The Best Places To See Northern Lights In The USA: When And Where To Watch Aurora Borealis 

Jul 9, 2025

Last Updated on: Jul 10, 2025

USA

22nd September 2025 is the date you must mark if you want to see the Northern Lights during the Autumnal Equinox. 

2025 is a special year for watching the Northern Lights. On 25th June 2025, a G2 geomagnetic storm pushed the aurora south. As a result, people in Maine, New York, and the Northern Plains enjoyed the peak viewing experience

So, are any of these the best places to see the Northern Lights in the USA? Let’s find out where and when to catch the Aurora Borealis. 

However, before that, let’s briefly touch upon how the Northern Lights got its name from Galileo Galilei, the best time to witness this natural phenomenon, and other important details.

What Are The Northern Lights? What Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights?

What Are The Northern Lights What Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are also known as the Aurora Borealis. The sun releases solar flares due to solar activity. The magnetic field of our planet attracts the flares towards itself.

The flares interact with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as oxygen and others. This turns gases into plasma as it is heated to a certain extent.

Therefore, the Northern Lights are a plasma state of matter, where the gas is heated to a sufficiently high temperature, causing it to transition into a plasma state.

These plasmas appear to be curtains of radiant purple, blue, and red, radiant lights over the skies of the Earth. This phenomenon is especially pronounced near the planet’s poles.

The best time to witness these lights is during the spring and autumn equinoxes. During these times, the tourists will be able to see longer northern light shows due to the Russell-Macpherson effect

The Northern Lights can be seen clearly in the polar regions and places with clear skies and minimal light pollution.

How Did The Northern Lights Become Aurora Borealis?

How Did The Northern Lights Become Aurora Borealis

Gallelio Gaili named the Northern Lights Aurora. The astronomer named it after the Roman Goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek God Boreas.

Aurora is the Roman goddess of dawn. The goddess flies in a chariot, announcing the arrival of the sun god. The deity symbolizes renewal and a fresh start.

On the other hand, Boraes is the Greek God of north winds, storms, and winter.

Galileo named the phenomenon of the northern lights as Aurora Borealis in the year 1619. He thought that the phenomenon was caused by the reflection of the sunlight in the Earth’s atmosphere.

However, in reality, the phenomenon was caused by the solar flares emitted by the sun.

What Is The Best Place To See Northern Lights In The USA?

What Is The Best Place To See Northern Lights In The USA

With the boom of astro tourism, watching the Northern Lights has become an important part of tourism in the USA and many other parts of the world. As a subset of special interest tourism, Astro tourism is about to reach $400 million in 2030.

No wonder that many Airbnbs in countries such as Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland have specially located and designed properties to watch this celestial magic

Furthermore, in the USA, national parks such as Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park, as well as dark sky parks like Headlands International Dark Sky Park, have given a significant boost to tourism centered on Northern Lights viewing or overall astrotourism. 

Additionally, observatories like the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) have contributed to the growth of astrotourism in the USA. 

So, when it comes to choosing the best place to see the Northern Lights in the USA, we have a lot of options. 

Let’s explore!

1. Boundary Waters, Minnesota

Almost four hours from the region of Minneapolis, there lies Boundary Waters, Minnesota. This place offers the clearest night skies, located far from light pollution. 

The water body offers a stunning reflection of the beautiful nighttime light show.

2. Upper Peninsula, Michigan

The Upper Peninsula is near the rugged shores of Lake Superior, as well as the secluded forests of Isle Royale National Park. 

The remote location, accompanied by a unique landscape, offers viewers minimal light pollution. 

Furthermore, the location offers a clearer view of the Aurora Borealis due to its northern latitude. 

Additionally, due to clear skies, the Upper Peninsula is the best place in the USA to see the Northern Lights during winter. 

3. Idaho

Idaho, of course, tops the chart as the best place to see the Northern Lights in the USA, as it is the first official Dark Sky Reserve in the country

Also, including Craters of the Moon National Monument and the city of Ketchum, Idaho, have five designated Dark Skies. 

