Cook County + Boundary Waters, Minnesota · aurora
Cook County + Boundary Waters, Minnesota northern lights
The Boundary Waters region is the largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world — there is almost no artificial light for miles, which is exactly what the aurora wants. From late fall through winter, a good geomagnetic night turns the lakes north of Ely into mirrors of green. Superior National Forest campgrounds make the base.
Best season
September through March, best November–March, around 10 PM–2 AM
Where
Boundary Waters Canoe Area — world's largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary (Superior NF)
Nearest RV base
Superior National Forest campgrounds near Ely (USFS)
Watch it honestly
Best from about September through March, around 10 PM–2 AM. As always it depends on geomagnetic activity + clear skies — check the NOAA SWPC 30-minute aurora forecast and find a north-facing shore away from light.
Plan with the official source (and the NOAA SWPC aurora forecast): USFS — Superior NF dark sky .