Wondering where to see Northern Lights in US Lower 48 states? In this article, we explain how, where and when you can see the aurora from the mainland.
For many people throughout the United States, the idea of being able to view the northern lights is nothing more than a pipe dream. The common misconception is that you can only view the northern lights from Alaska, and other places well within the auroral oval. However, this is not reality, as it is common to witness the elusive lights from the lower 48, especially during the peak of the solar cycle.
We entered a solar cycle peak in 2024, which means it’s high time to keep your aurora-watching eyes open. Here, we explain where to see Northern Lights in US Lower 48 states, and tips to help you see them successfully over the next couple of years.
Can You See the Northern Lights in USA?
During the peak of the last solar cycle, the northern lights were seen as far south as Tennessee. While this is well outside of the auroral oval, if the skies are dark enough then it is possible to view the auroras from many different locations throughout the lower 48 states. However, to do so, you need to be well-prepared with your location and timing.
Real Likelihood of Seeing Northern Lights in the USA Mainland
Granted, there is an increased chance of capturing a glimpse of the elusive lights if you are well within the auroral oval. The greatest chance you will have of viewing the auroras is if you are well within the Arctic Circle. But that does not mean it is impossible to view them from the USA mainland.
To see the northern lights in the lower 48, it will need to be during the peak of the solar cycle when the earth is going through a major geomagnetic storm. During the peak of the solar cycle, it is pretty common to see the ghostly lights in any one of the northern border states, as long as you are well outside of the city limits.
How to See Northern Lights in US Lower 48
As with anything, the most important factor when it comes to capturing a glimpse of the northern lights in the lower 48, is location, location, location. When coupled with a good location, perfect timing, the perfect weather, solar, and geomagnetic conditions, you are bound to see a vivid auroral display.
Location – Where Can You See Northern Lights in US Mainland?
The further north you can get, the better chances you will have of seeing the northern lights. It’s not uncommon to witness their appearance and states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Maine, as well as Michigan. Back in 2001, during the peak of the last solar cycle, there was a very vibrant display of the natural phenomenon that could be seen from the Maple Rapids State Game Reserve in the middle part of Michigan (the writer of this article witnessed them himself!).
Timing – Aim for September to March
Timing is also crucial to viewing the elusive lights. You will need to be out in the field, far away from any major city, during the middle of the winter months to improve your chances of seeing the lights. During this time of year, the nights are much longer than the rest of the year, ensuring that the night skies are perfectly dark. While it is possible to view the northern lights between September and March, the best time to capture a glimpse of them is in January.
Geomagnetic Conditions
Geomagnetic conditions play an integral role in the visibility of the auroras. During that same 2001 season, two Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) were hurled toward the planet, resulting in the second most powerful geomagnetic storm since the Québec blackout of 1989. This high-intensity geomagnetic storm, coupled with the peak of the solar cycle, resulted in vibrant displays being seen throughout Michigan, Ohio, and even in the northernmost part of Kentucky.
Solar Cycles
The sun goes through a regular 11-year solar cycle, that features a maximum period known as the solar maximus. During the peak of the solar cycle, the amount of activity on the surface of the sun increases dramatically. Sunspots regularly eject large amounts of solar radiation, which creates the solar winds. As this radiation blows past the planet, it charges the night skies and creates the ghostly lights.
Follow Aurora Forecasts and Weather Patterns
To maximize your chance of actually witnessing the northern lights, especially in the lower 48, it is important to pay close attention to the weather and auroral forecasts. You need to know when the skies are clear, as even a slight amount of cloud coverage or fog can completely obstruct your ability to view the elusive lights.
Download a northern lights app that is specifically dedicated to providing aurora forecast, so that you can plan around your hunting experience. You’ll need to stay up to date about solar flare activity as well as Coronal Mass Ejections.
While viewing the aurora borealis in the continental United States can be a rare occasion, it does not have to be impossible. Next, we’ll explain precisely where to see Northern Lights in US Lower 48.
Where to See Northern Lights in US Lower 48
The best places to view the aurora borealis in the lower 48 states are along the Canadian-American border. In states like Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Montana, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, as well as Maine, the northern lights are witnessed on almost a yearly occasion. But some places are a lot better than others to view the lights
Where Can You See Northern Lights in US Mainland? Best Places in the USA Mainland
International Falls, Minnesota
One of the most popular destinations for viewing the northern lights on the continental United States can be found at International Falls. Located in one of the northernmost parts of Minnesota, International Falls provides one of the best backdrops for viewing the elusive lights. It is one of the northernmost parts of the lower 48 and is known for providing perfectly dark skies during the winter months.
