14 Places in the United States Where You Can See the Northern Lights
The aurora borealis, the northern lights, are an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that happens when the wind picks up charged particles from the sun, and sends them flying across the universe to light up the night sky with beautiful displays of color.
While these lights are most often associated with places near the Arctic Circle like Scandinavia or Canada, there are at least a few locations in the United States where you can catch this celestial wonder. These American destinations are the perfect chance for those looking to catch a glimpse without traveling too far.
Alaska – Fairbanks
The northern lights can be seen best in Fairbanks, Alaska. Because of its high latitude and clear, dark skies, it is a prime place from late August to mid-April. Nearby lodges and resorts have been built especially for aurora viewing, and many visitors stay here. Optimal viewing conditions are the longer nights of winter.
Alaska – Denali National Park
You’ll find stunning backdrops for seeing the northern lights in Denali National Park. The aurora often lights up the skies from late August to April with its pristine wilderness and low levels of light pollution. But the even more magical experience is that of the vast landscape (think towering Denali peak) that you take in. Adding to that is the fact that, because of the weather, a winter visit also offers an opportunity to see wildlife in a serene snowy environment.
Voyageurs National Park – Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota is a lesser-known viewing location for the Northern Lights. Its location on the Canadian border makes for dark skies, perfect for spotting the lights during the fall and winter months. Many of the park’s waterways are visited by paddlers or campers for an unbroken view. Quiet and rugged, the park’s raw beauty only enhances the aurora experience.
Michigan – Upper Peninsula
The northern lights are often seen in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, especially around Lake Superior. Marquette, Munising, and the Keweenaw Peninsula have become favorite places for aurora hunters. Dark skies abound around the water, and there are no city lights to interfere with the lights. Typically the best times are September to March, depending on solar activity.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Dakota
You wouldn’t expect to see aurora chasers in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. The park has little light pollution, as it is comprised of expansive plains with a sparse population, so it is the perfect place to see the northern lights. The best times to visit are winter and early spring, but the lights can be seen in fall. Under the glow of the aurora, the park’s rugged badlands appear mystic and surreal.
Maine – Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is famous for its coastal beauty, but it’s also a great place to see the northern lights. When the aurora is dancing above the rocky shores of Maine on clear nights the charm and serenity of the park are more pronounced. The best times for viewing are in the fall and winter. Cadillac Mountain or along the coastline are good places to view because of the low light pollution.
Glacier National Park – Montana
Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the darkest places in the continental U.S., and that means it’s great for northern lights sightings. Remote and at high elevations, the park’s visibility is increased in the fall and winter. But the best chances of seeing the lights occur when visitors are staying in the park’s lodges or camping in backcountry areas. The mountain views are sweeping, and only add to the drama of the display.
Panhandle National Forest- Idaho
The northern lights can be viewed in an underrated location: the Panhandle National Forest in northern Idaho. Because of its clear night skies and proximity to the Canadian border, this forested area is a good place to see the aurora during geomagnetic storms. Extended darkness of winter nights are perfect for taking a look. It’s a peaceful spot for stargazing and aurora-watching on account of the forest’s rugged terrain.
Snoqualmie National Forest- Washington
Occasionally, the northern lights can be seen from Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, more commonly in winter. High peaks and remote areas in the region mean that you can escape light pollution, and may get a good shot at seeing the aurora. This is not nearly as common as in northern states, but the lights can still be seen during strong solar activity. The forest’s snow-covered mountains provide a perfect winter backdrop.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Wisconsin
Northern lights viewing conditions are pristine at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior in Wisconsin. Isolation of the islands from major cities guarantees dark skies and therefore an excellent place to see the aurora borealis. The best viewing is during winter and fall, and the shores of the lake makes it even more spectacular. Aurora watching on the islands is made all the more beautiful by the ruggedness of the islands themselves.
White Mountain National Forest – New Hampshire
White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire may not be the first place you think of for aurora sightings, but with its high elevations and remote areas, it’s a good choice. Dancing lights in the sky can be seen on clear winter nights, especially when there’s a solar storm. Far from towns, the best viewing locations have dark skies that help visibility. It’s an unusual place to catch the aurora, but it’s a rewarding one.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Michigan
Aurora chasers have another hidden gem in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The park’s isolation and dark skies make it a great place to see the lights, especially during geomagnetic storms in fall and winter. The aurora display often takes place in the rugged mountainous terrain. A northern-lights adventure is the perfect thing here it’s a peaceful and remote spot.
Big Sky- Montana
Big Sky, Montana, isn’t just a skiing destination. It’s also a place to see the northern lights. During winter months, visitors often see the aurora due to its wide open spaces and low light pollution. Night tours for stargazing and aurora viewing are offered at the resort. Snowy landscapes and shimmering lights are a magical combination.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