However, most of the Dark Skies are in the southern part of the state. Having said that, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and Priest Lake are northern locations in Idaho for watching the Northern Lights. 

4. Wisconsin

Wisconsin is on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. These two lakes make Wisconsin ideal for watching the Northern Lights. 

The view is especially more spectacular during the winter as the lakes freeze.

Furthermore, two of the most stunning places to visit the Northern Lights in Wisconsin, are Washington Island in Door County or the Apostle Islands.

5. North Dakota

You cannot leave this northern state when it comes to the best place to see Northern Lights in the USA. 

The most iconic places to see the Northern Lights in the state are:

Moreover, the Martens Observatory at the University of North Dakota streams its celestial observations live on its YouTube channel. So, you can watch the Northern Lights on a real-time basis virtually. 

6. Pennsylvania

Cherry Springs State Park is a Dark Sky Reserve located in Pennsylvania. The park also has an Astronomy Observation Field, which offers a 360-degree view of the sky

You can stay in the park the entire night, be a part of the tours, and learn photography to enjoy and preserve the stargazing and Northern Lights watching activities. 

7. Alaska

Alaska

Located within the auroral oval, Alaska is the heaven and the best place to see Northern Lights in the USA. 

Coldfoot, Utqiagvik, and Fairbanks are the prime locations for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska.

8. Maine

Maine

Home to the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, a Dark Sky Sanctuary, Maine is one of the best places in the USA to see the Northern Lights. 

However, the abundant rural landscape makes the entire state ideal for stargazing and watching the Northern Lights. 

To be more specific, you can explore the east of the Mississippi River to enjoy the best view of the Northern Lights. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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BY  Sibashree Sep 13, 2025

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Hotel guests can park their car at the self-parking slot for $15 plus tax every night. Parking with a valet will cost $40 plus tax per night. If you are staying in a cottage, you will have provisions for parking two cars directly at the cottage. If you need more cars, those will be parked at the self-parking slot with stipulated parking fees. 7. Is There A Security Deposit At The Time Of Check-In? Yes, you will have to pay an incidental deposit or a security deposit of $50 per day at the time of your check-in.  8. Do You Require A Deposit To Secure The Reservation? Yes, you will need to pay a deposit of one night’s fee at least three days before your reserved dates for confirmation. If the payment fails somehow due to credit card issues or glitches, you will need to pay the amount before 4 PM on the check-in date.  Read Also:

READ MORE What is the best island to visit in hawaii

What Is The Best Island To Visit In Hawaii? Choose One Based On Your Travel Style 

