Northern Maine or Northern Minnesota to see the Northern Lights? (appointed, live in)

[Sprucey Meatball]

I plan on eventually taking a vacation to Presque Isle, ME or International Falls, MN because I want to see the northern lights but I'm too poor to go to Alaska. Which of these two places would I have a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights?

[jennifat]

Northern Minnesota is at a higher latitude than Maine, so definitely International Falls. However, if you want a real northwoods experience, you should go to Ely or Grand Marais on Lake Superior.

International Falls isn't particularly charming or special in any way, other than being close to Voyageurs National Park.

[Thealpinist]

Originally Posted by Sprucey Meatball

I plan on eventually taking a vacation to Presque Isle, ME or International Falls, MN because I want to see the northern lights but I'm too poor to go to Alaska. Which of these two places would I have a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights?

Much of Minnesota is a much farther north latitude than Maine. Might also want to try Idaho, Montana, or Washington State. The reality though is you won’t know there is going to be an aurora in these places more than 48 hours in advance. If you don’t live in the northern tier it would be hard to time your trip.

It is better to spend the money and take a flight to Fairbanks. You won’t be disappointed.

[Arthur McAlister2]

Originally Posted by Sprucey Meatball

I plan on eventually taking a vacation to Presque Isle, ME or International Falls, MN because I want to see the northern lights but I'm too poor to go to Alaska. Which of these two places would I have a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights?

Maine offers great national parks (Bar Harbor), fresh lobster, ocean/sea fishing, quaint and charming towns, friendly people, and more intelligent citizens.

Minnesota offers old/dying towns, flat land/uninteresting parks, mediocre lake fishing if you like mostly bony pike, small-minded people that tend to be weary of outsiders, and rural people that consider the yearly float parade in their town as the annual highlight. You are more likely to see the northern lights in Maine as well.

The world ends north of the twin cities of Minnesota.

[btownboss4]

The best chance might actually be Michigan’s UP since you get a clear Northern horizon. But you’d still have to get lucky with solar activity

[Prickly Pear]

Canada

[Thealpinist]

Maine is the same latitude as Northern California. You have a better chance in Northern Minnesota. Honestly though don’t count on seeing it. Might as well spend the money and fly to Fairbanks.

[Arthur McAlister2]

Originally Posted by Thealpinist

Maine is the same latitude as Northern California. You have a better chance in Northern Minnesota. Honestly though don’t count on seeing it. Might as well spend the money and fly to Fairbanks.

Northern California is south of Maine's latitude. North of Northern California, there is still have Oregon and Washington state. Minnesota has the highest latitude, but as you say, odds are that the northern lights will likely not be seen.

[Pincho-toot]

Originally Posted by Arthur McAlister2

Maine offers great national parks (Bar Harbor), fresh lobster, ocean/sea fishing, quaint and charming towns, friendly people, and more intelligent citizens.

Minnesota offers old/dying towns, flat land/uninteresting parks, mediocre lake fishing if you like mostly bony pike, small-minded people that tend to be weary of outsiders, and rural people that consider the yearly float parade in their town as the annual highlight. You are more likely to see the northern lights in Maine as well.

The world ends north of the twin cities of Minnesota.

Troll harder

[Tusco]

All of Minnesota from Eveleth's latitude and up is farther north than all of Maine. Copper Harbor and Eagle Harbor in Michigan are both also farther north than all of Maine.