Watching the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis shimmer and dance across the horizon is one of the most thrilling experiences in a lifetime. Many people, however, never see them because they think they must travel to Alaska, Canada, Finland, Norway or the North Pole. Yet, some of the best viewing is here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The dazzling swirls of greens, purples, oranges and reds occur when sun particles, riding on the solar wind, collide with Earth’s atmosphere. It’s not an every-night event.
When is the Best Time to See the Light Show?
Catching a glimpse of these celestial dances is best in the U.P. between August and April. What days they occur hinges on understanding solar flares and the KP Index, which forecasts geomagnetic activity.
You can peek at the forecast and tailor your adventure by paying attention to these forecasting sites:
When the KP Index is in the 0-2 range, the Aurora Borealis will be farther north, quite dim in intensity, and not very active. But when the index gets to the 3-5 range, the Northern Lights move farther from the poles and explode in color and motion.
What Are Five Best Northern Lights Viewing Locations On Lake Superior?
The Upper Peninsula is ideal for seeing the Northern Lights because it has little to no light pollution. Lake Superior also offers miles of unimpeded views of the horizon and night sky. It is closer to the North Pole than other parts of Michigan, so the days are shorter and the nights are longer from fall through mid-April. This lets you stargaze in the early evenings.
You can watch the Northern Lights anywhere in the U.P. where there is a clear spot on Lake Superior’s southern shore.
Here are five of the top picks for viewing along Lake Superior.
1. Brockway Mountain, Keweenaw International Dark Sky Park, Copper Harbor
The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is one of only three parks in Michigan and about 100 in the world to complete the robust international dark sky certification process. The park is free and headquartered at the historic Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, 4252 U.S. Highway 41, Copper Harbor.
One of the best places in the U.P. to watch the Northern Lights is Brockway Mountain Drive. You will gasp at the view from 735 ft. above lake level. The experience of looking out at Lake Superior is otherworldly!
The paved road is open from mid-April until snow closes it. In winter, you can access the spectacular view via a snowmobile.
2. Miners Castle, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising
One of the most famous landmarks in this highly-visited national park is Miners Castle. It is the only cliff area accessible by car. A short paved, wheelchair-accessible path takes you to the overlook for viewing the Northern Lights. Access to this lookout and other viewing beaches may be limited by snow in the winter, so you may need to reach them by snowmobile, cross-country skis or snowshoes.
3. M-28 Turnouts Between Munising and Marquette
Head west from Munising on Highway M-28 to Marquette. This road snugs up to the Lake Superior shore. There are several turnouts where you can pull off to watch the Northern Lights and see more stars than you can count.
4. Breakers Beach, North Canal Township Park, Houghton
This beach, called the “Breakies” by locals, is 11 miles from downtown Houghton. The beach is outside the breakwall, facing Lake Superior’s open water. It has several campfire rings to roast hot dogs, marshmallows or campfire fare. Bring firewood, matches and chairs. Bundles of wood are available for purchase at several firewood stations on the way into the park — bring cash. There is plenty of parking, but arrive early on Northern Lights nights — the sky show draws a crowd.
5. Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, Eagle Harbor, Keweenaw Peninsula
If you have been to the coast of Maine, this picturesque harbor and lighthouse on Lake Superior will remind you of it. Arrive early enough on a clear day to watch the sunset before being mesmerized by the Northern Lights. Have your camera ready for both.
OTHER FAVORITE LOCATIONS ALONG LAKE SUPERIOR
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING WHEN STARGAZING
Dress for the weather, remembering that it will be colder along the shores of Lake Superior. Wear a warm coat, boots, hat and gloves. Bring a portable chair or blanket plus a red-light flashlight to protect your night vision, binoculars, a telescope and a camera. Pack some snacks and a warm beverage. Then sit back and be awed!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What causes the Northern Lights?
A: The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere. These particles travel along the solar wind and are drawn to the planet’s magnetic poles, where they interact with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere. The energy released during these collisions creates vibrant displays of green, purple, red, and yellow light. While the science behind it is complex, the result is a breathtaking natural phenomenon that feels almost otherworldly.
Q: How far in advance can the Northern Lights be predicted?
A: The Northern Lights can typically be predicted a few days in advance, thanks to tools like the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center and the KP Index. These resources monitor solar activity and geomagnetic conditions that drive aurora displays. However, predictions are not always precise, as they depend on variables like solar flares and the speed of the solar wind. For real-time updates, apps like My Aurora Forecast can help you plan your viewing.
Q: What weather conditions are best for seeing the aurora?
A: Clear, dark skies are essential for seeing the aurora, making cloudless nights ideal. Light pollution from cities, a bright moon, or even heavy fog can diminish visibility. Cold, crisp air is often associated with the clearest skies, especially in winter months. Checking local weather forecasts for cloud cover and planning to be far from urban lights will greatly improve your chances of a good view.
Q: What time of night is best for seeing the Northern Lights?
A: The best time to view the Northern Lights is typically between 10 PM and 2 AM, when the sky is at its darkest. This time frame aligns with peak aurora activity and minimal light interference from the sun, even on the horizon. Patience is key, as displays can vary in intensity and duration. Arriving early and staying late can increase your chances of witnessing the show.
Q: Do I need special equipment to view the Northern Lights?
A: No special equipment is needed to view the Northern Lights, as they are visible to the naked eye. However, a good-quality camera can help capture the moment more vividly. Bringing a red-light flashlight is useful for navigating without compromising your night vision.
Q: Are there photography tips for capturing the Northern Lights?
A: Capturing the Northern Lights requires a camera, a tripod, and patience. Use a wide-angle lens with a lower aperture (f/4 or lower), and set your ISO between 800 and 3200 for optimal light sensitivity. A long exposure, typically between 5 and 30 seconds, will allow you to capture the aurora’s vivid colors. While modern smartphones with advanced night photography modes can do an impressive job of capturing the Northern Lights, a dedicated camera often delivers superior results with greater clarity and detail.
Q: What should I bring for a comfortable Northern Lights viewing experience?
A: Dress in layers with a warm coat, gloves, and boots to stay comfortable during cold nights. A portable chair or blanket is helpful for prolonged viewing, along with a thermos of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa. Don’t forget a red-light flashlight to protect your night vision and a camera if you want to enhance your experience. Snacks, a fully charged phone, and a buddy for safety and company make the outing even more enjoyable.
Q: Can I view the aurora in urban areas like Marquette or Houghton?
A: While it is possible to see the aurora from cities like Marquette or Houghton, light pollution can obscure the display. To improve visibility, consider heading just outside the city limits to darker areas like Presque Isle Park near Marquette or the Breakers Beach area near Houghton. These locations offer darker skies while still being close to urban conveniences. Always check aurora and cloud cover forecasts before heading out.
Book Your Stay Now!
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the U.P. has something special for every stargazing traveler. To get the Northern Lights dates you want, book your stay early.
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