Where to see the Northern Lights this winter

The northern lights are a beautiful sight and something everyone should strive to see at least once in their lifetime.

Also known as the aurora borealis, the lights are often elusive, but they can be visible to the human eye. Once you see them dancing in the darkness, they present a spectacular show. If you’re wondering where to see the northern lights this winter and upcoming Spring, take a look at these tips:

Copper Harbor:

Copper Harbor is known to be the best city in Michigan to view the northern lights. Winter is typically the best time to view the northern lights, but you can also view them in the summer. Because Copper Harbor is 30 miles from any other town and located in Michigan’s sparsely populated Upper Peninsula, it makes a great viewing location.

Marquette:

Marquette’s Lower Harbor is a great spot to look for the northern lights. Close to downtown Marquette and right on the water, it’s a truly breathtaking spot. The top of Sugarloaf Mountain is another option, but make sure you bring your flashlights and be safe as the northern lights are best seen on cold, clear nights.

Munising:

Munising is also tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, on your way to Marquette. Known for Pictured Rocks, Munising is a neat little town on the shores of Lake Superior. With no major cities nearby, it also makes for a great, dark spot to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

Mackinaw City:

Watch for the northern lights along the shore with the Mackinac Bridge in the background or at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park. The Dark Sky Park is minutes from the downtown area and nearly lightless, making it a great park for viewing the northern lights.

Port Austin:

Like Mackinaw City, Port Austin also has a Dark Sky Preserve. With very little artificial light, it makes viewing the northern lights a bit easier.

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Enjoying Petoskey in the Winter: Petoskey fun doesn’t stop in the summer months, winter is a blast here, too. Check out these ideas if you’re looking for winter-time fun up North!