Learn more: https://www.ci.international-falls.mn.us/
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County can be found in Wisconsin, on a peninsula that juts out into the middle of Lake Michigan. Here, along the shores of the Great Lake, where light pollution is relatively low, aurora hunters can capture a glimpse of the aurora borealis, glistening over the ice-covered shores of the massive freshwater lake. The location provides visitors with a tranquil setting, and due to its geography, offers fairly clear skies throughout the winter months.
Learn more: https://www.doorcounty.com/
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
A short drive from Door County, you will find the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There are plenty of locations throughout the Upper Peninsula to view the elusive lights, especially when the skies are perfectly dark. Viewing the northern lights is common in places like Copper Harbor and Marquette.
Learn more: https://www.michigan.org/upper-peninsula
Acadia National Park, Maine
For those who live in Maine, the best place for viewing the elusive lights is within the Acadia National Park. The area within the park is far away from any urban region, which not only provides visitors with a picturesque setting for viewing the elusive lights but also ensures that there is minimal to no light pollution to interfere with the viewing experience.
Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/acad/
Glacier National Park, Montana
Another popular location can be found in Montana, at the Glacier National Park along the Canadian border. The area I known for its dark skies, and is commonly used by astronomers for capturing some of the most vivid displays of the Milky Way Galaxy. During the winter months, when the conditions are just right, it’s possible to view and photograph the aurora borealis.
Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/glac/
Grand Portage, Minnesota
You’ll find Grand Portage located along the Canadian border in the upper part of Minnesota. Grand Portage is well known for being in a popular destination for those seeking the elusive lights. Several great locations in and around Grand Portage provide the perfect viewing experience, with minimal light pollution and clear views of the northern horizon.
Learn more: https://www.visitcookcounty.com/places-to-visit/grand-portage/
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Isle Royal National Park is located closer to Canada than it is to the United States. Technically part of Michigan, the National Park is an island that is located in the northernmost part of Lake Superior. It is accessible by either boat or seaplane, which provides aurora hunters with a remote and pristine viewing location. Due to its location, light pollution is non-existent, and when the conditions are right, you will be able to see some of the most vivid displays of the auroras imaginable.
Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/isro/
North Cascades National Park, Washington
The North Cascades National Park is situated north of Seattle, along the Canadian-American border. It is a popular destination for Washingtonians to view the auroras. The parking is in a remote location, that provides visitors with dark skies, and decent weather conditions. All of this adds up to an excellent viewing location which increases your chances of capturing a glimpse of the ghostly lights.
Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/noca/
Vermont (Various Locations)
Vermont is another state that is located along the Canadian-American border and is known for being a rural destination in the northeastern US. Many different locations throughout Vermont provide excellent viewing locations, especially along the shores of Lake Champlain and Mallet’s Bay.
Learn more: https://www.vermontvacation.com/
Summary: When & Where to See Northern Lights in US Lower 48 States
While glimpsing the northern lights in the US Lower 48 states is not a common occurrence, with some planning and attentiveness, it is possible to see them in the northern parts of the mainland, in the right location and right time.
The main considerations when viewing the aurora borealis this far south of the auroral oval (which is located approximately at the Arctic Circle) is to get your timing right, and choose a location as far north as you can manage.
Where to See Northern Lights in US Lower 48
| STATE | LOCATION |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | International Falls Grand Portage |
| Wisconsin | Door County |
| Michigan | Upper Peninsula Isle Royale National Park |
| Maine | Acadia National Park |
| Montana | Glacier National Park |
| Washington | North Cascades National Park |
| Vermont | Various Locations |
When to See Northern Lights in US Lower 48
The main considerations for choosing the right time to see the aurora borealis in the US Lower 48 states are:
- Solar Cycle: Aim for a year which falls at the peak of the solar cycle. In any location south of the auroral oval, this is especially important.
- Aurora Forecasts: Pay attention to aurora forecasts using a northern lights app, in particular the timing of geomagnetic storms, and plan to get out when they are active.
- Time of Year: The cold, dark months are ideal, from September to March.
Seeing the northern lights in the US Lower 48 is not guaranteed, but not impossible. For a more likely glimpse of the lights, consider planning a holiday to the northern parts of Canada or Alaska instead, where sightings of the lights are much more frequent due to their higher latitude. For more tips on where to see northern lights in US and Canada, check out our Northern Lights North America articles.
Happy aurora hunting!
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