Chasing the aurora borealis is a dream for many, and if you’re wondering where to see northern lights in Michigan, this guide has you covered. Michigan offers some of the best opportunities in the continental United States to experience this incredible natural light show. Whether you’re venturing up to the Upper Peninsula or staying closer to the Lower Peninsula, Michigan’s unique geography makes it a prime location for catching a glimpse of the northern lights.
Let’s dive into the best locations, tips, and key insights so you can plan your aurora adventure.
Why Michigan is a Great Place for Northern Lights
Michigan’s proximity to the auroral oval makes it a fantastic spot for viewing the northern lights. When solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) hit Earth’s magnetic field, the geomagnetic storms that result produce the mesmerizing dancing lights. Although most people think of places like the north pole for aurora sightings, Michigan’s low light pollution and dark night skies make it a perfect place to see the lights.
The current solar cycle has made the best northern lights in Michigan even more frequent, with sightings happening farther south than ever before. I’ve personally seen the auroras twice this year from my own backyard in west Michigan! Whether you’re in the Upper Peninsula or the Lower Peninsula, knowing where to see northern lights in Michigan is key to catching this stunning natural event.
Best Spots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
1. Presque Isle Park – Marquette
- Location: Marquette, MI
- Parking: Free and plenty of spaces available.
- Crowd Level: Busy during prime aurora season, but manageable.
- Why It’s Great: The unobstructed view of the night sky over Lake Superior makes Presque Isle Park one of the top spots where to see northern lights in Michigan. The park extends into Lake Superior, providing ample vantage points to find the best view of the aurora. Just be sure to check the weather forecast, as cloud cover can quickly spoil the experience.
While you’re in Marquette, why not explore some nearby natural wonders? Check out our guide to the Best Waterfalls in Marquette, MI for a full list of stunning waterfalls to visit.
2. Keweenaw Peninsula
- Location: Copper Harbor, MI
- Parking: Free, with some parks charging small fees.
- Crowd Level: Typically not crowded, making it a best bet for peaceful viewing.
- Why It’s Great: With very dark night skies and minimal light pollution, the Keweenaw Peninsula is one of the premier places where to see northern lights in Michigan. Locations like Eagle Harbor and Eagle River offer fantastic unobstructed lake superior shorelines with some of the best views of the aurora.
3. Whitefish Point
- Location: Paradise, MI
- Parking: Free, but limited—arrive early.
- Crowd Level: Quieter than most spots, even during active auroras.
- Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for a peaceful place where to see northern lights in Michigan, Whitefish Point on the southern shore of Lake Superior offers pristine conditions. Its isolation from urban centers guarantees dark skies, and the brightness of starlight is just as breathtaking on clear nights.
While chasing the northern lights, don’t forget to bring a UV flashlight to hunt for Yooperlites, the glowing rocks found along Lake Superior’s shores.
4. Sugarloaf Mountain
- Location: Near Marquette, MI
- Parking: Free, but limited—arrive early.
- Crowd Level: Typically quiet, even during peak times.
- Why It’s Great: Sugarloaf Mountain offers a panoramic view of the UP, making it one of the highest vantage points to see northern lights in Michigan. The short hike is worth it for the stunning unobstructed view of the night sky, giving you a great chance to capture the auroras.
5. Isle Royale National Park
- Location: Off the coast of the Keweenaw Peninsula
- Parking: You’ll need to plan ahead, as ferry or seaplane transport is required.
- Crowd Level: Low, as it’s one of the most remote national parks.
- Why It’s Great: For the true adventurer, Isle Royale offers incredible unobstructed views of the night sky and some of the darkest skies in Michigan. It’s an excellent place where to see northern lights in Michigan, especially with its distance from urban light pollution.
Where to See Northern Lights in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula
1. Headlands International Dark Sky Park
- Location: Mackinaw City, MI
- Parking: Free
- Crowd Level: Popular, but well worth the visit.
