Discover Nature's Ultimate Light Symphony With These 4 Tips For Seeing The Northern Lights In Michigan

By Author: Paul Austin - Contributing Writer
Total Articles: 4
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What first comes to mind when you think about Michigan? Of course, let's assume that you are typical of most people. If so, you probably already picture the excitement of kayaking to Turnip Rock, going on a shipwreck tour in Thunderbay National Marine Park, and glamping on the Upper Peninsula's gorgeous shores.

Consider how much fun it is to engage in winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Michigan is a year-round vacation destination with a wealth of things to do for tourists of all types.

The Best-Kept Travel Secret in Michigan

The Northern Lights are one of Michigan's most underrated sights. Michigan is a great place to see the famous aurora borealis and its hiking routes and ski areas.

That’s right. You don’t have to venture to Iceland or Norway to witness the extraordinary visual phenomenon. Michigan’s strategic location combined with relatively lower light pollution, creates the perfect environment for forming the Northern Lights.

There are many places in Northern Michigan, including the Lake Superior shoreline, that provide stunning views of the night sky that are illuminated ...
... with green, pink, blue, and a myriad of other colors.

However, these enchanted light streaks are challenging to see if you've read a little about aurora borealis. That means careful planning and research are necessary to see the Northern Lights in Michigan.

The tips in this article will help you get the most out of your Northern Lights trip to Michigan. Therefore, let's look.

Pick the Right Season of the Year

While there are many things to do and places to visit all year long in Michigan, the Northern Lights only emerge occasionally. The best times to see the aurora borealis are when winter changes to spring and fall to winter.

Plan your trip to Michigan between August and April if you want to see the Northern Lights. The months of October, November, and April are excellent for observing the brilliant display of natural lights.

Plan for the Cold Weather

The Northern Lights are not visible in a gloomy, cloudy sky if there is one thing you should be aware of concerning them. For the light streaks to be visible, the night sky must be clear. Therefore, there's a good chance you won't see the phenomenon even if you travel to Michigan in the shoulder seasons.

This highlights the importance of researching the weather in Michigan before making travel arrangements. Check the weather forecast for the specific area where you intend to see the Northern Lights using a hyperlocal weather intelligence platform.

Beware of forecasts for the overcast sky and bad weather, including thunderstorms and snowfall. Check the forecast for the night's temperature as well.

Apart from monitoring the weather in Michigan, you can also use apps to check precise forecasts for the Northern Lights. Alternatively, you could also check the Aurora Forecast on NOAA's website. The only slight catch is that these tools provide short-term predictions for the Northern Lights.

Bring Your Winter Clothes

The excitement of remaining outside on a chilly winter night is a big part of seeing the Northern Lights. It offers the tranquility that most city inhabitants long for. You must be ready to prepare for the drop in mercury levels as a result, though.

Bring a quilted jacket, gloves, woolen hats, and a few fuzzy blankets before you go out so you can stay warm all night. In order to combat the chill, it's a good idea to have a thermos filled with hot beverages.

Choose the Proper Location

If you're seeking for places to see the Northern Lights in Michigan, you'll be inundated with options. All you need to do is travel to Northern Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Awe-inspiring views of the aurora borealis can be found in Marquette, Skanee, Eagle River, and Brimley, all on Lake Superior's southern shore.

The Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City is another option. One of the few parks with that designation in the United States. Another great spot to see the Northern Lights is the Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin.

Final Thoughts On Watching the Northern Lights

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view the Northern Lights. Check the weather and aurora forecast for Michigan first. Next, pick a spot with the greatest views along Lake Superior's southern shore. Finally, practice your photography skills so you can capture the images.

Michael Hardy is owner and publisher of Thumbwind Publications.