Top Hotels for Experiencing the Northern Lights in the Continental U.S.

While the northern lights season may be winding down in Iceland and Alaska, the show is just beginning in the contiguous United States. From late spring to early fall, the midnight sun obscures the lights in Arctic areas. However, in the northern-border states, the nights remain dark enough to witness this breathtaking phenomenon all year round. They tend to be especially vibrant during the spring and fall equinoxes, which occur around March 19–21 and September 22–23 each year. Moreover, the next few years promise an increase in spectacular sightings—such as the impressive display of March 2023, which reached as far south as New York and Ohio.

This surge in visibility is linked to the sun's new solar cycle. Solar storms generate the Earth’s stunning auroras, releasing charged particles that travel through space. When these electrons and ions interact with Earth's atmosphere, they create dazzling green and violet patterns. The sun follows approximately 11-year cycles of activity, much like Earth’s seasonal changes. The peak activity phase is termed solar maximum, while periods of low activity—and fewer aurora sightings—are referred to as solar minimum. (For more details on this phenomenon, check out our northern-lights guide.)

In December 2019, we experienced solar minimum. Now, we are gradually approaching solar maximum, expected in 2025 according to NASA, and aurora activity is already increasing. This indicates a rise in northern lights occurrences and greater intensity—both key factors for witnessing auroras in the U.S. northern-border states, ranging from Maine to Washington.

To enhance your chances of seeing these mesmerizing green ribbons, select an aurora-friendly hotel in the northern U.S. that has minimal light pollution and unobstructed views to the north. This aspect is crucial; unlike Alaska, where auroras dance overhead, the northern lights in the lower 48 states are usually visible at the horizon. By choosing a well-located retreat, you can keep an eye on the skies throughout the night (often from your bed, a private patio, or a secure waterfront spot), which is vital since auroras can appear at any moment.

Timing Your Trip for the Best Experience

Predicting solar weather is challenging, as the sun is located 93 million miles away. However, scientists track sunspots—dark areas on the sun's surface that signify increased magnetic activity—to forecast solar phenomena. An increase in active sunspots typically correlates with heightened aurora activity. During solar minimum in 2019, there were fewer than 10 sunspots each month, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In contrast, NOAA anticipates up to 115 sunspots during solar maximum in 2025, although this could rise even further, as evidenced by a surprising count of 143 sunspots in January 2023.

To effectively plan your adventure, keep an eye on northern lights resources like Space Weather Live, which offers 27-day solar activity forecasts from NOAA, with accuracy improving as the date approaches. You can also join Facebook groups like Great Lakes Aurora Hunters for timely updates and insights about the lower 48 states.

Eager to embark on an aurora hunting expedition? Here are seven prime northern lights locations in the contiguous U.S., along with the best hotels to ensure you can safely observe the auroras throughout the night.

Millinocket, Maine

Why: Millinocket, Maine, boasts exceptionally dark skies, situated deep in the North Maine Woods. This remote town serves as the gateway to the mountainous Baxter State Park, where hikers on the Appalachian Trail conclude their lengthy journeys at the northern terminus, Mount Katahdin. Its location near the northern border makes it an ideal spot for aurora viewing—highlighted by a stunning display from the July 4 weekend in 2022.

Where to stay: The New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) is nestled along the southern shores of the lake, offering expansive views of Katahdin peak—and occasionally, the northern lights above it. With 21 accommodations tucked away in the forest, guests can choose from cozy six-person log cabins to elegant 10-person wood lodges. These lodgings provide lakeshore access with northern views, creating a perfect backdrop for a possible lights show. Depending on the season, daytime activities include whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, yoga, moose spotting, and hiking. Travelers can continue their aurora adventures post-visit via NEOC’s live streaming StarCam.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Why: Spacious prairies and north-facing viewpoints offering expansive views of the badlands make North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park an ideal destination for aurora spotting in the contiguous USA. Located over 30 miles from the nearest major city, Dickinson, this park allows stargazers to enjoy minimal light pollution, making it easier to see not only the auroras but also constellations and the Milky Way. Additionally, the park offers a variety of daytime activities—such as hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives—to keep the excitement alive all day long.

Where to stay: The farmhouse-style Spirit of the Badlands offers some of the most picturesque lodging options near the national park. Guests can choose between two rental spaces: the four-bed lower level of the main log cabin or a private two-bed upper suite that has its own driveway and deck, separate from the main lodge. This retreat overlooks stunning sedimentary rock formations stretching to the horizon. Keep an eye out for the northern lights from the hotel’s decks, or visit one of the 24-hour national park viewpoints, such as Boicourt Overlook, which can be reached via a short 0.2-mile accessible trail, less than an hour’s drive away.

Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

Why: Situated at the northernmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula is ideal for aurora enthusiasts due to its high latitude. Its location along the southern shore of Lake Superior offers expansive views stretching hundreds of miles toward the northern horizon. Guests can enjoy various seasonal daytime activities, including ice skating, snowmobiling, windsurfing, kayaking, and a fantastic mountain-biking trail network.

