8 Ways To Explore Nature In The Smoky Mountains As A Couple

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 17, 2024

Washington is notable for its exceptional natural beauty, which includes three national parks, more than 8,000 lakes, and 155 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. However, the Evergreen State is also among the wealthiest in the nation; in 2022, the median household income in the state was $84,247, nearly $6,000 higher than the national average. Major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon call Washington home, and there are plenty of excellent job opportunities there. Even though the Seattle area is still a popular place to relocate, there are many other towns throughout the state's interior and along its coastline that entice newcomers with their picturesque surroundings, outdoor-oriented lifestyles, close-knit communities, and family-friendly amenities. Here are 7 of the best places to live in Washington state, as rated by locals. Best Places To Live In Washington State It can be tough to zero in on one city to call home when you choose the Washington state to pick from. But we are listing the best places to live in Washington state to make your life easier. Take a peek. Cheney It's worth considering other universities in eastern Washington besides Gonzaga. Eastern Washington University, a public university with 11,000 students and 800 faculty members, is located in Cheney. Although EWU is not the biggest university in the state, a sizable portion of Cheney's population attends it. The population of the city is about 10,600 during the summer months. In academic terms, this increases to 17,600 inhabitants. For students who prefer to be fully immersed in campus life but are concerned about getting lost in a bigger city, EWU is an excellent choice. Families looking to live or work close to a university may find it to be a good alternative to other towns on this list. Cheney is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Washington state for young adults. Spokane Although many of the greatest areas to live in Washington are located in the east, people tend to concentrate on the western side of the state. In stark contrast to the rainy weather in Seattle, the eastern portion of the state is level and experiences a desert climate. Spokane, which is located near the Idaho border, is the 99th most populous city in the country. With 500,000 residents, Spokane serves as a hub in opposition to Seattle. For those who prefer to be outside, Spokane is a sanctuary. Within a few hours of the city, one can find hiking and rafting in addition to ski resorts. The men's basketball team at Gonzaga University, which is based in Spokane, draws fans from all over the nation. In the NCAA March Madness tournament, the Bulldogs are always a formidable opponent.   Portland In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is not the only significant city. The Columbia River divides Washington and Oregon, with Portland, Oregon, situated along its border. 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!

