12 Best Places in the US To Catch the Northern Lights (No Passport Needed)

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The Northern Lights are some of the most stunning natural sights you can see in your lifetime. Visiting the best places to see the Northern Lights in the United States will give you many opportunities to see them.

Imagine looking up at the night sky and seeing dancing hues of green, yellow, blue, and purple. The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are an atmospheric phenomena that inspired sky-watchers worldwide.

In the US, you can see the lights in many places; some are more fun to visit than others. Below are the 12 best places to see the Northern Lights in the US.

Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge, Montana

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Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge has unparalleled natural beauty and some of the clearest skies in the US. From September to April, you’ll have the chance to see the Northern Lights in all their beauty.

The park has been officially registered as a Dark Sky Park since 2022 and has become one of the most popular destinations for aurora hunters in the lower 48. You can join star parties and adventures with astronomical groups or simply observe the lights on your own.

Little Bitterroot Lake is one of the best places to catch the lights near the park. Here, you can camp on the shoreline and see the lights dancing over the waters while wildlife calls in the background.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks sits within the Aurora Oval, a northern region of the sky near the Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll have around an 80% chance of seeing the phenomenon from September to April if the weather is clear.

During this time, the lights will appear over the sky above the city. The show is spectacular and draws visitors from around the world.

When you visit, try staying at one of Fairbanks’ resorts and hotels outside the city. You’ll not only be away from the city lights and see the aurora even clearer, but you may get to enjoy a special spa day as well. Winning!

Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, Michigan

The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is a registered Dark Sky Park that has some of the best Northern Lights viewing in the country. You’ll gaze out over the coast of Lake Superior with nothing on the horizon but dancing lights.

You can camp in the park and have an entire viewing area to yourself. As you admire the sky, you can hear the sound of wildlife in the distance, making it a memorable experience not to be missed.

During the day, the Keweenaw Peninsula becomes an outdoor lovers’ paradise, with hiking trails and incredible kayaking. Enjoy the crystal clear waters and relaxing lake shore before setting up for an unbeatable Northern Lights experience, as long as the temperamental Michigan weather permits it.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park is one of the best places in the US to see the aurora borealis. It is a Dark Sky Park with unparalleled clear night skies.

For around 200 days a year, you can see the dancing lights along with striking views of the Milky Way and distant stars. At night, you may also hear the sounds of wolves and coyotes in the distance, making it an experience to remember.

In the park, there is a secluded lake near where you can camp. The park also offers guided tours and even a boat ride tour called Stars Over Namakan, which takes you to the middle of a lake to view the stunning night sky.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is one of the East Coast’s best places to see the Northern Lights. You’ll enjoy secluded viewing spaces far from city lights and distractions in this gorgeous natural environment.

The 87,500-acre park has lodges and campgrounds near lakes and rivers. In these quiet places, you’ll have no problem finding a clear space for viewing the lights.

Because of the park’s seclusion, check the weather to make sure you catch it with clear skies. Nearby towns and villages have all the amenities you need to prepare for an epic viewing experience in the woods.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield lies on the coast of Lake Superior on the northern tip of Wisconsin. Other than the small town, there are few urban lights, and every year, visitors and locals drive to the secluded parks nearby to see the colorful light shows.

The town is near forested islands such as Madeline Island and the Apostle Islands. If you take a boat to the islands, you can stay in cozy inns or even camp in a secluded campsite overlooking the lake.

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Every year, boat tours leave town and take you to the open water, where you can see the lights at the brightest displays. You’ll gaze at the stars and colorful aurora while loons and other wildlife make noises in the background.

Prineville Reservoir State Park, Oregon

Prineville Reservoir State Park is a quiet, natural space in the middle of some of the most dramatic landscapes in America. When the weather is clear, you’ll be high above the landscape, with unparalleled night sky views.

The state park is a registered Dark Sky Park. It is far from light pollution, making it the perfect place to see the lights and the night sky.

During the day, you can see landmarks such as the Mount Hood volcano. Come night, the park lights up, and from September to April, you’ll have a good chance to see the lights put on their show.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is another certified Dark Sky Park where you can see the lights at their peak. During the day, you’ll be surrounded by wildlife such as buffalo and elk. When night falls, the skies open up with stars and the occasional glimpse of the Northern Lights.

The park is far away from any glimmer of city lights. As soon as the colors come out, you’ll see the vivid colors dance in the night sky, turning the landscape into a colorful wilderness.

Within the 70,000-acre park are several great vantage points, including ranches and open spaces. Check out the Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival from August 30th to September 1st for the ultimate star party.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park has some of the best coastal views of the Northern Lights in the US. You’ll be surrounded by incredible natural scenery, including islands and bays, while you look up at the vivid displays of color.

The park is on the northern coast of New England, far away from city lights. To get the best views, you can either climb Cadillac Mountain and Sargent Peak or sit on the beaches of Sand Beach.

You’ll find beautiful places to stay near the water in the towns and villages nearby. Here, you can lay on the shore and look up at the beautiful sky and hues of color above without having to drive anywhere.

Coeur d’Alene National Forest, Idaho

Coeur d’Alene National Forest is Idaho’s premier space for checking out the colorful night sky. The area has clear skies most of the year and little light pollution.

You’ll observe the lights in a pristine forest with tons of wildlife serenading the views. Nearby places such as the Coeur d’Alene Resort offer many amazing opportunities to see the lights while staying in a luxurious space.

For the best experience, contact the area’s popular astronomy clubs to join viewing parties. Or, head out on your own to secluded places such as the Mineral Ridge Scenic Area to get the best views over the lake.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

Headlands International Dark Sky Park is Michigan’s premier Dark Sky Park. The park is located near the famous Mackinac Bridge and has minimal light pollution. Because of its northern location, you’ll have a good chance of seeing the lights.

The park offers many guided viewing events and educational activities. Rangers and space experts come to share their knowledge with curious guests, and people make entire celebrations out of the experience.

Nearby, you can drive to other incredible viewing areas, such as the 10,000-acre Wilderness State Park. Here, you can camp out under the stars and watch the lights in total seclusion.

Colville National Forest, Washington

Colville National Forest experiences plenty of clear night skies. It also is far away from any light pollution.

The northern latitude of the forest means that the lights will be visible frequently. When they are, you can join groups of light seekers who drive here from cities like Spokane and Seattle to experience the spectacle.

There are plenty of options for staying the night under the stars. You can find short-term rentals in the countryside near the mountains. Or, try camping and lying in your sleeping bag looking up at the lights above you, an experience many star-hunters dream about.