{"id":68086,"date":"2018-02-21T20:06:36","date_gmt":"2018-02-22T02:06:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=68086"},"modified":"2018-02-26T21:48:24","modified_gmt":"2018-02-27T03:48:24","slug":"5-great-places-to-catch-the-northern-lights-in-north-america","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2018\/02\/5-great-places-to-catch-the-northern-lights-in-north-america\/","title":{"rendered":"5 great places to catch the Northern Lights in North America"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you hoping to spot the Northern Lights this year, but don\u2019t have the time, money or patience to fly halfway around the world to see them? Then this article is for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best places in North America to spot the Aurora, followed by a checklist of everything you’ll need to make the most of your trip.
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RELATED:<\/strong> Canada’s coolest town in every province and territory<\/a><\/p>\n

Best places to see the Northern Lights in North America<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Northern

Glaze at the green glow over Cook County, MN | Photo by Jason Carpenter<\/a> – Flickr cc<\/p><\/div>\n

C<\/span>ook County, Minnesota<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This sparsely populated corner of\u00a0 Minnesota is known as one of the best places in the lower 48 states to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Tucked away in the far northeast corner of the state between Lake Superior\u00a0and the Canadian Border, Cook County<\/a>‘s exact geographical position affords many opportunities\u00a0to spot the green glow. Visitors can also bundle up and take advantage of the great outdoors in Superior National Forest.<\/p>\n

\"Alaska

There is no place like Alaska for the Northern Lights! – Photo by Mike Juvrud<\/a>\u00a0– Flickr cc<\/p><\/div>\n

Anchorage, Alaska<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Way up in Anchorage<\/a>, your chance of seeing the Northern Lights are much higher than most of the lower 48 and even many parts of Canada. The tall mountains and larger than life landscapes will make an Aurora trip to Alaska even more memorable and flights prices to Alaska’s largest city are surprisingly within reach.<\/p>\n

\"Banff

A trip to Canada to see the Northern Lights is sure to be worth it – Photo by Danial Bradford<\/a>\u00a0– Flickr cc<\/p><\/div>\n

Banff, Canada<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

With or without the Northern Lights, Banff National Park<\/a> in Canada is a special place. If you’re lucky enough to catch Banff’s night skies filled with the dancing Aurora it will be a sight you won’t soon forget. The jagged mountains and stunning lakes make a great canvas for the Aurora to paint its light. While Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories might have a better chance at a sighting, Banff is easier to get to (it’s an easy reach from Calgary) and has some other great activities in case the Aurora doesn’t cooperate.<\/p>\n

\"Northern

Catch the Northern Lights over the bridge that connects upper and lower Michigan. – Photo by Wall Boat<\/a>\u00a0– Flickr cc<\/p><\/div>\n

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Another closer-to-home destination to see the Northern Lights is in Northern Michigan. Similar to Cook County, Minnesota, the U.P. falls in the natural path of the Aurora, which dips down over the Great Lakes. One particularly promising option is Headlands International Dark Sky Park near Mackinaw City<\/a>.\u00a0 The 600-acre swath of old-growth forest sits on an undeveloped shore of Lake Michigan, which ensures minimal levels of light pollution.<\/p>\n

\"Montana

See the dancing Aurora in Northern Montana – Photo by Diana Robinson<\/a> – Flickr cc<\/p><\/div>\n

Montana<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

With some solar activity, the top half of Montana has the potential to put on a good Northern Lights show. This is another stunning area of the country with or without the lights. If you time your trip toward the end of spring you might have a chance to enjoy stunning Glacier National Park<\/a> with a splash of Aurora colors.<\/p>\n

ALSO:<\/strong> Light up your life withe Orbitz Rewards and earn instantly on flights and hotels!<\/a><\/p>\n

Northern Lights checklist:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n