Forget Alaska: These 7 U.S. Secret Spots Have INSANE Northern Lights

Think you have to fly to Iceland or Alaska to see the aurora? Think again. These U.S. destinations in the Lower 48 offer surprising chances to catch the Northern Lights — especially during solar storms or peak winter months.

Here are 7 spots in the U.S. (that aren’t Alaska) where you might just witness the sky light up.

1. 🌲 Cook County, Minnesota

Way up north near the Canadian border, Cook County is one of the most aurora-friendly areas in the Lower 48.
✨ Don’t miss: The shore of Lake Superior or atop Oberg Mountain — both dark and dreamy.

2. 🏞️ Glacier National Park, Montana

With big skies, high elevation, and minimal light pollution, Glacier gives you a chance to see green and violet waves dance across the mountains.
✨ Don’t miss: Try Logan Pass or Lake McDonald for the best sky views.

3. 🌌 Aroostook County, Maine

Northern Maine doesn’t just deliver maple syrup and moose — it also serves surprise light shows in the night sky.
✨ Don’t miss: Stargazing at Baxter State Park or near the Canadian border for peak darkness.

4. 🐴 North Dakota – Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Not many people think of North Dakota as a bucket-list destination, but its dark skies and remote landscape are perfect for aurora hunters.
✨ Don’t miss: Head to the North Unit and keep an eye on space weather alerts during fall and winter.

5. 🌲 Upper Peninsula, Michigan

The U.P. is full of remote shoreline and dense forest — which means minimal light pollution and stunning lakefront aurora reflections.
✨ Don’t miss: Head to Marquette or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for a chance to catch the show.

6. 🏔️ Idaho Panhandle – Priest Lake or Sandpoint

Tucked up near the Canadian border, northern Idaho gets occasional aurora sightings — especially during solar flare activity.
✨ Don’t miss: Priest Lake at night is gorgeous whether the lights show or not.

7. 🌄 Washington’s Mt. Baker Wilderness

Surprised? You’re not alone. This northern Washington region has ideal conditions during high geomagnetic activity — and some lucky stargazers have caught the lights here.
✨ Don’t miss: Try Artist Point for sweeping views and wide-open skies.

🔭 You Don’t Have to Go to Alaska to Chase the Lights

While it’s still rare, the Northern Lights can show up in surprising places — especially during powerful solar storms (like the one in May 2024!).

So bundle up, grab a camera, and keep an eye on the aurora forecast — because your next road trip might just come with a sky full of magic.