Idaho Joins Maine, New York, and Wisconsin Unveil Hidden Northern Lights Destinations, Boosting U.S. Tourism with Dark Sky Experiences

Published on December 13, 2025

Idaho, Maine, New York, and Wisconsin are rapidly becoming popular destinations for Northern Lights tourism, attracting stargazers and nature lovers from all over the country. These hidden gems are part of the growing trend of dark sky tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the aurora borealis without leaving the United States. Officially designated dark sky areas and national parks in these regions are now drawing more attention, enhancing local tourism economies by offering unique and immersive nighttime experiences. These once-overlooked locations are now emerging as key players in the U.S. tourism landscape, offering much more than typical sightseeing.

The Northern Lights, a breathtaking natural phenomenon, are often associated with remote locations like Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. However, Idaho, Maine, New York, and Wisconsin are now entering the spotlight as some of the best-kept secrets for viewing the aurora. Dark sky parks, remote national monuments, and lesser-known wilderness areas are becoming top choices for travelers seeking an authentic and peaceful experience under the stars. By promoting these hidden gems, these states are tapping into the growing interest in nature-based tourism, particularly in light of the increasing demand for eco-friendly travel experiences.

In Idaho, the Panhandle National Forests and Craters of the Moon National Monument offer expansive views of the aurora due to their lack of artificial light pollution. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve — the first of its kind in the U.S. — has become a prime destination for both professional astronomers and tourists. The Reserve’s remote location ensures that the night skies remain pristine, making it ideal for aurora viewing. The park’s designation as a dark sky preserve has been instrumental in boosting Idaho’s tourism, attracting visitors seeking rare celestial phenomena like the Northern Lights. The combination of scenic beauty and natural dark skies creates a perfect opportunity for stargazing tours and photography.

Similarly, Maine has embraced its role as a leading destination for dark sky tourism. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge are two key sites that offer expansive and unobstructed views of the aurora. These areas are less crowded than popular northern spots, providing an ideal setting for those looking to experience the lights without the distractions of a bustling tourist scene. Maine’s tourism boards are increasingly promoting these locations as top-notch destinations for astronomy enthusiasts, bringing more visitors to the state’s rugged landscapes.

In New York, the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory is quickly becoming a go-to spot for Northern Lights sightings. While the aurora is less frequent in this region than in the far north, the Adirondack Mountains offer clear views of the sky, especially in winter and early spring. New York’s tourism industry has been tapping into the growing interest in stargazing, with the Adirondacks offering both educational opportunities at the observatory and stunning vistas of the night sky. This integration of science and nature tourism appeals to a wide range of travelers, from those interested in astrophotography to those simply looking to disconnect and marvel at the night sky.

Wisconsin’s Newport State Park, located on the Door Peninsula along Lake Michigan, is another hidden treasure that has recently garnered attention from stargazers. The park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the Midwest to witness the aurora. With minimal light pollution and expansive, uninterrupted views of the northern sky, visitors are treated to a pristine environment perfect for viewing celestial wonders. The promotion of Wisconsin’s dark sky parks is expected to increase tourism in the state, providing a quieter alternative to more crowded aurora destinations in the U.S.

These regions have been key in diversifying the U.S. tourism offering, providing travelers with experiences that go beyond typical urban attractions. Dark sky tourism is rapidly growing in popularity as more people seek out unique and off-the-beaten-path travel destinations. By leveraging the Northern Lights as a draw, states like Idaho, Maine, New York, and Wisconsin are tapping into a lucrative niche market. These areas offer not only the opportunity to view a rare natural phenomenon but also to explore remote, tranquil landscapes far from city lights, attracting tourists looking for peace, quiet, and a deep connection with nature.

As the demand for sustainable and unique travel experiences rises, these states are making substantial investments in promoting their dark sky parks and wilderness areas. By emphasizing their aurora-viewing potential, local tourism boards hope to boost the economy, support local businesses, and offer visitors a truly memorable and awe-inspiring experience. These lesser-known locations are proving that you don’t have to leave the U.S. to witness one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena.