Find a Viewing Location Anywhere
So, you want to see the Aurora! The first thing on your mind is probably “Where should I go?” Personally, I’m a firm believer that if you learn the game of chasing, you can see the Northern Lights anywhere, even right in your backyard or a nearby park. If you want to travel farther, there’s more to take into consideration.
Use the resources here to find a viewing location anywhere!
The Empowerment Principle
We empower people to find their own viewing locations and, above all, to keep exact locations or park names off of large public forums, to protect wildlife, vegetation, property, and humans. In countless ways, chasing in small, sustainable groups reduces damage and risk.
Keep locations discreet.
How do we share locations then? Please send a private message to the person requesting/advising or discuss park names or exact locations in small groups only. Names of nearby cities and counties are not the source of most problems.
Read up on ideas.
If you’re a beginner, do some reading. You’ll quickly learn where to go! Or you can start with well-known locations that can be found in online listings or guides. These locations are often safer and more accessible.
Scout out your own spot.
Find a place with exciting potential during daylight, so you can go there more confidently in the dark, while avoiding precarious terrain, unexpected encounters, and other pitfalls. Bonus! You can also find a cool composition for a one-of-a-kind photograph.
Learn Night Sky Etiquette.
Become part of the solution! Every night sky enthusiast should take time to learn proper Night Sky Etiquette.
A Note from Melissa: You’ll see me using this principle in the communities where I chase Aurora. It can also be called the “Locations Principle” or our “Principle on Viewing Locations.” I’m grateful for any help encouraging others to consider these sustainable practices!
Read more about this principle and its four parts at KaelinArt.com.
An Empowered Guide to Viewing Locations
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. A Good Starting Point:
Seven Ways to Find a Viewing Location
II. Come On! Why Not Just Make it Easy?
III. Important Considerations
IV. Lists of Exactly Where To Go
V. The Empowerment Principle: Explained
VI. Reasons to Become an Empowered Chaser
VII. FAQ
Thank you to Michigan Aurora Chaser Gary Syrba for sharing the featured photograph on this page. Check out his work at Gary Syrba Photography.
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I. A Good Starting Point
Many parks, wilderness areas or lake shores are natural choices for Aurora Chasing. They offer enjoyment of nature and the night sky away from highways and busy roads, outside of city light pollution, and in areas that are graced with benches or other friendly features. A simple search on a maps app or internet browser turns up many options.
Give this a quick search! Or keep reading for many more options…
Seven Ways to Find a Viewing Location
- Scout our your own viewing location.
Take a joy ride during the daylight in your neighborhood, county, or even the place you like to vacation most. Keep your eyes open for park signs, public places, safe pullovers and other features, and take note of Aurora viewing advantages, such as an open northern horizon, lack of development, water features or high altitudes. For good viewing, return after dark to ensure any locations you find still feel safe and are free of light pollution. - Visit a dark sky place in the north.
Use this search tool from International Dark Skies to find protected land and night skies in 22 countries on 6 continents:
https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/all-places/ - Use a light pollution map to pinpoint darkness near you.
Many interactive light pollution maps are available, including this great tool:
https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/ - View open-source maps offered by various groups.
Some social media groups share lists of locations for their members or in public databases, including this world map which started in the Southern Hemisphere Aurora Group:
Global Aurora Sighting Map | Hunter Heliophysics - Browse locations near you from previous Aurora Sightings.
Simply find a social media group for your region to get started! Then read the captions on the photos for the city or county name. Once you have a place to start, you can then look up parks, lakes or other nature-surrounded settings nearby. - Watch a video tutorial.
Learn how to find a unique dark viewing location near you with a step-by-step tutorial on my YouTube channel:
“Find a Viewing Location Anywhere Using Dark Sky & Light Pollution Maps” - Read listicles, articles or advice columns.
Scroll down to Section IV for curated lists of Northern Lights viewing locations.
More Columns from my Blog
What types of structures, landscapes and lighting make for good Aurora Chasing and Photography? Find out in these fun columns on my blog:
- “Make or Break Your Shot: The Beauty of Night Sky Etiquette”
- “A Unique Viewing Location for Everyone”
- “Scout Out the Best Viewing Location”
- Still can’t catch the Aurora? “Ask How, Not Where to View the Aurora”
Are you in the Michigan Aurora Chasers?
The group I founded prides itself in educating beginners, to help them catch their first Aurora, celebrate the achievement, and become successful chasers. If you’re in the group, check out these added resources:
- Browse our Visual Guide inside the Michigan Aurora Chasers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.463810232806608&type=3
- Michigan Aurora Chasers can find exact locations in our Beginner’s Guide written by Patrick Grubba: linktr.ee/MiAuroraChasers
II. Come on! Why Not Just Make It Easy?
I love helping people to enjoy the Aurora in beautiful locations! It’s why I will sometimes lead a #LiveChase for 50-100 people at once, as we catch the Northern Lights together. But I choose the locations for such events carefully, with permission, plentiful parking, amenities and safety in mind.