Where to stay: Fitzgerald’s Hotel & Restaurant, affectionately known as the Fitz by locals, is a favorite for its creative cocktails and outstanding cuisine, featuring dishes like smoked short ribs, umami fries, and poutine. Conveniently located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, the Fitz offers beachside snacks during the day and potential views of the northern lights from its six suites at night. Each modern and spacious suite spans approximately 500 square feet and includes king beds, apartment-style living areas, and small balconies with lake views—perfect for spotting the auroras.

Seeley-Swan Valley, Montana

Why: Seeley-Swan Valley in western Montana is a breathtaking tapestry of tranquil lakes and lush larches, illuminated by jet-black skies that come alive on vibrant aurora nights. An example is this March 2022 display. Visitors flock to this remote region near Missoula for adventures like dog sledding, horseback riding, or cruising along the Seeley-Swan Scenic Drive. Those fortunate enough to wait for the northern lights can enjoy the stunning reflection of the auroras and distant mountain peaks on the glimmering water.

Where to stay: The Lodges on Seeley Lake boasts a stunning view of its namesake lake, facing north toward the Swan Mountains. The property features 19 wood-paneled cabins and lodge rooms designed to highlight the surrounding forest with large windows and outdoor patios. Guests have access to a north-facing beach and dock for optimal aurora viewing. Several cabins, such as the Lounger, provide north-facing views of the water—ideal for watching the northern lights in your pajamas. The lodge offers seasonal activities like summer kayaking and winter Nordic skiing.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Why: Auroras are a must-see for travelers in northern Minnesota; local enthusiasts estimate sightings can occur up to 200 times each year. Voyageurs National Park, located just minutes from the Canadian border, is an excellent destination for viewing these lights. The park is covered by nearly 40 percent water, featuring four significant lakes with unobstructed northern views. Even better, Voyageurs is part of the cross-border Heart of the Continent Dark Sky Initiative, which aims to safeguard darkness across the region. This ensures deep, dark skies for spectacular light displays.

Where to stay: Spread over 12 acres, Sandy Point Lodge features 12 cabins and five hotel-style rooms in the main lodge, offering stunning views of Kabetogama Lake alongside Voyageurs’ renowned night skies. Choose from one of six lakeside cabins facing north, boasting rustic log walls, fully equipped kitchens, and private patios. Alternatively, enjoy the lodge's private beach or boat dock, where the eerie calls of loons provide the evening's soundtrack. Be sure to explore Sandy Point’s variety of year-round activities, including winter snowmobiling and ice fishing or summer island-hopping via kayak or canoe.

Priest Lake, Idaho

Why: Priest Lake, nestled in the northernmost region of Idaho’s panhandle, spans 23,000 acres beneath the Selkirk Mountains. Its 72 miles of shoreline are lined with cedar and fir forests, while the sandy beaches on its southern edge provide some of the best aurora viewing spots in the state. Enjoy a wide range of thrilling daytime activities—snowshoeing, skiing, kayaking, fishing, and boat rentals—and return for enchanting starry nights, potentially illuminated by the northern lights.

Where to stay: Hill’s Resort features a beach that offers one of the finest aurora viewing locations in the state, with sweeping views of the horizon and calm waters perfect for reflecting stars and lights. (Check out this aurora sighting captured by local photographer Craig Goodwin.) The 53-room resort includes cedar-paneled cabins, chalets, and condos situated along the lake and within the forest. Guests can engage in snowshoeing, skiing, kayaking, golfing, fishing, boat rentals, and jet skiing. For optimal stargazing and northern lights spotting, relax by the resort’s docks or sandy beach.

Methow Valley, Washington

Why: The northern lights dance in an aurora oval that extends over the geomagnetic North Pole, expanding in intensity with the strength of solar storms. While Washington sits at the edge of this oval, sightings are certainly within reach. A powerful storm—at least a Kp5—coupled with clear weather and an elevated viewpoint away from city lights is key. With strong solar maximum storms anticipated to rise, Methow Valley in north-central Washington offers an ideal location in the North Cascades foothills. The Methow Dark Sky Coalition actively works to reduce light pollution and maintain dark skies, enabling this local blogger to witness the auroras multiple times in early 2023.

Where to stay: Sun Mountain Lodge is a stunning 112-room hotel perched on a 3,000-foot mountain with a panoramic view of Methow Valley. This 8,000-acre resort features unique, hand-crafted furnishings and cozy in-room fireplaces, creating a modern alpine ambiance. With expansive northern vistas, it ranks highly on Seattle Met’s list of top aurora-hunting destinations. Guests can enjoy breathtaking night views, indulge in farm-to-table dining using mostly locally sourced produce, explore a 3,500-bottle wine cellar, and traverse the on-site trail system for winter skiing or summer hiking.