8 Locations in the United States Where You Might See the Northern Lights

You don’t need a passport to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. While destinations like Norway, Finland, and Iceland are famous for viewing the northern lights, there are some unexpected places right here in the United States where you can also enjoy this incredible celestial display.

To see the lights in the U.S., high solar activity is crucial. When the sun releases superheated plasma, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), it can instigate a significant "geomagnetic storm," enhancing the Earth’s auroras. However, solar weather is challenging to forecast, so you'll need to be prepared (and a bit resilient) for the best chances to see the auroras. Utilize digital resources like NOAA's forecast tool and Night Sky Alerts to monitor solar activity and receive notifications for optimal viewing times in your area. 

Locations situated at higher latitudes (closer to the "Aurora Oval," the region with the strongest geomagnetic activity) are ideal for viewing the aurora borealis. Therefore, you can catch a glimpse of this phenomenon in the northern United States when conditions are favorable. The best chances occur during longer, darker nights (such as around a new moon) with clear skies. Additionally, pay attention to the equinoxes in September and March, as solar activity tends to peak during these periods due to the Earth's tilt relative to the sun.

With that in mind, here are eight of the top locations to witness the northern lights in the U.S.

1. Idaho

During significant geomagnetic storms, the northern lights may be visible as far south as northern Idaho. To increase your chances of seeing the lights, visit areas like Priest Lake and the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

2. Minnesota

The northern lights are visible in parts of the Midwest, particularly northern Minnesota, under the right conditions. Cook County is recognized as one of the prime locations to witness this phenomenon in the contiguous United States.

For the aurora to be visible, a significant solar storm is required, along with being in a dark area free from light pollution. When a solar storm occurs, head out of the city to a secluded spot. Settle down under the stars and await the spectacle to unfold.

3. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania boasts an advantage for northern lights viewing thanks to Cherry Springs State Park, a designated Dark Sky Reserve. Here, visitors can stay overnight, join guided tours, and even participate in photography classes to enhance their skills and capture the aurora. Check out the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field for panoramic views of the night sky — even if the northern lights don’t appear, you’ll still experience some of the best stargazing in the country.

4. Michigan

The northern lights can occasionally be seen from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Additionally, Michigan features a Dark Sky Park, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park. While this park offers optimal conditions for viewing the northern lights, their appearance can be unpredictable. Keep your expectations modest, and you may be pleasantly surprised if you catch a glimpse of the lights illuminating the woodlands.

5. Alaska

Due to its position within the auroral oval and its dark skies, Alaska is one of the premier locations worldwide to witness the northern lights. Fortunately for American travelers, a passport isn't required to visit. Fairbanks, Utqiagvik, and Coldfoot are among the top destinations for northern lights viewing. Visitors can also join guided tours for expert insights. Aim for an inland spot in March to maximize your chances of seeing this stunning phenomenon in the Last Frontier.

6. Wisconsin

Auroras have been reported in the skies over various natural settings in Wisconsin. For a chance to see the lights, head to the Apostle Islands or Washington Island in Door County. The Great Lakes provide an excellent backdrop for witnessing this vibrant spectacle, and since Wisconsin is situated along both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, it enhances your chances of seeing the northern lights, especially when the lakes are frozen.

7. North Dakota

This northern state is an excellent destination for night sky enthusiasts hoping to view the northern lights. Scenic spots such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Mystical Horizons in the Turtle Mountains near Bottineau offer the clear skies necessary for spotting the auroras. Additionally, North Dakota's Martens Observatory has set up a pair of cameras that stream a public view of the night sky, capturing any auroras that may appear overhead.

8. Maine

This largely rural state provides numerous opportunities for stargazing. Maine is also home to the Dark Sky Sanctuary, Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, making it the top location east of the Mississippi for viewing the northern lights. Additionally, there’s an International Dark Sky Park within the Appalachian Mountain Club's Maine woods, along with other remote, clear areas where the auroras may be spotted.