These Are The 8 Best Places To See The Northern Lights In The U.S. This Winter

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When you consider bucket lists, one of many prime journey experiences that involves thoughts is witnessing the northern lights (or Aurora Borealis) drape throughout the sky.

The attract of the otherworldly colours dancing above your head as you stand bundled up within the chilly is simply an excessive amount of to move up for many vacationers.

While most individuals suppose that you want to journey far to see this splendor, the reality is that in America we’re additionally spoiled for choices when it comes to locations to witness this phenomenon.

woman with northern lights in the background (

While dreamy locations corresponding to Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Northern Canada do provide wonderful alternatives to see the Northern Lights, many Americans needn’t go that removed from residence.

Of course, the aforementioned locations are all worthy of a visit, however if you’re wanting to save cash and time, take a look at a few of these locations throughout the U.S. that make nice viewpoints to see the northern lights this winter.

Note: No matter the place you go, for one of the best likelihood of viewing the northern lights, be sure that to verify the dark sky forecast, the climate forecast, and an Aurora forecast earlier than any journey.

@cnlastro WHAT?!?!🥹 #Alaska #northernlights #aurora #home ♬ original sound – Andy Witteman

Here Are 8 Of The Best Places To See The Northern Lights In The U.S. This Winter:

Fairbanks, Alaska

It ought to go with out saying that Alaska is the primary greatest place in America to see the northern lights. While there are various Alaskan cities to select from, many hail Fairbanks as being the highest spot.

With a strong tourism infrastructure right here, you could find all the things from basecamps, viewing pods, and sizzling springs, making Fairbanks a vacation spot in itself. The lights are only a bonus at this level!

@explorefairbanks The greatest present you can provide.. a visit to Fairbanks throughout Aurora Season august 21-April 21💚 #explorefairbanks #fairbanksalaska #northernlights #auroratours #auroraborealis #couplestravel #travelgoals ♬ Until I Found You – Em Beihold Version – Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold

Arcadia National Park, Maine

While the northeast of the nation may be probably the most populated space and subsequently probably the most brightly lit sky, it’s nonetheless doable to search out corners of this area with skies darkish sufficient to witness the northern lights.

Maine generally is thought to be an amazing state for viewing the lights, and the ever-popular Arcadia National Park is a perfect place to base your self. Make positive to decorate accordingly right here although, because the chilly winter gusts from the ocean make for some low temps.

Mount Washington, New Hampshire

For the previous few years, the Mount Washington Observatory has recorded catching the northern lights, making this space an alternative choice for witnessing the phenomena within the northeast area of the nation.

The surrounding White Mountains have zero mild air pollution, and subsequently catching the aurora is extra possible than different areas of the state.

An impressive display of the Northern Lights during a summer in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

The begin of Michigan is residence to 6 internationally designated Dark Sky Parks, in any other case often called pure areas that shield true darkness.

It goes with out saying that these darkish sky areas within the northern elements of the U.S. could be prime locations to catch the northern lights within the winter, to not point out the Milky Way in the summertime months.

If you go to Headlands, be happy to deliver blankets and sleeping luggage, however know tenting just isn’t permitted. So, when you can sleep over and go to in any respect hours to look at the sky, don’t plan on pitching a tent.

@atriparoundthemitten Spring is a superb time to look at the night time skies for the wonderful northern lights and stellar star-gazing in Michigan! Some of one of the best viewing areas are situated in our Michigan State Parks in addition to 3 Internationally designated Dark Park Preserves. Spring Meteor Showers and the 2023 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival April 21-22, 2023 Lake Hudson Recreation Area- 5505 Morey Hwy Clayton, MI 49235 Negwegon State Park- Negwegon Park Rd, Ossineke, MI 49766 Port Cresent State Park- 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467 Rockport State Park- Rockport Rd, Alpena, MI 49707 Thompson Harbor State Park- Posen, MI 49776 Wilderness State Park- 903 Wilderness Park Dr. Carp Lake, MI 49718 Headlands International Dark Sky Park- 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 Keweenaw Dark Sky Park- 14252 US HWY 41 Copper Harbor, MI 49918 Dr. T.Okay. Lawless International Dark Sky Park- 15122 Monkey Run St. Jones, MI 49061 *pictures utilized in reel taken by A Trip Around the Mitten at McLain State Park- Sept 2022 #puremichigan #mistateparks #michigandarkskypark #spring #keweenaw #upperpeninsula #upperpeninsulamichigan #darkskypark #mistargazer #northernlights ♬ original sound – atriparoundthemitten

The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

This group of twenty-two islands lies off the coast of Northern Wisconsin, located within the waters of Lake Superior. This space is a National Lakeshore and welcomes guests year-round, though it does ask individuals to stay knowledgeable as the present ever-changing climate circumstances.

Even if don’t catch the aurora right here, you possibly can nonetheless discover the cliff-like islands jutting out of the lake, frozen over and fully mesmerizing.

The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin in the ice

Malletts Bay, Vermont

If you’re fortunate sufficient to search out your self in both the gorgeous upstate New York area of the Adirondack Mountains or in Vermont’s picturesque metropolis of Burlington, then making your method to Malletts Bay to catch the northern lights within the winter is a must-do. The space types a sort of peninsula into Lake Champlain, and that is the place most of the aurora chasers come to attempt their luck.

The peninsula is residence to Causeway Park and Mills Point, the place you may get cozy and gaze up into the northern sky whereas ready on your pure mild present to begin. The in style close by resort space of Stow can be place to try to catch the lights if you’re right here on a foliage or ski trip.

Glacier National Park, Montana

As one of many most visited nationwide parks within the nation, Montana’s Glacier National Park is a superb place to try to watch the lights dance above Montana’s Rocky Mountains.

Some of one of the best viewing locations within the park embrace the glacier-carved Lake McDonald and the lodge there’s a good place to remain as nicely.

Looking Glass Road additionally has a number of viewpoints which are in style with aurora watchers, and for a extra distant location, you possibly can attempt Bowman and Kintla lakes.

@clanger_mcbanger Did you already know you possibly can see the Aurora in Montana? #aurora #northernlights #nightphotography #fyp #glacier #glaciernationalpark ♬ Living Life, In The Night – sergionabeat

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Tucked away in northern Minnesota on the Canadian border, you could find one of many least visited National Parks, lake-laden Voyageurs National Park, a chief place to try to catch the northern lights this winter.

Most campsites are nice locations to attend for the lights, as are the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and the boat launch areas of Kabetogama Lake and Ash River.