While Minnesota is home to a few major cities, much of the state is dotted with tiny towns that are far from big city lights. That makes these spots perfect places to view the night sky. One remote little town in particular is one of the darkest places in the United States according to ObservingSites.com. Head to McGregor, Minnesota, next time you’re looking for incredible views of the night sky in Minnesota.
McGregor is a tiny town of under 400 people in northeastern Minnesota. It’s 120 miles north of the Twin Cities and 60 miles west of Duluth.
Google Maps
By day, there are a few lovely things to see and do in McGregor. The downtown area is small but charming.
Google Maps
McGregor also has plenty of natural beauty. It’s surrounded on all sides by wild, beautiful nature. Venture away from the lights of the city - easy to do in McGregor - and you’ll see some truly stunning sights.
Tony Webster/Flickr
One of the best spots in town? Savanna Portage State Park, a lesser known park that preserves a historic portage trail. Forests and lakes call this state park home.
Tony Webster/Flickr
It’s beautiful in the daytime, but come dusk, Savanna Portage becomes even more magical.
Tony Webster/Flickr
Millions of stars become visible in the black sky. Far from the lights of the city, you’ll be amazed by just how many you can see.
Mark Grapengater/Flickr
If you’re especially lucky, you may even see the Northern Lights. But even if you don’t, McGregor is an absolutely perfect place to do some stargazing.
Mark Grapengater/Flickr
Next time you’re looking for a beautiful place to watch the stars, head up to McGregor. This remote little town is one of the prettiest places in Minnesota – and one of the darkest places in the nation.
Google Maps
Tony Webster/Flickr
Mark Grapengater/Flickr
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