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. 

Share on Social Media

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!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE waterfalls in Texas

Best Waterfalls In Texas To Visit And Swimming Holes For The Most Fulfilling Experience

BY  Sibashree Apr 25, 2025

In 2025, we lost Victor Emanuel, the top-notch birder and the founder of the Austin ecotourism company.  Now, one month after his passing, it is the ideal time to have an in-depth discussion about the ecotourism scenario of Texas, a state he called home.  The ecotourism industry in Texas has experienced significant growth over the past few years. Further, it is an important element in the tourism and economic landscape of the state, generating employment and revenues.  Again, ecotourism in Texas is a part of sustainable tourism in the state, emphasizing the importance of ethical and responsible travel practices.  The waterfalls in Texas, located in state national parks and other locations, are important components of ecotourism in the state. These waterfalls are often at the epicenter of diverse ecosystems.  Moreover, many of these waterfalls are part of bigger conservation projects, playing a bigger role in the environmental protection of the state.  By now, you must have an idea that this Tour and Travel Blog is going to be about the best waterfall in Texas.  So, let’s explore! What Is The Best Time To Visit The Best Waterfalls In Texas? Spring is the best time to visit the best waterfalls in Texas. During March and April, the waterfalls receive adequate water from rainfall in the winter season and melting snow.  Further, the summer months from May to August are a good time to explore the waterfalls in Texas. The cascading water with mists around offers a cool escape in the scorching summer of Texas. What Are The Best Waterfalls In Texas?  Today, we mostly associate Texas with stunning urban areas and the most dramatic desert landscape.  However, we often overlook the beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes in the state, offering the right fusion of adventure and immersive experience for tourists. 1. Gorman Falls Location: Colorado Bend State Park Height: 70 Feet Hours Open: 6 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee for Adults: $5, Children below 12: Free Entry Gorman Falls near Dallas is so grand that you cannot capture the whole of it in a single frame. Further, Gorman Falls is a popular hiking destination with a rocky trail.  Moreover, various springs and Gorman Creek feed this waterfall, and the pool near the fountain is home to Guadalupe bass fish.  2. Cattail Falls Location: Big Bend National Park Height: 80 Feet Hours Open: 24*7 Entry Fee: Standard Pass - $15.00–$30.00 Cattail Falls is one of the hidden gems when we talk about the best waterfalls in Texas. It is a popular hiking destination for adventurous tourists.  The hiking trail is 3 miles long, and hiking is tricky through the trail. However, a glimpse of the waterfall falling as multiple streams of water is worth the effort. 3. Westcave Preserve Falls Location: Hamilton Pool Road Height: 40 Feet Hours Open: Tuesday-Friday: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Entry Fee: $20 for Adults 16+ and $10 for Children Aged 4-15 years Westcave Preserve Falls is the ultimate fantasy destination with stories of unicorns floating in the air.  Further, this waterfall is pristine, and the little cave here creates a sense of intrigue. 4. Chalk Ridge Falls Location: Belton Height: Around 206 Feet Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry: Free If you are looking for a tranquil getaway, Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton will be your go-to destination.  Surrounded by trees, Chalk Ridge Falls exudes a pristine charm. Also, you will love swimming in the shallow side of the lake. 5. Pedernales Falls Location: Pedernales Falls State Park Height: 50 Feet Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: $6 for 13 Years And Above, Free Entrance for Children Aged 12 Located near San Antonio, Pedernales Falls is all about finding peace. The sound of the water is music to the ears.  Here, you can bike and hike around the trail and swim in the calmest water.  6. Hamilton Pool Waterfall Location: Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs Height: Around 50 Feet Hours Open: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 2-5:30 PM Entry Fee: $8 for Adults and Free for Children Below 12 Years  Hamilton Pool Waterfall has been formed with the creek spilling streams of water over limestone structures.  There is a beautiful pool below the waterfall in a canyon. You can reach Hamilton Pool Waterfall after a hike of 1.9 miles through a moderately challenging route. 7. Krause Springs Location: Spicewood Road Height: 8 Feet Hours Open: 9 AM to 8 PM (Usually Closed between November 1st and February 15th for Maintenance.) Entry Fee: $10 for 12 Years and Old, $6 for Children from 4 to 11 Years, and Free for Kids Under 4 Years A property of the Krause Family for the last 50 years, Krause Springs has 32 springs. Furthermore, the waterfall here enhances the appeal of the serene landscape.  You can swim in the pool, camp, or even hike the small trail to spend some time in nature. Also, do not forget a walk in the beautiful butterfly garden.  8. McKinney Water State Park Location: Austin Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: $6 for 13 Years and Above, Free for Children up to 12 Years Home to the Onion Creek, McKinney Water State Park has the Lower and Upper Falls. You can reach the waterfalls fed by the water of the Onion Creek by hiking through endless trails here.  Moreover, the gigantic bald cypress tree, or Old Baldy, stands as the eternal witness to humankind in this state park.  What Are The Best Swimming Holes In Texas? Do you want to escape the summer heat of Texas? Why don’t you plan a trip to these amazing swimming holes? These swimming holes are ideal for a fun time with family and friends. 1. Barton Springs Pool Barton Springs Pool is located in Zilker Park in Austin. Fed by spring water, this 1000-foot-long pool maintains a temperature of 68 degrees F throughout the year.  It is a perfect summer escapade for families.  2. Devil's Waterhole Located in the Inks Lake State Park, Devil's Waterhole is a popular swimming hole in Texas. You can also hike through the canyon in the Inks Lake State Park. Further, you can plan camping and overnight stays in this beautiful state park.  3. Blanco State Park Blanco State Park has a dam that creates a beautiful lagoon and waterfall. You can swim here and indulge in the scenic beauty. 

