This Year, the Northern Lights Will Be Spectacular in the U.S.—Here Are the Best Viewing Spots

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most mesmerizing wonders. During these displays, ribbons of green, white, pink, and violet light swirl gracefully across the night sky. No two auroral shows are alike; some last just a few minutes, while others can dance for hours on end.

Although this skyward spectacle is often linked to the Arctic Circle, you don’t have to journey to Scandinavia or Canada to experience the northern lights. The United States, particularly its northern regions, boasts numerous ideal spots for witnessing this solar-powered marvel—if you’re fortunate. Even better, the coming years are set to be especially favorable for aurora enthusiasts, as we approach the solar maximum, a time of increased solar activity that enhances both the frequency and intensity of these displays, giving you even greater chances to see them.

Here are some of the top locations in the United States for experiencing the northern lights.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Alaska is widely regarded as the premier destination in the United States for viewing the northern lights, thanks to its geographic location. Situated beneath the "Aurora Oval," a region around the poles where auroras are most frequently seen, Fairbanks provides an outstanding opportunity to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis when conditions are optimal. It is estimated that the lights are visible on approximately 80 percent of clear nights from September to April. (During the rest of the year, solar activity continues, but the midnight sun prevents visibility.)

The remote setting and extended dark winter nights create the perfect environment for aurora observation. Popular viewing locations include the Chena Hot Springs Resort, where visitors can relax in warm waters while waiting for the lights, and Murphy Dome, which offers a high vantage point for sweeping sky views. To enhance your chances, you might want to join a guided tour. Salmon Berry Tours provides guided trips with hotel pickups, Last Frontier Mushing Co-Op offers a unique experience of viewing the aurora from a dog sled, and AK River Tours takes anglers out to await the aurora from an ice fishing hut.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Since 2020, Voyageurs National Park has been a certified International Dark Sky Park, showcasing its beauty throughout the year with a night sky filled with meteors and the Milky Way. This celestial display becomes even more breathtaking when adorned with vibrant ribbons of light, which can occur up to 200 nights a year. Within the park, numerous spots are ideal for viewing the northern lights, from the extensive lakeshores to backcountry clearings—anywhere with clear, north-facing views will suffice.

The National Park Service specifically recommends three prime locations for northern light viewing: the Meadwood Road Day Use Area, the Ash River Visitor Center, and the upper parking lot at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Additionally, the park offers several guided nighttime programs and tours, including the Stars Over Namakan cruise, where guests sail to a tranquil spot on Namakan Lake for a lesson from a ranger on the constellations and the significance of being a dark sky certified park.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

This dark sky sanctuary in North Dakota is an excellent place for stargazing, observing satellites gliding along the horizon, and occasionally witnessing a spectacular explosion of color. The vast, open spaces of the Badlands and minimal light pollution (with the nearest city over 30 miles away) contribute to this enchanting experience.

Some of the prime locations within this expansive 70,000-acre park for catching a glimpse of the solar spectacle include Peace Valley Ranch, Wind Canyon, Buck Hill, Beef Corral Bottom, and the Riverbend Overlook. The National Park Service hosts ranger programs year-round to deepen visitors’ understanding of the cosmos, with the highlight being the Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival, which features stargazing sessions, guest speakers, and workshops.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Situated at the northernmost point in Wisconsin, Bayfield and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore provide an ideal haven for stargazers. The minimal light pollution and clear views create excellent conditions for enjoying the night sky, with the northern lights frequently visible, sometimes shimmering across the waters of Lake Superior. For those eager to hunt for the aurora independently, locations like Meyers Beach, Sand Island, and Outer Island are fantastic for witnessing the galaxy transform into a psychedelic display. Alternatively, companies such as Northern Light Adventures offer boat tours specifically for aurora viewing.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

This region of northern Michigan, recognized as an International Dark Sky Park since 2011, has implemented various measures to protect and preserve the nighttime environment, which is essential for optimal northern lights viewing. The Headlands Event Center regularly hosts astronomy-related events, ranging from discussions about the James Webb Space Telescope to workshops for aurora chasers. For adventurous souls, the park advises seeking a viewing spot with a body of water or an open field to catch any activity low on the horizon. Locations such as Gulpin Point and the Waterfront Event Center are excellent choices for stargazing.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

The dark skies and expansive horizons of northern Idaho create an ideal setting for experiencing the mesmerizing light displays, and the lakeside city of Coeur d’Alene is a fantastic destination with numerous vantage points, including the Mineral Ridge Scenic Area, Farragut State Park, Coeur d’Alene Resort, and Tubbs Hill (an elevated spot perfect for stargazing). The Coeur d’Alene Astronomical Society also organizes regular stargazing and northern lights events throughout the area for those seeking expert guidance.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Located along the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is among the darkest areas on the Eastern Seaboard, making it an idyllic spot to witness the celestial spectacle. Some of the prime viewing locations are found in the northern part of the park, including Sand Beach, Ocean Path, and Jordan Pond on Mount Desert Island. High viewpoints, such as Cadillac Mountain, also offer fantastic opportunities to gaze at the sky. The National Park Service occasionally hosts night sky programs, including northern light expeditions.