15 Best Spots to See the Aurora Borealis in the Northern U.S.
Think you need to go to Europe to see the northern lights? Think again. You can catch the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. right here in the United States, lighting up the skies in some of the country’s most stunning remote landscapes.
The Aurora Borealis — visible in the northern U.S. as well — is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. While typically associated with Iceland and Finland, the Aurora Borealis in the northern U.S. offers an equally mesmerizing experience, with vibrant colors dancing across the night sky in places you might not expect.
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Quick Tips on Aurora Borealis Spotting
Key Facts
According to NASA, the Aurora Borealis, or northern lights, is a dazzling collision of charged particles from the sun and Earth’s atmosphere, igniting a stunning light show in the night sky. Vibrant hues of green, blue, pink, and purple swirl and shimmer against the dark backdrop, creating one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Capturing this enchanting light show is a must for photographers and one of the best winter activities to add to your bucket list. While many people travel to places like Canada or Iceland for this breathtaking light show, it's not necessary. The Aurora Borealis northern U.S. is equally spectacular.
The Best Way to See the Northern Lights
For the best Aurora Borealis northern U.S. experience, timing is everything. You can check the Aurora Borealis tracker and the northern lights forecast through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to find the best time to plan your activity.
According to NOAA, the light show is most active between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. during the fall and spring equinoxes. Look for a location outside the city to enjoy the display, away from the bright city lights. The darker your viewing location, the better the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. show will be.
Where to See the Northern Lights in North America
There are many places where you can see the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. Try to find a location with little to no light pollution, such as a state or national park. Look for a spot that has a high elevation facing north, like the top of a hill. The northern U.S. is one of the best parts of the country to view the lights and states such as Alaska, Wisconsin and Maine provide some of the best locations to witness the Aurora Borealis northern U.S.
If you’re hoping to capture some beautiful shots of the Aurora Borealis, check the Aurora Borealis tracker to find the best location near you. Photography classes are also an excellent way to learn the technical settings of your camera and improve your photography skills to capture stunning images of the northern lights in the locations listed below.
1. Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Alaska is arguably the best state on the west coast to see the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. With over 6 million acres of wilderness and wildlife, the Denali National Park & Preserve is a prime spot to view the northern lights. Camping in the park puts you in one of the top spots in the country to experience this breathtaking light show.
2. Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, also in Alaska, is considered one of the best places to view the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. Located directly under the “Auroral Oval” or “belt”, the light activity is heavily concentrated above this town. You can relax at the Aurora Borealis Lodge or ride the Aurora Winter train to view the stunning night show.
3. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
The Apostle Islands provide a breathtaking view of the northern lights. With the Great Lakes as a backdrop for the Aurora Borealis northern U.S., this location is a must-visit if you plan on capturing the extraordinary light show. With sea caves, sandy beaches, and iconic lighthouses, this breathtaking landscape sets the stage for an unforgettable chance to capture the magical display of the Aurora Borealis Northern U.S.
4. Washington Island, Wisconsin
Located in the heart of Door County, Washington Island is another incredible location in Wisconsin to view the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. With the county’s dark sky initiative, the island has less light pollution and beautiful clear skies to capture jaw-dropping photos of the northern lights.
5. Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
With Central Idaho becoming the country’s first Dark Sky Reserve, this state is a prime location for viewing the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. With its rocky vistas and dormant "lava bombs," Craters of the Moon National Monument offers an almost otherworldly setting. Watching the northern lights here creates an unforgettable experience in this space-like landscape.
6. Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Idaho
Travel to Idaho’s Panhandle National Forest for one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. Photographers love capturing the northern lights at Priest Lake, which sits at the base of a mountainous backdrop. Capture the beautiful light show reflecting off the lake for stunning photos of the Aurora Borealis.
7. Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, Maine
Maine is considered one of the best east coast destinations to see the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. Located on the U.S.-Canadian border, Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent location to capture photos of the northern lights with minimal light pollution and a variety of beautiful scenery, such as grasslands, forest and wetlands.
8. Mount Katahdin, Maine
If you want a prime viewing location to witness the Aurora Borealis northern U.S., travel to Maine’s 5,268-foot Mount Katahdin to see an unforgettable light show. This spot is ideal for catching stunning photos of the Aurora Borealis with your camera. The base of the mountain also hosts incredible viewing spots if you don’t want to make the trek up the mountain.
9. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
As one of the least populated states in the country, North Dakota is one of the best places to view the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. The flat farmlands and wide-open prairies stretch for miles, a perfect setting for a photographer seeking to capture a jaw-dropping light show.
