Otherworldly, magical, and enchanting are just a few words used to describe the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This breathtaking phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun enter Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in vibrant colors that shimmer across the sky. Greens, blues, purples, pinks, and even yellows create a dazzling light display, captivating all who witness it.
While many believe they must travel to the Arctic to experience the Northern Lights, several prime viewing locations exist here in the USA. From the vast wilderness of Alaska to the serene shores of Lake Superior, here are five of the best spots in the United States to see the Northern Lights.
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
With nearly 2.5 million hectares of untouched wilderness, Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is a haven for nature lovers. Situated about 383 kilometers north of Anchorage, the park is renowned for its expansive landscapes, mountain vistas, and abundant wildlife, making it a favorite destination for hikers and campers.
Denali National Park is also one of the best places in the USA to catch the Northern Lights, thanks to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. The auroras dance vividly across the night sky during fall, particularly mid-August. The park’s remoteness offers a pristine viewing experience, free from artificial light interference.
If you venture toward Fairbanks, less than 200 kilometers northeast of the park, you’ll enter a region known as the auroral oval — an area surrounding the North Pole where auroras are more frequent. Fairbanks is a major destination for those eager to witness some of the most spectacular light displays, especially during the colder months.
Best Viewing Times: Fall and early winter are ideal, with clear skies offering the best opportunities for sightings. Be sure to bundle up as it gets chilly during the nighttime.
Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Idaho
Idaho might not be the first place that comes to mind when considering the Northern Lights, but it offers some of the most scenic aurora displays in the USA. The Idaho Panhandle National Forest and Priest Lake, located about 80 kilometers south of the Canadian border, are hidden gems for catching these light shows. These locations boast dark, clear skies that are perfect for viewing the lights during winter.
What makes the Idaho Panhandle so special is its backdrop of mountains and the reflective surface of Priest Lake. When the aurora lights up the sky, it often mirrors the lake, doubling the magic and offering photographers a stunning perspective. With the combination of snow-capped peaks and the lake’s calm surface, it’s no wonder this area draws in so many nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Best Viewing Times: Winter is prime, with the clearest skies in December and January.
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, Maine
Located near the U.S.-Canadian border, Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Maine offers a secluded, peaceful environment perfect for viewing the Northern Lights. With over 2,100 hectares of wetlands, forests, and grasslands, the refuge is home to wildlife like moose and black bears, making the setting as wild and beautiful as the auroras.
Being far north, this region experiences aurora sightings more often than most places in the continental USA. The clear winter skies are perfect for viewing the lights, thanks to the lack of light pollution in Aroostook County. Visitors often set up camp to glimpse the auroras surrounded by Maine’s rugged wilderness.
Best Viewing Times: Crisp, clear winter nights are optimal for catching the lights, although fall and spring during heightened magnetic storm activity are also good windows.
Cook County, Minnesota
Cook County is in northeastern Minnesota, near Lake Superior, and offers some of the best outdoor spaces for watching the Northern Lights. Known for its vast open skies and scenic landscapes, this region is perfect for stargazers and aurora enthusiasts. Oberg Mountain, located in the Superior National Forest, is a popular spot where locals gather to capture views of the aurora, casting its glow over the lake and surrounding mountains.
During peak aurora conditions, the lights reflect off the waters of Lake Superior, enhancing the visual spectacle. Oberg Lake and Moose Mountain are also excellent viewing locations, offering expansive horizons against the violet, pink, and yellow hues of the Northern Lights.
Best Viewing Times: Late fall through early spring, with the best conditions during clear, cold nights.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a northern treasure that juts out into Lake Superior, making it one of the best places in the USA to view the Northern Lights. With its northernmost points extending far beyond many other regions in the country, aurora sightings are common here, and locals often catch these light displays from their backyards.
Marquette and the Keweenaw Peninsula are prime destinations for aurora watching. On a clear night, the Northern Lights reflect off the expansive surface of Lake Superior, creating a double spectacle of light and color.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula provides a perfect mix of serene landscapes and dark skies for aurora viewing, whether near the lake or up in the mountains. Residents and tourists often find themselves spellbound by the magical colors dancing across the heavens.
Best Viewing Times: Winter months offer the clearest views, but the lights can also be spotted in early fall.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned aurora chaser or just looking to experience the magic of the Northern Lights for the first time, these five locations across the USA offer some of the most breathtaking views. From the rugged wilderness of Alaska to the tranquil shores of Lake Superior, the Northern Lights are a spectacle worth every effort to witness.
Planning your trip during the optimal viewing seasons (fall and winter), bundling up for the cold, and choosing a location with minimal light pollution will greatly increase your chances of catching the aurora in all its vibrant glory.
