Winona.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Winona, MN. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Winona
- Top Community Pick: Oxbow Park (~48.7 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5.0 at Hawk Ridge
- Local Experts: La Crosse Area Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Stargazing in Winona is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Oxbow Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Hawk Ridge provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5.0. The local landscape of Winona offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Winona
Since Winona sits in a transitional light zone, viewing is best during the New Moon or after midnight when some commercial lighting is reduced.
Expert Tips for Winona Observers
When visiting Oxbow Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. For the best views the site, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.
Minnesota Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Oxbow Park
" He currently uses a 12-inch Orion Dobsonian telescope.', 'John Attewell, PhD. John is a retired statistician and he observes the sky with a Newtonian telescope on an equatorial mount. "
Root River Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Watson Soccer Field
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Watson Soccer Field 1000 Essex Pkwy NW Rochester, MN 55901
" 'Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 4.4 days after New Moon, planets Mars Saturn Neptune bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Hawk Ridge
Duluth
"Good visibility during the day. According to the weather record, it rained in the previous days. Duluth light dome is clearly visible. Zodiacal light is visible. Milky Way is visible overhead and to the north, and it spans about 50 degrees across the sky. M31 is moderately visible with naked eyes."
Little Sand Bay West Jetty
Apostle Islands NS
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Little Sand Bay West Jetty in Apostle Islands NS on 9/18/2012. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 22.06 SQM."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.