10. Cook County, Minnesota
Right along the northeastern tip of Minnesota and on the shores of Lake Superior is Cook County, another excellent place to view the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. From the gorgeous High Falls to Oberg Mountain in the Superior National Forest, there are tons of incredible viewing areas to capture photos of the stunning northern lights.
11. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park is about as close to the Canadian border as you can get. The park includes several bodies of interconnected lakes, making it one of the most magical places to view the Aurora Borealis northern U.S., as the vibrant lights reflect off the water. With services being extremely limited in the winter, it’s best to book a hotel nearby in International Falls for an overnight trip.
12. Cherry Springs Park, Pennsylvania
If you’re looking to view the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. a little further south, Cherry Springs Park is the ideal location. The park is located on top of a 2,500-foot tall mountain and includes wide-open views in every direction. Bring your camera to the park’s nighttime viewing area or camp overnight in the astronomy observation field to enjoy the stunning light display.
13. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan
Experience the beautiful Aurora Borealis northern U.S. at Michigan’s Headlands International Dark Sky Park. While camping is not allowed in the park, visitors are highly encouraged to bring their camping chairs to view the northern lights late at night. Set up your camera equipment near one of the park’s lakes or fields for a breathtaking light show.
14. Beaver Island, Michigan
With a Dark Sky Sanctuary on Beaver Island, this Michigan destination is an excellent spot to see the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. Thanks to the sanctuary’s ordinance of no light pollution, this beautiful island provides an incredible opportunity to capture photos of the northern lights, meteor showers and comets.
15. Glacier National Park, Montana
Travel to beautiful Glacier National Park for one of the best views of the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. Stop at Lake McDonald in the park for an optimal spot to see the light show. You can also set up your camera on the boat docks to capture unforgettable photos of the northern lights.
The Best Way to Photograph the Northern Lights
Capturing the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. is one of the most prized shots in any photographer’s portfolio. Whether you’re a professional or beginner, you’ll want to make sure you have the right gear and camera settings to catch the most iconic photo. Make sure you have one of the best cameras for photography to properly adjust your settings. You can also stabilize your camera on a tripod for a smooth and clear shot. Find a nice lens that will allow you to set a wide aperture to allow as much light into the lens as possible, such as an f/2.8.
There are several other photography tricks you can use to capture the northern lights, including using long exposure to catch the stunning light show. Follow the 500 rule to get the maximum exposure time of your lens and avoid a shapeless light show in your image. Divide 500 by your lens’ focal length in millimeters to find the best shutter time.
You can also take online photography classes and learn photography for beginners to elevate your skills before the beautiful sky display. Book Chicago photography classes or Minneapolis photography classes to engage with other photographers seeking to capture jaw-dropping photos of the Aurora Borealis northern U.S.
Aurora Borealis Northern U.S. FAQs
What Is the Best Time To View the Northern Lights?
Solar activity tends to be higher as the seasons change in September and March. You can track key times on resources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Forecast Tool (NOAA) or Night Sky Alerts. The Aurora Borealis northern U.S. lights also put on a beautiful show on long, dark nights, such as a new moon or a clear night sky. Make sure to check the northern lights forecast before you go to ensure the best experience.
Can You See the Northern Lights From the Mainland United States?
While countries like Iceland, Norway and Canada are well-known for viewing the northern lights, you can also see the Aurora Borealis northern U.S. The best time to watch this celestial light show is during heightened solar activity and in extremely dark areas. To find out when to view the northern lights, review the northern lights forecast map for the most accurate times to view the Aurora Borealis in the northern U.S.
What Is Causing the Northern Lights Right Now?
The Aurora Borealis northern U.S. is most visible during the sun’s “solar maximum”. The sun goes through an 11-year cycle and experiences different times of lower and higher solar activity. When the solar activity is high, the sun releases particles of energy that travel through space and interact with the Earth’s atmosphere. This reaction causes the northern lights during heightened solar activity.
Where in the U.S. Will the Northern Lights Be Visible?
The northern states in the U.S. are the best places to view this stunning celestial show. Travel to a location that has low light pollution and plenty of open space to view the night sky. Make sure to check the Aurora forecast on NOAA for the best times to see the Aurora Borealis northern U.S.
While most people travel to northern countries to view the northern lights, it’s still possible to see the Aurora Borealis northern U.S without having to leave the country. The key to witnessing an unforgettable light show lies in a few factors, such as the time of year and the amount of light pollution in the area. Whether you’re venturing across the country or stumbling upon a hidden gem in your own backyard, there are countless remarkable spots in the United States where you can witness this awe-inspiring celestial phenomenon.
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