- Why It’s Great: One of the best places where to see northern lights in Michigan, this dark sky preserve offers fantastic natural phenomenon viewing opportunities. Located near the Mackinac Bridge, the park minimizes light pollution to ensure the naked eye can easily spot the auroras.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Location: Empire, MI
- Parking: $25 per vehicle for day use or America the Beautiful Pass
- Crowd Level: Busy during the day, quieter at night.
- Why It’s Great: The vast shores of Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes provide one of the top places where to see northern lights in Michigan. Its expansive sand dunes give you open skies and minimal light pollution, especially on nights when cloud cover is low.
Looking for more unique experiences in northern Michigan? Be sure to check out SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge at Boyne Mountain, offering stunning views of the landscape.
3. Wilderness State Park
- Location: Carp Lake, MI
- Parking: Recreation passport.
- Crowd Level: Quiet and perfect for escaping crowds.
- Why It’s Great: Wilderness State Park is known for its very dark night skies. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers a remote escape from city lights, making it an excellent spot where to see northern lights in Michigan without the hustle and bustle of more popular parks.
4. Port Crescent State Park
- Location: Near Port Austin, MI (Thumb area)
- Parking: Recreation passport.
- Crowd Level: Usually quiet, especially during fall and winter.
- Why It’s Great: Located in Michigan’s Thumb, Port Crescent State Park offers a peaceful and remote place where to see northern lights in Michigan, with unobstructed views over Lake Huron. Perfect for those living in the southeast region who want a closer aurora viewing option.
5. Sleepy Hollow State Park
- Location: Laingsburg, MI (near Lansing)
- Parking: Recreation passport.
- Crowd Level: Lightly visited, especially in colder months.
- Why It’s Great: Just outside Lansing, Sleepy Hollow State Park offers fantastic conditions for those in mid-Michigan wondering where to see northern lights in Michigan. The open fields and very dark skies make it an ideal aurora viewing spot.
Tips to Maximize Your Northern Lights Experience
- Watch Out for Parking Lot Lights
- We once went to a popular beach with a great vantage point, but the viewing area was flooded with headlights from the parking lot. The beach was packed, and the light of the aurora was drowned out. Now, we look for more remote locations to avoid this!
- Check the Aurora Forecast
- Always consult the Space Weather Prediction Center before heading out. NOAA provides real-time updates on solar wind and geomagnetic storms. Apps like Aurora Forecast are perfect for ensuring the conditions are right.
- Avoid Full Moon Nights
- The full moon can drown out even the best auroras. Plan your trip around a new moon for the darkest skies and the best chance to see the lights clearly.
- Use Long Exposure Settings for Photography
- Whether using a DSLR or your cell phone with night mode, a steady hand (or tripod) and long exposures are key to capturing the dancing lights. Make sure to adjust your settings for best results.
If you’re planning a road trip to catch the northern lights, don’t forget to pack some road trip-friendly snacks! Check out our article on the Best Road Trip Food to Pack to make sure you’re fueled for the adventure!
FAQs About Where to See Northern Lights in Michigan
Where can I see northern lights in Michigan?
You can see the northern lights in Michigan in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Popular spots include Presque Isle Park, the Keweenaw Peninsula, Whitefish Point, and Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
What is the best time to see the northern lights in Michigan?
The peak months for northern lights are usually from September to March, especially during the fall equinoxes and winter months when the nights are longest. Strong solar storms can create auroras year-round, so stay informed through apps like Aurora Forecast.
Can I see the northern lights from metro Detroit?
Yes, on rare occasions during strong geomagnetic storms, you can see the lights as far south as metro Detroit.
Do I need a special camera to capture the northern lights?
While professional cameras are great, you can capture the auroras on most modern smartphones with night mode. Use long exposures to get the best shots of the auroral displays.
Now that you know where to see northern lights in Michigan, it’s time to plan your trip! Whether you’re heading to the Upper Peninsula for dark skies or staying closer to home, Michigan offers plenty of great spots to experience the northern lights.
Have you experienced the northern lights in Michigan? Let us know your favorite spots in the comments, or sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates on where to see northern lights in Michigan and other travel tips!