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When you think of bucket lists, one of the top travel experiences that comes to mind is witnessing the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) falling through the sky.
The lure of the otherworldly colors dancing above your head as you stand in the cold is simply too much to pass up for most travelers.
While most people think you have to travel far to see this beauty, the truth is that in America we are also spoiled for options in terms of places to witness this phenomenon.
While dreamy destinations like Norway, Finland, Iceland and Northern Canada offer great opportunities to see the Northern Lights, many Americans don’t need to venture that far from home.
Of course, the places mentioned above are all worth a trip, but if you want to save money and time, check out some of these destinations in the US that offer great vantage points to see the Northern Lights this winter.
Note: Wherever you go, for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, make sure you check out the dark skies predictedthe weather forecast and a Aurora forecast before every trip.
@cnlastro WHAT?!?!🥹 #Alaska #Northern Lights #Aurora #At home ♬ original sound – Andy Witteman
Here are 8 of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the US this winter:
Fairbanks, Alaska
It should go without saying that Alaska is the best place in America to see the Northern Lights. While there are many Alaska cities to choose from, many consider Fairbanks to be the best spot.
With a solid tourism infrastructure here, you can find everything from base camps, observation pods, and hot springs, making Fairbanks a destination in itself. The lights are just a bonus at this point!
@explorefairbanks The best gift you can give…a trip to Fairbanks during Aurora season from August 21 to April 21💚 #explorefairbanks #honestbanksalaska #Northern Lights #auroratours #Northern Lights #coupletrip #travelgoals ♬ Until I Found You – Em Beihold Version – Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold
Arcadia National Park, Maine
Although the northeast of the country is perhaps the most populated area and therefore the brightest lit skies, it is still possible to find corners of this region with skies dark enough to witness the Northern Lights.
Maine is generally known as a great state for viewing the lights, and the ever-popular Arcadia National Park is an ideal place to base yourself. Be sure to dress accordingly here, as the cold winter winds from the ocean bring low temperatures.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire
In recent years, the Mount Washington Observatory has captured the Northern Lights, making this area another option to witness the phenomena in the northeastern region of the country.
The surrounding White Mountains have no light pollution, so you’re more likely to notice the aurora than in other parts of the state.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan
Early Michigan is home to six internationally designated Dark Sky Parks, also known as natural areas that protect true darkness.
It goes without saying that these dark sky areas in the northern parts of the US would be excellent places to catch the Northern Lights in the winter, not to mention the Milky Way in the summer months.
If you visit Headlands, feel free to bring blankets and sleeping bags, but know that camping is not allowed. So while you can sleep in and look at the sky at all hours of the day, you don’t have to plan on pitching a tent.
@atriparoundthemitten Spring is a great time to look at the night sky for the amazing Northern Lights and stargazing in Michigan! Some of the best viewing locations are in our Michigan State Parks and in 3 internationally designated Dark Park Preserves. Spring Meteor Shower and Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival 2023 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. TK Lawless International Dark Sky Park- 15122 Monkey Run St. Jones, MI 49061 *photos used on film roll taken by A Trip Around the Mitten at McLain State Park – September 2022 #puremichigan #mistparks #michigandarkskypark #spring #keweenaw #upperpeninsula #upperpeninsulaamichigan #darkskypark #misstargazer #Northern Lights ♬ original sound – a triparoundthemitten
The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
This group of 22 islands is located off the coast of Northern Wisconsin, nestled in the waters of Lake Superior. This area is a National Lakeshore and welcomes visitors year-round, although it does ask people to stay aware of current, ever-changing weather conditions.
Even if you don’t see the aurora here, you can still explore the cliff-like islands that jut out of the lake, frozen and utterly fascinating.
Malletts Bay, Vermont
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains region of New York State or the picturesque city of Burlington in Vermont, then a trip to Malletts Bay to see the Northern Lights in winter is a must-do. The area forms a sort of peninsula in Lake Champlain, and this is where many of the aurora hunters come to try their luck.
The peninsula is home to Causeway Park and Mills Point, where you can kick back and gaze at the northern sky while you wait for your natural light show to begin. The popular nearby holiday resort of Stow is also a good place to try and catch the lights if you’re here for a forest or skiing holiday.
Glacier National Park, Montana
As one of the most visited national parks in the country, Montana’s Glacier National Park is a great place to try to see the lights dancing above Montana’s Rocky Mountains.
Some of the best viewing spots in the park include the glacier-carved Lake McDonald, and the lodge is a nice place to stay there too.
Looking Glass Road also has several viewpoints popular with aurora observers, and for a more remote location, try Bowman and Kintla Lakes.
@clanger_mcbanger Did you know you can see the Aurora in Montana? #Aurora #Northern Lights #nightphotography #fyp #glacier #glaciernationalpark ♬ Living life, in the night – sergionabeat
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Tucked in northern Minnesota, along the Canadian border, you’ll find one of the least visited National Parks, the lake-laden Voyageurs National Park, an excellent place to catch the Northern Lights this winter.
Most campgrounds are great places to wait for the lights, as are the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and the Kabetogama Lake and Ash River boat launch areas.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
