Is it just me, or is there something so mysterious and enticing about the night sky? Maybe it’s the fact that it’s different every single night or that it’s so out of reach, but I could (and I do) watch the night sky for hours. That’s one of my favorite things to do when backpacking. The stargazing is almost always incredible on backpacking trips because you’re so far from civilization and city light pollution. You can see millions of stars like never before, and oftentimes I don’t even want to go to bed because I’m so mesmerized by them.

The Northern Lights are a night sky phenomenon that truly blow my mind. No matter how many times I’ve seen them, I’m always in awe of the otherworldly streaks of color painted in the sky. If you haven’t had the chance to see them yet, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. Pictures are beautiful, but they don’t do the Northern Lights justice. Trust me.

You might think that you have to travel to Norway or Finland to see the Northern Lights, but there are actually quite a few places in the United States where you can see them. Keep reading to learn about ten states in the continental US where you can see the Northern Lights.

Idaho

Priest Lake is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Idaho, typically from September through March.

Maine

Visit Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge area from December through February to see stunning views of the Northern Lights.

Michigan

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, along the south shore of Lake Superior, is a prime location to view the Northern Lights.

Minnesota

An International Dark Sky, Voyageurs National Park is a great place to see the Northern Lights in Minnesota.

Montana

Catch Glacier National Park at the right time and you’ll be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights there.

New Hampshire

Mount Washington is the best place to see the Northern Lights in this state…sounds like the perfect backpacking trip!

North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the places in North Dakota to see the Northern Lights.

Washington

Depending on the year, you may be able to spot the Northern Lights at North Cascades National Park.

Wisconsin

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in America.

Vermont

If you camp at Ricker Pond on the right night, you just might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. They don’t show up here all the time, but when they do, it is a site to see.

Have you seen the Northern Lights before, or are you ready to plan a trip to see them in person? Be sure to do your research and see where they might be visible this year, then plan a trip and make it happen! It will be an experience you never forget.

In health & happiness,