In fact, it’s the access point to Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park. We’ll then provide tips on when you might see the northern lights throughout the year. Viewing a great aurora depends upon solar activity, cloud cover, moon phase and proximity to light pollution. Also, if you're not sure which way is … Fairbanks, Alaska Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights as it's located directly under the Auroral Oval. Further inland than notoriously cloudy Washington, your chances for clear skies improve tremendously. Northern Lights Tonight Dear Aurora Enthusiast, Here is a dashboard for all of you Aurora Hunters trying to see the Northern Lights tonight. by making the multi-hour drive for a weekend in Idaho’s northern panhandle. Mount Washington Valley, New Hampshire, 9. Generally speaking though, here’s the breakdown on when you’re most likely to see the northern lights in the USA. Read on to learn the best places where you can see the aurora in America. Located across Puget Sound from bustling and bright Seattle, you can make your way to the small communities of Port Angeles or Sequim to base yourself for a weekend chasing the aurora. The northern lights are generally seen around 64° to 70° North latitudes, around the Arctic Circle. If you went to the 49th state during aurora season — August 21 through April 21st — you can bet people will excitedly ask you, “Did you see the northern lights?” and wait hopefully for your response. Headlands International Dark Sky Park is one of the stargazing locations featured in Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism! Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 11. I might go to Iceland, or there's a place deep in Canada that has possibilities. This park is just under an hour’s drive from Montpelier. And while when and where the Northern Lights appear is difficult to predict, a clear evening at this park is sure to grant you a celestial view you won’t soon forget. If we have to pick just one, it’s gotta be Fairbanks. In case you’re not familiar with the science behind this amazing astronomical phenomenon, here’s a quick explanation. This position gives it uniquely exceptional conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. These states are: Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont. Read on to learn the best places where you can see the aurora in America. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Cook County is the Best Place to View the Northern Lights in Minnesota (and the lower 48 states) You don’t have to travel to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. In fact, they have a whole section about it on their website! Because of its protection as a national park, there’s limited development and less light pollution. This article gave none of that, and using the phrase "have been known to appear" suggests that the odds at such a place are slightly better than actually seeing Nessie during a side trip to Scotland. The Upper Peninsula is blessed with hundreds of miles of shoreline along the south shore of Lake Superior, which provides some of the best northern lights viewing in the lower 48 due to the very dark night skies. Head out onto the peninsula to Colchester Point, Causeway Park, or Mills Point to try and see the aurora in the northern sky. The shores of the 10-mile long Lake Macdonald make for an ideal, wide-open space to watch the show unfold. Onsager had his aurora experience in northern Norway — one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Three miles of shoreline along Lake Huron create plenty of opportunities to see and photograph aurora borealis reflections. The stronger the Aurora the more south one can see it. New England is one of the most densely populated parts of the United States. You likely already know what the northern lights (aurora borealis) are. My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! There are no electric lights for miles around the park’s day use area, giving you a clearer view. For creature comforts, base yourself in Ashland, Wisconsin and make the 30-minute drive (one way) to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore if the aurora forecast is promising. There are quite a few examples of remote places in Idaho that make for the kind of clear skies perfect for stargazing. The Northern Lights have been known to occasionally appear over Sweet Briar Lake, about half an hour west of the city of Bismarck. In addition to campsites for tents, there are a handful of cabins and cottages available to rent. Be sure to plan ahead for freezing temperatures, snow, and complete darkness if you’re trying to see the northern lights at Theodore Roosevelt National Park! Book a multi-night stay at either Borealis Basecamp or Chena Hot Springs Resort. The otherworldly aurora borealis, or northern lights, begin high in the Earth’s atmosphere—at altitudes from 60 to more than 250 miles—when charged particles from … Flights: You can get flight tickets at 47,000, if booked in advance. Anchorage's bright starry nights are natures perfect backdrop for dancing northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. McGulpin Point and Johnson Point are both good viewing spots; McGulpin Point Lighthouse is just outside the park but also a good contender. Panhandle National Forests are a good bet to escape light pollution and see the northern lights in Idaho. From n3kl.org. I was so looking forward to reading this article, only to be totally disappointed. 