READ MORE Myrtle Beach

Why Myrtle Beach Is the Ideal Summer Destination

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 11, 2021

Finding the right summer destination that offers a wide array of activities for all your family members can be a daunting task. However, opting to go for vacation in Myrtle Beach for the summer is a decision you will most definitely not regret. For years, millions of travelers have been thronging Myrtle beach during the summer holidays. Myrtle Beach offers tourists extensive tourist attraction sights, a favorable subtropical climate, and numerous festivals and cultural events in the beach city (features that check all the boxes for any traveler). Read now to find top reasons why this beach city is highly favored as a top summer destination. Here are the top reasons Why Myrtle Beach Is the Ideal Summer Destination Regardless of whether you're looking for a solo getaway or merely looking for a family excursion with family, Myrtle Beach should have you covered. So what makes Myrtle Beach stand out from the rest? Can you guess how long myrtle beach is? 60-mile long beach is the greatest tourist attraction. Here are the prime reason for choosing Myrtle beach as the ideal summer destination. 1. The Extensive Beach One of the best places you can spend your summer is on the beach. This is why millions of people visit Myrtle Beach every summer to enjoy the extensive sandy beaches. Myrtle Beach has access to a coastline that extends for about 60 miles from Cherry Grove all the way to Surfside beach. Once your toes sink into the sand of the beach, you will forget every concern or worry you have in your mind and will be taken aback by feelings of serenity thanks to the calming sounds of the cool ocean water. Many travelers are asking about how many hours to myrtle beach, South Carolina, only 9 hours drive. The long stretch of coastline makes it great for travelers to indulge in water activities and games along the beach. Couples can also enjoy long romantic walks in the mornings and evenings right before sunrise and sunset. 2. Different Forms of Entertainment If you are looking for a location that’s ideal for your whole family, then your children or grandchildren will have fun at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach. If you are looking for a location that’s ideal for your whole family, then your children or grandchildren will have fun at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach. Visiting this amusement park will also bring back your childhood vacation days to life. The massive park covers more than 13 acres of land and is situated close to the sea. The best thing about this park is that it's free for the public, and you don't need any particular subscription to get access to the park facilities. If you're not into the old-fashioned rides, then you can entertain yourself and your family at the Pelicans. This Myrtle beach minor league team gives visitors a remarkable opportunity to get acquainted with some of America's favorite pastimes at a very pocket-friendly price. The Pelicans are set up in a stadium with seats arranged near the beach to give visitors the best experience. If you’re looking to have a bit of mature fun, you can explore the fantastic Myrtle beach nightlife by attending the amazing clubs scattered across the city. 3. Ample Dining The best vacations are not only for filling your family photo albums but for filling your tummies as well. One of the things that make Myrtle beach stand out is the fact that it has many dining destinations that cater to families. When you visit this city during the summer, you can rest assured that you and your family will have a wide array of options that will trigger your taste buds for the better. Restaurants in Myrtle Beach are hall manned by professional chefs who strive to offer the best cuisines from the state and worldwide. If you happen to have a sweet tooth, you can check out the Sugar Life Ice Cream and Candy Bar for different options of confectionaries such as waffles and ice cream, among many others. Your kids will really appreciate it but make sure they don’t indulge too much. 4. Shopping Experience Is it even a vacation if you don’t raid the local courier shops for souvenirs or anything that appeals to your persona? Myrtle Beach offers an incredible shopping experience for everyone, so make sure you set some money aside to do some shopping. Whether you are a severe or not-so-serious shopper, you can rest assured that shops, such as the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove will have something for you. You can also check out the open-air markets such as the Market Common, where you are guaranteed to experience an entire village of residents, restaurants, and shops to explore. 5. Summer Festivals One of the best things about Myrtle Beach is that it has near-perfect weather all year round. However, it's the summer that really springs Myrtle Beach into life. With an average temperature of 80 degrees through the summer, the weather is more than perfect for festivals designed to impress both the young-at-age and young-at-heart. While some are huge with people traveling from all across the world, others are aimed at celebrating the local culture. One of the biggest celebrations is the Wings Over Myrtle Beach Air Show that features a squadron of Blue Angels famous in the Blue Crab Festival in Carolina. With so many festivals in the city during the summer, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from which is worth your time. Clemson is another popular tourist destination. You may be asking about how far iClemsonon from myrtle beach you only require five hours to reach the destinations. 6. Best Summer Hotel Deals Summer comes with some really amazing hotel deals that you can take advantage of. With vacations being quite expensive because of the high tourist traffic in the area, many hotels often have great deals to lure tourists. Some of the summer hotel deals you will find will turn your weekend getaway into an extra-long weekend getaway. For instance, the Sea Watch Resorts offers great discounts and sometimes even free stays during the summer. If you visit Myrtle Beach and make it your favorite, as many other tourists have, you can choose to buy property in the area so you can visit at any time you’d like instead of waiting for deals and discounts on accommodation. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1. What is so special about Myrtle Beach? A: It is the mini-golf capital of the world. Myrtle Beach is all about a long white sand beach that has warm water that you will feel while swimming. It is also a place where you will get uncountable seafood options.  Q2. Why is Myrtle Beach Is called Dirty Myrtle? A: Myrtle Beach is one of the famous beaches in America. The reason to call it dirty Myrtle Beach is that it refers to any kind of drink and a mud run.  Q3. Is Myrtle Beach crowded in the summer? A: If you visit Myrtle Beach at the beginning or end of summer, there will be no crowds. But if you visit the place in the months of May or September, then you experience the infamous crowds in Myrtle Beach. Q4. Should I avoid Myrtle Beach? A: Myrtle Beach is known for its extreme weather. Therefore try not to plan your trip during the month of July and August because the summer hits very hard. The same goes for winter, avoid visiting this place during the month of December, January and February. Bottom Line It's one thing to go on vacation and another to enjoy your vacation. No two travelers are alike, and finding an ideal location with a variety of activities for every family member can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be with Myrtle Beach. The location has become a favorite holiday destination for many because of its affordable hotels, top-notch restaurants, vibrant festivals, and pristine sandy beaches. If you’re looking for a lively trip with your family or a solo getaway, Myrtle Beach is a fantastic destination for families, adventurers, foodies, and sightseers. Read Also: 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures

READ MORE New Jersey

Does New Jersey Have Good Nightlife? Let’s Find Out!

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 6, 2021

Most of us associate a fun night out on the town with the glistening lights and countless clubs throughout New York City. However, let's not forget that New Jersey also offers some of the most unforgettable experiences if you know where to look. What type of nightlife can this state provide? If you are planning an excursion in the near future, the selection of clubs and similar attractions found below will certainly come in handy. New Jersey Clubs to Enjoy During Your Stay To be absolutely clear, there are literally thousands of different clubs found throughout New Jersey. There is still a handful that has received rave reviews over the years. Will you be visiting northern New Jersey? If so, be sure to check out 46 Lounge. Found within the town of Totowa, this club boasts a mixture of top-40 hits, hip-hop, club, and house music. You can also enjoy three separate bars, a tropical outdoor patio, and a dance floor that remains open until three o'clock in the morning. Central New Jersey is home to the famous Avenue Nuit Nightclub. Often considered the be the chicest club in the state, expect nothing less than the very best once you walk through the doors. Avenue Nuit is host to well-known DJs from around the world and a rooftop bar provides you with spectacular views of the evening stars. Finally, Kix McNutley's is another amazing venue to experience if you will be traveling through southern New Jersey. This club is actually a combination of five different bars and each one offers its own bespoke ambiance. Live bands play on a weekly basis and some claim that Kix is the most popular club to be found along the Jersey Shore. Be sure to check out this page for an even more comprehensive list of New Jersey clubs. This will also provide you with additional information before hiring a professional party bus in NJ. Consider Reading: Best National Parks In Missouri That You Must Know Atlantic City It only stands to reason that Atlantic City is mentioned within this article. Often dubbed the Las Vegas of the East Coast, there are plenty of ways to have fun during your stay. From visiting the world-famous Hard Rock Cafe to strolling along the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk into the wee hours of the morning, you will not leave disappointed. If you are a fan of casinos, never miss out on a chance to visit these top-rated venues: Resorts Casino Hotel Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino Borgata Casino Caesar's Atlantic City Casino Even if you are not an avid gambler, let's remember that these very same establishments offer world-class entertainment, top-tier restaurants, and tasty cocktails are only moments away. New Jersey is indeed one of the most fun and exciting places to visit if you are searching for stimulating nightlife. As always, make it a point to perform additional online research so that you can plan the upcoming trip accordingly. Read Also: Top 6 Most Popular Wendover Hotels In West Wendover In 2021 How To Move Across The Country With A Dog