BY  Sibashree Oct 11, 2025

Potter and Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania are the newest vacation hotspots in the USA in the fall season. The fifth position in the 2025 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Destination for Fall Colors has further brought this into the limelight.  Hiking the canyon rims, watching the stars at the Cherry Springs, live entertainment, and great local food make Potter and Tioga stand out.  On the other hand, USA Today has recently named Mackinac Island the Best Place to Visit for Fall. Since 2023, it has been placed in the top three destinations in the list of USA Today as one of the best places to travel in October in the USA.  Tim Hygh, the executive director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, has shared his thoughts with MLive.com. “Fall on Mackinac Island is a remarkable experience, from the tranquil atmosphere to the brilliant fall colors, and we are incredibly honored to receive this recognition.”  So, are you ready to enjoy the whiff of the fudge in the air in Mackinac Island? Or, do you want to explore more places to travel in October in the USA? Here is a complete travel guide. What Is The Leaf-Peeping Season In The USA? Why Is It So Special? With the leaves of the trees turning orange and golden yellow, and the earth getting covered with dry leaves, Autumn announces the season of Thanksgiving and Halloween.  Furthermore, it is the season of apple picking and pumpkin harvesting.  Mid-September to early November is the leaf peeping season in the USA. However, the peak season for the foliage color reaches different parts of the country at different times in the month.  Parts in the USALeaf Peeping Season West, the Aspen Groves in Colorado and Utah• Late September• Early OctoberMidwest• OctoberBlue Ridge Mountains and the Southern Part of America• Late OctoberNortheastern America, such as Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire • October The Leaf Peeping Season In The USA In The Current Year  In the current year, the fall season has officially set in on 6th October. However, because of a pretty dry season since late July, the fall colors seem to be less visible in different parts of the country till now.  Furthermore, due to the “Urban Heat Island Effect,” the urban areas are likely to have less vibrant fall colors, and the ocean influences in the coastal areas will also impact and delay the change of foliage colors.  So, in the current year, we will have to wait till mid and late October for the leaf peeping season to reach its full glory. Even in the northeast, the drought stress since the end of August and a consistent temperature of around 80°F will delay the arrival of fall colors. Having said that, Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and some other locations in the northwestern region have already started showing mild colors. In addition, a wet beginning to summer and the long dry spell afterward have created a favorable condition for apple and pumpkin harvesting, two other major attractions of the fall season, along with the change of leaf colors.  Moreover, the species of the trees (Red Maple Trees offer red foliage and ash trees offer yellow foliage) and their locations impact the fall colors. Trees at higher elevations and near lakes and ponds show better colors.  What Are The Best Places To Visit In October In The USA?  Have you seen the painting, Four Seasons, by Egon Schiele? The 1917 painting beautifully captures the spirit of the fall season with the shades of golden yellow and red. The “Autumn” painting of Helmer Osslund is another amazing depiction of the season, where nature sheds the old and gets ready for the new.  Some places in the USA are nothing short of these iconic paintings in the fall season. Let’s find out what special they have in store for us.  1. New England Region Average Temperature: 3-17 °Celsius The New England Region covers states such as Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.  The crisp air and silent roads with trees in golden, orange, and red shades make the region an ideal choice for autumn vacations.  Vermont Average Temperature: 5-15 °Celsius Vermont is the quintessential autumn destination you need to visit in the USA. The scenic drive along Route 100 and the views of the Green Mountains are breathtaking, with the leaves changing their colors.  You can also visit the apple orchards and pumpkin farms for a first-hand harvesting experience.  New Hampshire Average Temperature: 5-12 °Celsius Home to the White Mountains, New Hampshire is one of the best places to travel in October in the USA. You can explore the state parks and enjoy the iconic ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway.  The small towns here are ideal for experiencing the autumn festivities.  Salem, Massachusetts Average Temperature: 6-18 °Celsius View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salem, Massachusetts (@destsalem) Known as the Witch City, Salem is associated with the Infamous Witch Trials of 1692. You can be a part of the month-long Haunted Happening Festivals in October in Salem. The festivities include ghost tours and parades.  Also, visit the Salem Witch Museum for a somber and eerie experience.  2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bordering North Carolina And Tennessee Average Temperature: 9-21 °Celsius Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers the most amazing views of the fall foliage with its diverse elevation.  You can hike or go for scenic drives in the national park. You can even explore nearby small towns such as Pigeon Forge.  3. Aspen, Colorado Average Temperature: -1 to 13 °Celsius With the aspen trees turning golden yellow in October, Aspen looks beautiful, and the Rocky Mountains create the perfect backdrop.  Furthermore, the Maroon Bells in Colorado, one of the most photographed mountains in America, looks stunning with the changing colors of foliage.  4. Boston Average Temperature: 10-17 °Celsius Beacon Hill and Back Bay are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Boston to see autumn foliage.  Furthermore, visit the Boston Common and Public Garden to enjoy a beautiful urban landscape in autumn.  5. New Orleans Average Temperature: 20-25 °Celsius Known for its Voodoo culture, New Orleans is most alive in the Halloween Season. Take a tour of the local cemeteries and the French Quarter to soak in the eerie vibe.  6. Orlando, Florida Average Temperature: 18-29 °Celsius Be a part of the Halloween Horror Nights festival in Orlando. It is one of the scariest festivals in the USA, with scare zones, haunted houses, and live acts inspired by popular horror movies and TV shows.  7. Savannah, Georgia Average Temperature: 14-25 °Celsius One of the most haunted cities in America, Savannah is a must-visit in October. A tour of the historic district of the city is spooky. Also, you can enjoy the changing colors of autumn foliage.  8. San Francisco, California Average Temperature: 12-21 °Celsius Home to the notorious Alcatraz Island and prison, San Francisco is one of the most prominent locations for dark tourism in the USA.  Also, if you want to see autumn colors, you can visit Golden Gate Park.  9. Asheville, North Carolina  Average Temperature: 7-21 °Celsius View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Asheville | Asheville, North Carolina (@visitasheville) Asheville, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the most scenic locations in October. The trees in the mountains change their colors faster, and you can take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the colors. Also, visit the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in America.  10. Santa Fe, New Mexico Average Temperature: 4-14 °Celsius Santa Fe shows a beautiful fusion of Native American and Spanish culture. In October, you can be a part of the Santa Fe Harvest Festival and go hiking in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains.  The leaves of the aspen trees in the mountain trails turn golden yellow in the season.  11. New York City Average Temperature: 14-18 °Celsius Central Park is the epicenter of seeing fall colors in New York City. You can also be a part of the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village, which is the largest in the country.  Otherwise, you can just chill at the outdoor cafes and enjoy the Broadway shows.  12. Leavenworth, Washington State Average Temperature: 7-18 °Celsius With the charm of a Bavarian-style village, Leavenworth is just another small town in the USA that turns magical in October.  The small town hosts an Oktoberfest. It is a German-style celebration with great food and music. Furthermore, the entire town is decked up in fall foliage, pumpkins, and everything autumn.  13. Lake Tahoe: California And Nevada Border Average Temperature: 10-21 °Celsius Surrounded by mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of the most serene places to travel in October in the USA. With the summer crowd gone, the foliage in the mountains and around the lake starts changing colors.  You can do kayaking and hiking here. Or, you can just relax by the lake for some tranquility.  14. Chicago Average Temperature: 4-21 °Celsius Chicago bustles with energy in October as it hosts many renowned festivals. It is the month of the Chicago International Film Festival and the Lincoln Park Autumn Harvest.  Also, with the nip in the air, it is the best time to try the signature deep-dish pizzas. 15. Zion National Park, Utah Average Temperature: 4-20 °Celsius Hike through the famous trails such as the Narrows and Angels Landing in Zion National Park and witness how the fall foliage creates a contrast against the red rock canyons in the park.  The views are dramatic, and with the summer crowd gone, the ambiance is peaceful.  16. Potter And Tioga Counties, Pennsylvania Average Temperature: 3-17 °Celsius View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Potter Tioga (@visitpottertioga) Blessed by the Appalachian Mountains, Potter and Tioga Counties have the most amazing forests and verdant hills. So, the autumn vistas here are quite dramatic.  Furthermore, the Pine Creek Gorge, or the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is at the epicenter of the autumn attractions here.  Moreover, you can do horse riding, hiking, or biking through the Pine Creek Rail Trail for an unforgettable experience.  17. Mackinac Island, Michigan  Average Temperature: 4-12 °Celsius View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mira (@lightbender_photo) Autumn on Mackinac Island is captivating. Enjoy a ride in the bikes or horse-drawn carriages to see the changing fall colors. It is famous for its car-free lifestyle.  Also, don’t forget a visit to the Mackinac Island State Park, famous for limestone arches, woods, and trails.  Visiting The Best Places To Travel In October In The USA: A 7-Day Itinerary  Are you in the USA this autumn? Try this 7-day itinerary to explore the best places to travel in October in the USA.  DaysLocationActivitiesDay 1Salem • Drive from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Salem• A Visit to the Witch House and Walking through the Historic StreetsDay 2Boston• Walking through the Freedom Trail and Exploring Places such as Boston Common, Paul Revere House, and Faneuil Hall.• A Visit to Boston Common and Enjoying a Boat Ride.• Walking through Beacon HillDay 3Boston to Vermont• Foliage Drive from Boston to Vermont for 4-5 Hours.• Stopping by the Woodstock Town to See Fall Colors. • Trying Maple Syrup at a Sugar House. Day 4Vermont and New England• Hiking in the Green Mountain National Forest for Foliage Views• Shopping at Vermont Country Store• Afternoon Drive in the BerkshiresDay 5Vermont to New York City• A Drive for Around 5 Hours• Exploring Central Park• Visiting the NYC Landmarks such as Rockefeller Center and Times SquareDay 6New York City• Visiting the Metropolitan • • Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)• Brooklyn Bridge Walk• Visiting the 9/11 MuseumDay 7Departing from New York City• Souvenir Shopping• Trying Classic Bagels• Airport Travel What Is The Cost Of A 7-Day Fall Vacation In October In The USA? Here is the estimated cost of a 7-day fall vacation in the USA in October. The budget range here is wide because I have considered budget, mid-budget, and high-end traveling and their various options.  Types of CostEstimated BudgetNotesAccommodation$600-2100• Hostels• Budget Inns• Boutique Hotels• B&BsTransportation$200-600• GasTolls• Parking• Subway• Rental CarTrainFood and Drink$350-1000• Quick• Service• Groceries• RestaurantsAttractions$150-450• Entry Fees• ToursTicketsTotal$1300-4150• (Excluding flight tickets to the USA) A Calendar Of October Festivities In The USA  In October, try being a part of these nationwide and local festivals.  Time of MonthFestivalsDetails2025 DatesEarly OctoberAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta• The Largest Hot Air Balloon Festival in the World• Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico4th to 12th October 2025First Two Full Weekends in OctoberNational Apple Harvest Festival• Visit Biglerville, Pennsylvania. 4th and 5th October and 11th to 12th October13th OctoberColumbus Day• A Federal Holiday Celebrating America’s Past13th OctoberMonth-Long ActivitiesSalem Haunted Happenings• Visit Salem, MassachusettsN/AMid-OctoberFall-Foliage Festivals• Visit Vermont, New Hampshire, and MarylandN/A31st OctoberHalloween• Nationwide Celebration with Themed Parties and Spooky Tours31st October Best Places To Travel In October In The USA: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the best places to travel in October in the USA.  1. What Is The #1 Place To Vacation In The US? New York City, the Yellowstone National Park, and Los Angeles are some of the most popular places for a vacation in the USA. However, if you want to enjoy a vibrant nightlife, you can visit Las Vegas or Reno. Also, Orlando is the place to be for theme park fun. 2. What Is The Cheapest Vacation Destination In The USA? Oklahoma City, known for its distinct cowboy culture, is one of the cheapest vacation destinations in the USA. You can visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum here. Furthermore, the cost of living in the city is way below the national average.  3. Where To Take Kids For Fun In The US? With the presence of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando is the most coveted location for kids visiting the USA. However, if your little one loves nature and wilderness, Yellowstone National Park, Olympic National Park, and the Dry Tortugas National Park are some of the best places to be.  Read Also: Check the Best Warm Winter Destinations in USA! The Best Places to Visit in February in the USA in 2025! The Best Places To See Northern Lights In The USA: When And Where To Watch Aurora Borealis

BY  Sibashree Jul 9, 2025

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? 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? 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? 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 https://www.instagram.com/p/C-oVf2vg4KH/ 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 https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ4EIvsBK2-/ 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 https://www.instagram.com/p/C3g0ADFMhZF/ 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 https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ZIYXar_-M/ 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 https://www.instagram.com/p/C61JconL8kl/?img_index=1 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: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Mystical Horizons near Bottineau The Turtle Mountains 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 https://www.instagram.com/p/C61Dxs3u28J/?img_index=1 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 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 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.