Those who know me know that I am committed to making this experience as accepting, accessible and inclusive as possible. I respect people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and I recognize that we each will have a unique experience under the night sky.
That said, I also want you to have a positive experience. Below are just a handful of potential scenarios that show why I don’t want to simply “tell you where to go.”
- A once-safe location is now flooded out, after torrential rains, and there’s nowhere to stand or you and your gear get soaked.
- The bridge is out on a route that made for a fun and safe journey two weeks ago, so you’ll never arrive in time.
- A perfect location I recommended in your region just happens to be socked in by wildfire smoke tonight, preventing any night sky viewing.
- Erosion along the lake shore in a once-perfect spot has led to dangerous mudslides right next to public trails, and you could get hurt.
- Maybe I didn’t know you were going to drive into some of the most primitive areas, like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, without a full tank of gas; and you didn’t know the gas stations there close early and are far between, so you got stranded on the road at night. Unlike me, you do not keep extra granola bars, water and blankets in your car, and in the winter, this turns into a very dangerous situation.
- New commercial development has been completed in an area that consisted of perfect dark skies just last year, and you won’t be able to see anything.
- You didn’t tell me you planned to bring young children or babies, and I sent you to rigorous terrain without realizing how challenging it would be to keep your family safe.
- I knew you were hoping to find somewhere safe, but I didn’t know you needed it to have open public restrooms.
We all get excited during exceptional Aurora activity and make decisions on a whim! But it’s still important to treat an Aurora Chase like any other long-distance road trip. The advice in this guide is really kind of simple…
Think before you chase!
III. Important Considerations
- Protecting life comes first. In the dark, it’s nearly impossible to know a person’s situation. They might need light to protect against falls; they might be treating a wound or insect bite; they might be investigating an animal nearby; they might’ve dropped their keys. As much as we want to preserve dark skies, please remember safety comes first.
- Blinding artificial lights. The more people come out to one place, the harder it will be to avoid interruptions of light in your viewing and photography. Please learn Night Sky Etiquette and use as little light as possible. Also, please do not shout at others to turn their lights off: this will not improve situations. Instead, please walk closer and ask in a normal voice.
- Life-threatening weather occurs during peak Aurora season. Using one viewing location will not provide you with options when severe weather hits, and catching the Aurora is not worth endangering your life — whether it’s frostbite, ice-covered roads, blizzard conditions, roads submerged in floodwater, or something else.
- It is very likely you could lose cell phone signal. Many dark sky areas are off the grid or have spotty cell phone service. You may lose your signal, and it could happen during an emergency.
- Using private property without permission is not okay. This is never okay, it is unlawful trespassing, and at night, it becomes more risky. Those who trespass at night look very suspicious, and please remember that many residents keep guns in their home for protection. If you want to stand on private property, please think ahead and call to ask for permission.
- Closing times may be a barrier. While parks in Canada and other countries may stay open all night, many parks in the United States close at dusk or night time. This is a difficult topic to discuss, but please always respect the requests and direction of park rangers, community leaders and other law enforcement officers.
- Do your part to keep outdoor activities safe and sustainable: Avoid posting specific locations in large crowds. During the pandemic, we saw how massive crowds in one spot where there is no traffic control can lead to headaches, disaster and destruction of our beautiful natural spaces. The national parks became overrun, and no amount of advice could save some beautiful landmarks from permanent damage. Only share specific viewing locations in one-on-one chats or small group discussion. This will not only safeguard your whereabouts, but it is also one of the easiest ways to protect wildlife, plant life and even local human residents from potential distress or harm.
- Extenuating personal circumstances could attract trouble. If you make a public announcement, it could attract trouble for those coming to the same spot. Without getting into the weeds on this issue, think stalkers, human trafficking, restraining orders, vulnerable adults, unsupervised children, etc, etc, etc.
- Stay within your comfort level. Aurora Chasing is an immersive nature activity, because it takes time to witness something spectacular. Those familiar with nature hikes and camping know how to protect against dangers in the wild, whether it means bears or snake bites, running out of water, or facing potentially life-threatening cold or hypothermia. Humans become more vulnerable to some risks at night. If you are not experienced in natural excursions, please try to stay within your comfort level on every front — whether it means using familiar locations, staying closer to civilization, or only going out in certain temperatures, like weather above freezing. People are injured every year from mishaps in the wilderness. A little bit of wisdom and caution can prevent you from becoming one of those people.
- Avoid unnecessary risks. In some cases, towing companies and other emergency service providers are limited, delayed or closed at night.
- Respect park rangers and law enforcement. Going out in the dark requires the highest level of respect for others, including those who are entrusted with protecting the public and public lands. Please don’t be the reason for increased enforcement, No Entry signs, or even laws passed to prevent night sky tourism.
- Leave no trace. Whatever you bring in with you, plan to bring it out. You can always pack light. Littering or abusing pristine places often leads to them being closed to foot traffic in the future.
