Chasing the Northern Lights: Best Regional Spots to Catch the Aurora

There’s something magical about watching the sky come alive with dancing waves of green, purple and red. If you're hoping to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), you don't have to travel to Iceland or Alaska. Northeastern North Dakota just so happens to be one of the best-kept secrets for aurora chasers in the continental United States!

Thanks to its northern latitude, wide-open prairies and low light pollution, this part of the state offers excellent views when conditions are right. Here’s where to go for your best chance of catching the Northern Lights around our region.

ICELANDIC STATE PARK

Cavalier, ND

Just a few miles west of Cavalier, Icelandic State Park is a favorite among locals and photographers alike. The open skies and reflective waters of Lake Renwick provide a stunning foreground for aurora shots. Bring a lawn chair and face north. The park is far from major light pollution and you can even stay overnight in nearby campgrounds or cabins.

PEMBINA GORGE

Near Walhalla, ND

Nestled in the scenic Pembina Hills, this area is not only great for hiking and ATVing, it’s also a fantastic spot for aurora viewing. Head up to a high vantage point along the gorge for sweeping views of the northern sky. Look for aurora alerts in early spring or fall when nights are longer but skies are often clearer.

TETRAULT WOODS STATE FOREST

Near Langdon, ND

If you're looking for somewhere truly remote, this state forest offers quiet solitude and some of the darkest skies in the region. With almost no nearby artificial lighting, the stars and hopefully the aurora, can really shine. A 4WD vehicle is helpful during wet or snowy seasons but be sure to bring a thermos and dress warm!

RURAL ROADS

Around Neche and St. Thomas, ND

Sometimes the best views come from pulling off a quiet gravel road in the middle of nowhere. The rural farmlands around Neche, St. Thomas and Mountain offer 360-degree views of the sky without obstruction. Use apps like Aurora Alerts, My Aurora Forecast, or NOAA Space Weather to track when activity is high. Aim for a Kp index of 5 or higher for visibility this far south.

TURTLE RIVER STATE PARK

Arvilla, ND

Located only 22 miles east of Grand Forks, this park is still relatively dark and can offer aurora views on strong geomagnetic nights. It’s a convenient option if you're staying nearby and want a quick northern sky check. Stay on the northern trails or fields for the clearest views.

KELLYS SLOUGH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

15 miles NE of Grand Forks

A quiet, flat area with wide-open skies and minimal light pollution Kelly’s flat horizon gives great visibility of low-hanging auroras.

RURAL BACKROADS

North & West of Grand Forks

Anywhere 10 to 20 minutes outside the city, especially north toward Manvel or west toward Emerado, offers darker skies. Make sure to pull off safely on a gravel road and look north.

WHEN TO GO

The Northern Lights are most active during late fall through early spring (September to March) but summer displays can still happen, particularly during solar storms. The key is a clear, dark sky and a strong aurora forecast. Always check local weather and aurora activity before heading out. Some great websites to assist you include Northern Lights Map & Aurora Forecast, Space Weather Live, Space Weather Prediction Center and the National Weather Service Grand Forks.

FINAL TIPS

  • Avoid city lights: 20 to 30 miles out of town is optimal.
  • Face north: The lights usually appear low on the northern horizon.
  • Bring a camera: Use long exposure settings to capture what your eyes might miss.
  • Stay patient: Sometimes it takes a while for the show to begin but it’s worth it.

Whether you're a seasoned aurora hunter or a first-timer, Northeastern North Dakota has all the ingredients for an unforgettable experience. Even just 15 to 30 minutes outside Grand Forks, you can experience one of nature’s most stunning light shows…if you know when and where to look. So bundle up, grab some hot cocoa and look to the sky. Who knows, you might just catch one of nature’s most awe-inspiring performances!

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