Aurora borealis, commonly referred to as the northern lights, is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena that has fascinated humans for ages. With the vast sky as the backdrop, the dancing waves of light make for a magical spectacle, which leaves onlookers spellbound. As this is visible from areas closer to the northern poles, many travelers take international flights and fly all the way to Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and other European countries to watch the northern lights. However, you can also see the northern lights from certain parts of the United States. Here we have listed some of the best places for watching the northern lights in the USA.
Idaho
Panhandle National Forest and Priest Lake in Idaho are some of the places from where you can see the northern lights. Skywatchers and photography enthusiasts flock to these places every year during winter to catch this celestial phenomenon. The views are particularly scenic at Priest Lake, with the dazzling lights reflected on the still surface of the lake. Panhandle National Forest is a hotspot for several outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, skiing, snowmobiling, etc.
Alaska
One of the best places to watch the northern lights in the USA is Alaska. This US State closer to the north pole boasts of more than 20 places for seeing the northern lights, and hence it is quite popular with skywatchers. Fairbanks is the most sought-after destination and the experience of witnessing this celestial show while soaking yourself in the warm waters at Chena Hot Springs (located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks) is something surreal! Apart from Fairbanks, you can also visit Utqiagvik and Coldfoot during the season of northern lights. Aurora viewing tours are also available for tourists. These guided tours are usually held in the thick of the night when the lights are most active!
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Maine
Located on the US-Canada border, Maine is an idyllic state known for its several opportunities for outdoor activities. Stargazing is among the best things to do here, and during the winter months, you can also watch the dazzling dance of light waves against the sky. For aurora viewing, Acadia National Park is the best in the town. This pollution-free wilderness area offers beautiful views of the northern lights, but you need to be prepared for the extremely chilly weather conditions at Acadia National Park during the winter season. New England Outdoor Center, Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Area, Katahdin Woods, and Waters National Monument, and International Dark Sky Park are other good options for watching the northern lights in Maine.
Minnesota
Famous for its rolling mountains, unspoiled forests, beautiful waterfalls, and tens of hundreds of lakes, Minnesota is home to some of the best places for spotting northern lights in the USA. Cook County, situated on the northeastern corner of Minnesota, along the shore of Lake Superior, is among the most-visited places in this state for aurora viewing. Head to Grand Portage to see northern lights dancing above High Falls. The clear skies and unpolluted environment offer the best views here. You can also spot northern lights at other places such as Superior National Forest, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Voyageurs National Park, and Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge among others.
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Pennsylvania
Northern lights do appear in the skies of Pennsylvania, and hence it’s worth as a potential aurora-watching destination cannot be dismissed. Cherry Springs State Park, recognized as one of the best stargazing destinations in the world, is every skywatcher’s paradise. You might even get a chance to see the northern lights here. The park offers photography workshops, which you can join to ace your photography skills. Keep your eyes peeled for the auroras as you enjoy glamping in the park’s Astro cabins set up on their private stargazing fields. This experience definitely leaves you satisfied, even if you have no luck spotting the northern lights.
Apart from the above, Headlands International Dark Sky Park (in Michigan), Glacier National Park (in Montana), Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Washington Island (Wisconsin), and Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota) are a few other places where you can see northern lights.
Winter is the best time for aurora viewing. If you have dreamed of witnessing the magic of aurora borealis live, then plan your visit to any of these places for the best experience of the northern lights in the USA. Take advantage of Indian Eagle deals on flight tickets and book your flight tickets at the lowest price!