6. You’ll need to travel further north, so start planning now. With vast swaths of wilderness putting plenty of distance between you and any city centers, Voyageurs National Park makes for a good potential base of operations if you’re hoping to spot the Northern Lights. But, it’s not all bad! You can learn more about my mission here or read about me and the rest of the team here, Best Time of Year to See the Northern Lights in the USA, The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in the United States, 4. Picture the Northern Lights, a shimmering fantasia of lights playing across the night’s sky. In Iceland we stayed at a hotel in Husefe in the interior near the smaller glacier. Gordon’s Park Eco Reserve located in the northern part of Manitoulin Island is another great spot to observe the northern lights … I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. But you don’t have to journey into the tundra or even practice your Norwegian in order to go see the aurora borealis. While there are 50 states in the United States, you can’t see the northern lights in all of them. You may even be able to see the northern lights from your room! . Located along Wisconsin’s northern coast of Lake Superior, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is your best bet to try and see the northern lights in Wisconsin. Like Vermont at the end of this list, New Hampshire is a tricky spot to try and see the northern lights. Finally, we’ll end with a list of the best destinations to see the northern lights in the USA for every state where it’s possible. Where is the best place to see the northern lights? The Aurora Tracker is a one-of-a-kind tool for predicting the chances of seeing the northern lights during Aurora Season, August 21 - April 21 if traveling or in the Fairbanks, Alaska area. STG Founder Valerie Stimac wrote Dark Skies in collaboration with Lonely Planet. While Alaska has huge swings in both temperature and daylight, these aren’t quite as obvious in contiguous states. These towns on the Olympic Peninsula’s northern coast are in the ‘rain shadow’ of the mountains and have a good northern view if the weather cooperates. Cook County is Minnesota’s easternmost county, along the shore of Lake Superior. Best case scenario, you’ll be treated to a stunning light show. We tried to pick 1-2 spots in each of the 12 states where you can see the northern lights in the USA. Featured photo credit: Mike Lewinski via Flickr. While they have seen Auroral sub-storms as far down as Cuba, realistically north is where you need to be. The staff will call your room when the northern lights appear so you don't miss them. The park is open year-round, as are the two campgrounds: Cottonwood Campground and Juniper Campground. Thanks to our northern location and vast, dark skies, we in Cook County, Minnesota … I hope you find resources here to help you do just that. Some of the best places for viewing the northern lights are Theodore Roosevelt National Park, any of North Dakota's state parks and scenic areas like Crow Flies High Butte at New Town and Mystical Horizons in the Turtle Mountains near Bottineau. The Northern Lights can be seen from most places in Alaska at some point during the dark season between September and April, and there are many good viewing sites near Anchorage. With its 550 acres of untouched woodlands, sources of light pollution are effectively kept at bay. One place locals recommend is the Mount Washington Valley. Wonderful remote place. But conditions must be right! If you’re willing to make the trek, Acadia National Park is one of the best destinations in the region. First, we’ll break down the basics of the aurora phenomenon. We tried to pick 1-2 spots in each of the 12 states where you can see the northern lights in the USA. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. That means that in the New England states, it’s hard to find a good dark sky! As the second least densely populated state (after Alaska), Montana has a lot going for it if you’re chasing the aurora: there aren’t very many people! When writing about his time in North Dakota, Teddy Roosevelt once wrote, “In the soft springtime the stars were glorious in our eyes each night before we fell asleep.” While times have changed, North Dakota’s status as a destination to view the night sky has not. Best time to see/visit: Winter at Canada is the right time to see Northern Lights. It would certainly be worth mentioning that Fairbanks is only a good choice for part of the year - like when they don't have 24-hour daylight! Svalbard is a group of islands located between the Norwegian mainland and the North Pole. Check the Kp maps (above) and the size of the aurora oval (also above). Seasonality varies widely across the United States – even in the northern states we’re focusing on now. In fact, only a handful of states are far enough north to potentially see the aurora – and that only happens when the solar activity is particularly strong! In the shadow of towering Mount Washington, local writer Dan Houdle recommends the following locations in the area: “Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), the Bretton Woods area, parts of Fryeburg, and the southern areas around Tamworth and Sandwich.” (source) His local advice is your best bet if the solar activity is strong and you’re in the area! Or the sprawling expanse of the Arctic’s farthest reaches. Valerie is the founder and editor of Space Tourism Guide. In fact, it’s a short 15-minute drive north from the Vermont capital of Burlington to the community that has developed here. These explanations show that the northern lights have long been visible in the U.S. However, if you’re going to see the northern lights in Washington, Olympic National Park is one of the best spots to see it when skies are clear. Since you can potentially see the northern lights almost anywhere in North Dakota, we’ve narrowed down our recommendation to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The Northern Lights have been known to visit Ricker Pond now and again. Where to See Michigan's Northern Lights in … In the winter months, Washington State isn’t known for clear skies; the state’s reputation as a rainy and cloudy place is well-earned during the aurora-viewing season. While parts of Glacier close in the winter, it’s still the best place to try and see the aurora in Montana since it’s protected, undeveloped, and unspoiled by light pollution. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Headlands International Dark Sky Park was one of the first ten dark sky parks in the world, established in 2011! Stay in nearby Mackinaw Island – and don’t forget to try their famous fudge! Torrance Barrens Night Sky Reserve is the closest to Toronto, and it's also known for strong geomagnetic activity. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Best places to view northern lights near Toronto. Cook County is an ideal aurora destination because there are a few small communities, but otherwise relatively unspoiled forest and lakes. For example, the Mandan tribe of North Dakota thought the northern lights were the fires of great medicine men. There’s a feeling of undeserved shame that comes with visiting Alaska in the winter and not seeing the northern lights. However, if you want to focus your trip on a specific destination, it’s gotta be Glacier National Park. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, guide to stargazing in Acadia National Park, The 6 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Greenland, The 7 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in New Zealand, The 12 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Scotland This Winter. Worst case scenario, you’ll still have an incredible view of the stars. This means that many parts of the state will be good spots to try and see the northern lights in Montana. MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) - If the cloud cover can dissipate by the evening hours, the Northern Lights could be visible for much of Mid-Michigan Wednesday night. But … Located on the Minnesota-Canada border, this park is open year-round but with limited services. When the Northern Lights appear over this spot, the lights reflect off the water for a visual so breathtaking it can only be described as divine. Northern Lights Forecast . On the other hand, the Makah Indians of Washington believed the lights were fires boiling a pot of whale blubber. Hi! To see aurora borealis in its full glory, it's important to get far from large cities that have strong light pollution. Voyageurs National Park is another great spot to see the northern lights in Minnesota. However, you will have to contend with the light from nearby communities like Bar Harbor when trying to view the northern sky from Cadillac Mountain. The One Mesmerizing Place In Maine To See The Northern Lights It’s true that living in Maine means a typical Northern climate, complete with some rough winters and beaches that feature chilly water even in the midst of a warm summer. National Weather Service. If you don’t see your state on the list, that means you’re too far south! Like Alaska and Montana, North Dakota is one of the least densely populated states in the United States. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with its minimal light pollution, can be a wonderful place to camp out under the stars and—under the right conditions—the Northern Lights. Port Crescent State Park The Port Crescent State Park Dark Sky Preserve is a perfect place to see the stars and northern lights. For most of the places recommended below, you’ll need a clear view of the northern horizon to try and see the northern lights, since they’ll dance just above the horizon. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. In 2011, the Headlands had the rarefied distinction of being named one of the earliest Dark Sky Parks in the world. Northern Michigan sits in a great location latitude-wise, as the auroral oval dips further south on nights of stronger auroral activity. In fact, we have a whole separate post about seeing the aurora in Alaska – and it includes twenty one places! Here’s a whole guide to seeing the northern lights in Svalbard. In fact, it’s pretty great. There, you’ll find suggestions on recommended forecast tools as well as a few tips to help you maximize your chances of seeing them. If you’ve ever seen a picture of the aurora, you can understand why he thought they looked like the wind! Now picture where this phenomenon is taking place. Look for a vacation rental on Lake Huron near Port Crescent State Park, which is the best local spot to see the northern lights. It’s a 1.25-hour drive from Grand Marais to the turnaround on Gunflint Trail. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Since light pollution can seriously limit your visibility, we recommend visiting Dark Sky Parks. By day, this means you’ll see the wide open vistas of American Great Plains; at night, the lack of development ensures virtually no light pollution to interfere with stargazing or trying to see the aurora. Let us know in the comments! If that's all you're going to do, in the future you can save the useless verbage. The park is located near Port Austin, in the Blue Water Area on Lower Peninsula. Latitude is also a big factor. You can also reserve a cabin in the Forests to get away from it all; call in advance to get recommendations on which ones might have good nearby views of the northern sky where you might see the northern lights. If you have the time and really want to escape the crowds, that’s the place. That ’ s northern panhandle and again re focusing on now to catch the dancing lights from backyards... You just have to plan ahead to get to an ideal viewing spot, only to be disappointed... 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