Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list experience for many, but what if we told you that there is an underrated and often overlooked National Park in the north of the US that is the perfect place to do this? In fact, this highly underrated National Park is being dubbed the “Norway of America” for its Northern Lights experiences, and once you visit, you’ll see why.
Like Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska or Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is listed as one of the most remote but beautiful National Parks in America. Similar to many parts of Norway, this remote National Park is a great place to catch the Aurora Borealis and get away from it all, with plenty of nature and wildlife surrounding you – plus, it is only accessible by boat.
So, if you are keen to spot the Aurora without buying expensive plane tickets, fancy enjoying some off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, and navigating the stunning Norwegian-style waterways by boat, then this is the place to go. Step back in time and learn about the adventurous life of the French Canadian Voyageurs while soaking up the dancing lights in the night sky in America’s most underrated National Park.
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Why Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota Is The ‘Norway Of America’ For The Northern Lights
Tucked away along the US-Canada border, this underrated National Park is a fantastic place to spot the Aurora
When we imagine the Aurora, we often associate this solar phenomenon with countries like Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Canada, yet this National Park offers visitors a great chance to see the Northern Lights in all its glory.
Despite being underrated and much more overlooked compared to popular National Parks, Voyageurs National Park is one of the best and most remote spots to see the Northern Lights in the US. However, seeing the Northern Lights is completely unpredictable and up to chance or being in the right place at the right time.
Due to its northern location, Voyageurs National Park is a great place to catch a glimpse of the Aurora during the peak season, which is December–March. However, the notoriously dark skies there are also perfect for stargazing.
In addition, the park, which was established in 1975, features an incredible 218,000 lakes as well as lakes, forests, and streams, so you can see why it’s being dubbed ‘The Norway of America.’ A haven for nature lovers and avid hikers, a number of scenic hikes are certainly worth packing for in Voyageurs National Park.
The name “Voyageurs” comes from the French Canadian Voyageurs who once navigated through these waterways, which are some of the best waterway trails to sail in Voyageurs National Park today if you are keen to follow in their footsteps in addition to catching the Northern Lights and exploring its forests, lakes, and streams.
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How To See The Northern Lights In Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
There are a few things you need to ensure if you want to see the Aurora at Voyageurs National Park
To witness any natural phenomenon, a few factors need to align in order to have the best chances of spotting them, and the same can be said if you want to catch the dancing Aurora in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota.
Here are a few things to consider if you are preparing to visit the National Park to witness the magic:
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Check the Aurora Forecast to ensure the Aurora is active during your visit.
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Make sure that it is a clear day, as this is essential for having a great view.
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The best time to see the Aurora is when the sky is dark, so check Nasa’s Sky Calendar in advance to see when the moon will rise, etc.
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Dark winter skies are exceptionally long in Voyageurs National Park, which increases your chance of seeing them at any time.
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Prepare to stay up late. The Northern Lights can show up at any time and for any length of time, so don’t miss the action.
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December–March is the peak Aurora season, but they can appear at any time during the year.
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The best location is an open horizon facing north, which is free of trees or obstacles that could affect your view. Try to stay as far away from artificial lights as possible, as this will greatly hinder your view.
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Other Things To Do In Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is a playground for all, and these are the best things to see and do during your visit
If you are wondering what there is to do in Voyageurs National Park in addition to catching the Northern Lights, then you are in luck, because this park has something for everyone.
Did we mention that this park is so remote that it can only be accessed by boat, so this is an ideal place to escape into pure nature? This has to be one of the stand-out features of the park and one that attracts many who seek some peace and tranquility.
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Fees & Passes |
Voyageurs National Park is free year-round |
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Best Time to Visit |
June – Mid-September is mainly frost-free, with mild weather, making it an ideal time to visit |
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Visitor Centers |
Rainy Lake Visitors Center (year-round) Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center, Ash River Visitor Center (May–September) |
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Operating Hours & Seasons |
The park is open year-round 24/7. |
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Internet Services |
Both Ash River and Kabetogama Visitor Center have free Wi-Fi. Cell service may be limited in remote areas of the park. |
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Accessibility |
All visitor centers can be accessed by car, but the rest of the park needs to be accessed by motorized boat. |
In early spring and late fall there are more likely to be hazards on the lake such as thin ice, so always be very cautious if visiting during this time.
Things to do in Voyageurs National Park
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Voyageurs National Park is well known for walleye fishing, which is a favorite among the locals, but around 54 species of fish have been found in the waters.
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Explore the waterways by canoe or kayak. This interpretive program is a fantastic way to learn about the adventurous life of a Voyageur.
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Go camping
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Observe the Dark Skies
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Visit Ellsworth Rock Garden
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Grassy Bay Cliffs are 125-foot-high cliffs which are an incredible sight to see.
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Embark on the Gold Portage scenic trail to spot wildlife like bears, moose, foxes, and sometimes even wolves.
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If you are an avid hiker, then you might like the challenge of embarking on one of the hardest hikes in Voyageurs National Park.
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On the contrary, if you prefer an easier trail, there are also the easiest hikes in Voyageurs National Park to enjoy.
The Gold Portage trail is an easy half-mile trail that is only accessed by boat. You will find a dedicated spot to moor your boat so you can access this trail – an ideal outing for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Places to stay in Voyageurs National Park’s Vicinity
If you are sticking around a little longer to make the most of this incredible National Park, then these are some of the best accommodation options to suit all budgets. We will also throw in a few local eateries for good measure so you can get the whole experience.
Recommended Eateries
All in all, the highly underrated, severely overlooked Voyageurs National Park is being dubbed the “Norway of America” primarily due to its stunning northern lights-viewing opportunities. However, its breathtaking landscapes, from lakes and streams to lush forests, waterways, and more, also wouldn’t look out of place in Norway’s countryside.
If you’re looking for a Scandinavian-like experience spent under the Aurora Borealis, plan your next visit to Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota during peak Northern Lights season!