- Some prefer to chase alone. This is a personal choice, and an invitation is up to that individual. Be mindful of this.
- If you don’t slow down, accidents can happen. It was recently brought to my attention that two cars crashed during a recent Aurora Chase. Viewing the Aurora is not worth bodily harm and damages. Please think ahead as you approach dark places and only turn off your headlights when you are confident it is safe for you to do so.
IV. Lists of Exactly Where To Go
By suggesting viewing locations in lists of ten or more places, it’s my hope that the options will encourage you to spread out and chase in small, sustainable crowds.
Lately, Aurora Chasing is a hot topic, and new articles come out all the time! If you still need ideas, do a little reading in the articles below.
Worldwide Locations
- “Where to see the Northern Lights All Around the World” | Condé Nast Traveler
- “The 9 Best Places to See the Northern Lights” | Outside
- “The 18 Best Places to See the Northern Lights” | U.S. News
- “The best places to see the Northern Lights in 2024” | Lonely Planet
United States Locations
- “See a Sky Full of Stars at These Certified Dark-Sky Parks | NPCA”
- “11 Darkest Places in the U.S. for Incredible Stargazing | Travel+Leisure”
- “Catch the Northern Lights Without Leaving the Lower 48 | Thrillist”
- “How to View the Northern Lights From New England and the Midwest” | The New York Times
- “Where to See Northern Lights in North America This Winter” | The Wander Club
Great Lakes Region Locations
- “The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in the Midwest” | Midwest Living
- “Here’s how to see auroras—from the Great Lakes” | National Geographic
Michigan Locations
Visit the links below for lists of DOZENS of actual locations where you can easily view the Northern Lights in Michigan.
- “Northern Lights in Michigan – Best Time and Places” | Capture the Atlas
- “Inside Secrets for Viewing the Northern Lights in Michigan” | PureMichigan
- “Michigan dark sky parks, sanctuaries are best spots to see northern lights, stars” | Detroit Free Press
- “Five Spots in the U.P. for Seeing the Northern Lights” | MLive
- “Awesome Mitten’s Ultimate Guide of When, Where and How to See the Northern Lights in Michigan” | Awesome Mitten
- “A Guide to 5 of the U.P.’s Best Northern Lights Viewing Areas” | U.P. Travel
Click here to view only the list.
V. The Empowerment Principle: Explained
In more detail, here is a new primer I created called The Empowerment Principle. The principle has four parts that tie back into the main idea: We want you to feel empowered!
Our goal, as seasoned chasers, is not to prevent you from hearing about good viewing locations, but instead to empower you to be the best you can be. The new experiences you create, the new friendships you make, and even your photography — all of these will benefit from walking out at night as an empowered Aurora Chaser. If the name doesn’t stick, and we have to call it something else, I’ll update this page.
You will have the best results, hands-down, if you scout out your own viewing location. You can choose a place that fits every desire on your list. Scouting out amazing locations is part of the chase. For many of us, finding a hidden gem of a viewing location is half the fun! Plus, you can choose a location that fulfills all your wishes and needs.
That’s why I’m calling this An Empowered Guide to Viewing Locations.
The Empowerment Principle
We empower people to find their own viewing locations and, above all, to keep exact locations or park names off of large public forums, to protect wildlife, vegetation, property, and humans. In countless ways, chasing in small, sustainable groups reduces damage and risk.
a. Keep locations discreet.
How do we share locations then? Please send a private message to the person requesting/advising or discuss park names or exact locations in small groups only. Names of nearby cities and counties are not the source of most problems.
b. Read up on ideas.
If you’re a beginner, do some reading. You’ll quickly learn where to go! Or you can start with well-known locations that can be found in online listings or guides. These locations are often safer and more accessible.
c. Scout out your own spot.
Find a place with exciting potential during daylight, so you can go there more confidently in the dark, while avoiding precarious terrain, unexpected encounters, and other pitfalls. Bonus! You can also find a cool composition for a one-of-a-kind photograph.
d. Learn Night Sky Etiquette.
Become part of the solution! Every night sky enthusiast should take time to learn proper Night Sky Etiquette.
VI. Reasons to Become an Empowered Chaser
Once you start enjoying the night sky this way, your experience will improve by leaps and bounds! This approach to viewing the night sky has many benefits to you, including:
- Enjoy the darkest skies, the shortest distance from home.
- Avoid unwanted headlights and parading flashlights: If you only go to the most popular locations, you should prepare for numerous interruptions from artificial light.
- Immerse yourself in peaceful viewing and more intimate conversations with other Aurora Chasers.
- Choose the length and difficulty of hikes and climbs that suit your desires.
- Be confident you will not lose cell phone signal, after scouting out service boundaries during the daylight.
- Know precisely where you will set up and navigate to the spot expertly in the dark, before the Aurora even begins.
- Plan exactly what distance you need to carry your camera gear.
- Bond over inspiring experiences that will forge respectful friendships and connections for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coming soon!
melissa f. kaelin 