 23rd. These meteors can sometimes produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds.

The nearly full moon will be a problem this year. Its glare will block out all but the brightest meteors. But if you are patient you may still be able to catch a few good ones. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight.

Meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

2020/2021 Season

Extended Weekend: April 24-25, and May 1-2

Also known as the Fish Moon

This is also a Supermoon, which is when the Moon is full and particularly close to Earth. It appears 17% bigger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon.

Ice out -when lake ice disintegrates enough for most of the lake to be ice-free – is late up north. Lake edges give way first with a few inches, then a foot of open water. The ice goes soft and gets granular. Right before it breaks up it can get very dark. We all keep our fingers crossed the lakes will be open for walleye Fishing Opener.

2020/2021 Season

Closing Weekend: May 1-2

Walleye fishing season opens!

We are thrilled to share that we are making plans to host our 30th annual arts festival in 2021!

Save the date