BY  Sibashree Sep 22, 2025

Tourism in the Hawaiian Islands is going to reach a new high with Carnival Cruise Line launching its “first-ever all-Hawaii cruise series.” You can board this cruise from Baltimore, Norfolk, and Long Beach to explore the beautiful islands of Hawaii.  This Carnival Legend cruise will take you on 14-day cruise journeys from October 2027 to April 2028, and it will operate from Long Beach in California.  Moreover, the cruise will visit many popular destinations in Hawaii, such as Kauai, Kona, Hilo, and Honolulu. Overall, this cruise will redefine the way people have been experiencing the Aloha State so far.  Amidst the new launch of a new cruise line and anticipation of more tourist footfalls in the Hawaiian Islands, the government has imposed a Green Fee or environmental tax. It is the first state in the USA to adopt such a measure, and this is indeed a bold move to reduce environmental impact and develop sustainable tourism practices in the state.  In fact, when implemented, this Green Fee is expected to generate around $100 million every year and support the cost of fighting the consequences of climate change and hazards, beach management, controlling invasive species, and preserving wildlife. So, with a sustainable approach and a growth mindset, the Hawaiian Islands are ready to host more tourists and offer a more fun-filled experience.  But what is the best island to visit in Hawaii, according to you? Here are our favorites.  What Is The Best Island To Visit In Hawaii? Pick One That Suits Your Travel Style  Exuding the warm Aloha spirit, each of the Hawaiian Islands boasts a distinct charm. The chosen activities on the Hawaiian Islands also differ. For example, if you want to explore the most dramatic beaches, you will have to visit the Big Island.  On the other hand, Oahu should be your go-to place if you want the best fine-dining experience. Here, I will begin the discussion on the best islands to visit in Hawaii with a summary table.  The Best Island To Visit In Hawaii (Parameters)Names • Dramatic Beaches• Volcanoes and Lava• Unique Adventures• Big Island• Hiking Experience• Local Vibe• Family Vacations • Waterfalls• Kauai• Fine Dining• Hiking Experience• Scenic Beauty• Adventure• Oahu• Honeymoon and Romantic Holidays• Family Vacations• Celebrity Tourism• Luxury Resorts• Waterfalls• Road Trips• Maui• Less Explored • Lanai• Molokai 1. Big Island (The Best Island To Visit In Hawaii For Dramatic Beaches, Unique Adventures, Volcanoes And Lava)  The Makalawena Beach on the Big Island is one of the few beaches in Hawaii to have white sands and aqua blue shallow water. 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Moreover, it is the only Hawaiian island to have a distinct food scene.  Oahu even scores quite high on the adventure score. Cage diving with sharks and sky diving are the two most popular adventure activities on the island.  In addition, the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, Hanauma Bay, and the Diamond Head Crater are places of great scenic beauty in Oahu.  4. Maui (The Best Island In Hawai For Honeymoon, Romantic Holidays, Waterfalls, Road Trips, Family Vacation, Luxury And Celebrity Tourism) Maui is the best Hawaiian island for road trips, with iconic locations such as Haleakala going up to the mountain top and the road from Hana to Maui. The Road to Hana also has some beautiful waterfalls along the way. You can enjoy the view of these waterfalls from the roadside.  Furthermore, thanks to the presence of Four Seasons Maui and other luxury resorts, Maui constantly gets celebrity tourists.  Also, with beautiful hiking trails leading to Maui waterfalls and beautiful road trip destinations, Maui is the Honeymoon Island of Hawaii. Enjoy by a pool and cherish the best champagne, participate in thrilling activities, or enjoy road trips to have the most romantic vacation.  5. Lanai And Molokai (The Best Island In Hawai As A Less Explored Destination) If you have loved Maui, you can take a short flight to the island of Molokai or a boat ride to Lanai. Furthermore, Lanai is associated with the rich history of Mormons, and Molokai has a lush landscape, and the locals here are very welcoming.  What Is The Best Island To Visit In Hawaii? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the best island to visit in Hawaii.  1. What Is The Prettiest Place To Go In Hawaii? I cannot name a particular place in Hawaii as the “Prettiest Place” as Hawaii has the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, or the Waimea Canyon on the island of Kauai. It looks dramatic with bright red rock formations. Furthermore, the Haleakalā National Park in Maui has an amazing volcanic landscape. Also, it has pretty locations such as Hanauma Bay, Hana Highway, and Haleakala.  2. Is Maui And Oahu Better? Your choice between Maui and Oahu depends on the type of travel experience you want. Maui is the ultimate tropical destination with luxury resorts and a laid-back vibe. Furthermore, the Road to Hana is one of the most scenic destinations in Hawaii. Oahu, on the other hand, has iconic landmarks such as the Polynesian Cultural Center and the historic Pearl Harbor. Moreover, Oahu is known for its vibrant nightlife.  3. Where Should I Go For The First Time In Hawaii? Maui is an ideal destination if you are visiting Hawaii for the first time. 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READ MORE best places to live in washington state

From Urban to Rural: The Best Places to Live in Washington State for Every Lifestyle

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 17, 2024

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Nike and Columbia Sportswear have their corporate offices in Portland, a sizable city. Vancouver, Washington is the state across which Portland is located. Many people who live in this city make the daily commute into Oregon. One city to another can be reached by car in fifteen minutes, although traffic may make it take longer. The fact that Washington does not impose a state income tax is one advantage of relocating to Vancouver. This can save you money. Ocean Shores The coast of Washington has many of the best places to live, with huge rocky outcroppings and thick fog making for enigmatic and fascinating beach walks. Selecting the best city to stay in along the Pacific Ocean is difficult. One well-liked location is the town of Ocean Shores, which is home to about 6,000 people. If you enjoy going fishing and cooking your catch, Ocean Shores is a great place to call home. It is known for the Razor Clam and Seafood Festival held every year in the spring. Sand and wood artists from all over the nation come to the Sand and Sawdust festival in the summer. For those who enjoy the sea and the arts, this town is fantastic. Olympia Seattle is not the capital city of Washington, despite its size. It is Olympia's turn to receive this honor. Both cities are situated near water, and they are about an hour's drive apart with minimal traffic. Olympia has 46,000 people living in it, far fewer than Seattle. Olympia is a center for theater and the arts. Fine art organizations such as the Olympia Symphony Orchestra as well as the Olympia Family Theater are popular among the locals. Families can enjoy hiking or lounging on the waterfront with unobstructed views of Mount Rainier on the weekends. Whether you work in government, this is a great city to live in. Tacoma Those who wish to live in a more tranquil area but still commute into the city frequently choose Tacoma, which is only thirty minutes from Seattle's downtown. Known for Port Defiance, a park and family recreation area combined, it is situated along the water. Look into Tacoma if you want to live in the Seattle region but are having trouble locating the perfect spot. This town offers waterfront living in addition to being a center for the art and culture. You might find that there's more to do than you thought. Tacoma will prove to be more than what you expect. It is easily one of the best places to live in Washington state. Seattle Seattle is not only Washington's most populous city, but it also has a large metropolitan area spanning the Puget Sound. Many locals drive and ride their bicycles for work, averaging 138 hours a year (28.4 minutes each way) in the downtown area. Nonetheless, a lot of people believe that living in Seattle is worth the expense and commute. Along with dozens of other businesses, the city is home to the corporate offices of Amazon, Microsoft, Costco, Expedia, Alaska Airlines, and Starbucks. Seattle is home to the NFL's Seahawks, MLB's Mariners, NHL's Kraken, and NBA's Supersonics. Seattle is for you if you like a work-hard, play-hard lifestyle. What Is The Pacific Northwest? The states in the northwest of the nation that are bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cascade Mountain Range to the east are collectively referred to as the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The two states that are mentioned in the PNW the most are Washington and Oregon. But the area also includes portions of California, Idaho, and Alaska. Does Washington Have A State Income Tax? Nine states do not impose an income tax, including Washington. The following states don't have a state income tax: Florida, Alaska, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. States without income taxes either decrease the services provided to citizens or find other ways to raise money. To avoid paying taxes, some Washingtonians commute to Oregon. What Is Seattle Famous For? In addition to being the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle was once home to a sizable grunge music scene. The city has gained notoriety over the last ten years as the home of Amazon and is a sought-after location for tech companies to establish their operations. Living in the city has become more costly as a result. Wrapping Up States like Washington are our favorites because they have so many wonderful cities to choose from. There were so many, in fact, that we had to start by providing you with a list of three towns that you should definitely visit. We understand that you may be experiencing analysis paralysis right now. Where does one call home with so many wonderful options? If you're searching for a large city, Seattle is the only option. There is no doubt about that. However, if you're willing to settle for a somewhat smaller city, Spokane or Tacoma are a better option than Seattle. No matter where you choose to call home, never forget that we will assist you in getting there. Let us know if you choose to relocate to Washington. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best places to live in Washington state, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Temples, Markets, And More: Your Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore! Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!