Booking.com declared “noctourism” – a focus on nighttime travel experiences – one of the top travel trends for 2025. Many noctourists travel far and wide to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights, aka the aurora borealis, a stunning natural display created when charged particles from the sun interact with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. This interaction paints the sky in shimmering hues of green, purple, red, yellow and blue, giving viewers a dazzling and unforgettable show.
If you’re looking for a chance to experience the Northern Lights, consider a trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Michigan is one of nine U.S. states within the “auroral zone,” an oval-shaped region around the earth’s North Pole that affords the best chance of seeing the northern lights. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of nation’s top spots to see the lights, particularly along the southern shores of Lake Superior – but solar storms can also make this dazzling light show visible in and around Grand Rapids in the Lower Peninsula.
When to See the Northern Lights in Grand Rapids
The best chances to see the aurora borealis in Grand Rapids occur around the spring and fall equinoxes (March and September), when solar winds tend to be strongest. Peak viewing is usually between 10pm and 2am local time.
Still, the timing of Northern Lights is quite unpredictable. The most accurate predictions are made within 24-48 hours of the actual display. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration maintains an Aurora Dashboard predicting visibility tonight and tomorrow night, and local news media typically highlight the possibility of local sightings when conditions are favorable.
Fisk Knob Park’s peaceful, secluded setting makes it an ideal spot for a quiet hike and stargazing.
Photo by Paul Jendrasiak for Experience GR.
Top Viewing Spots for the Northern Lights in Grand Rapids
To improve your chances of catching the lights, experts generally advise heading as far north as possible, away from city lights and other sources of light pollution. That said, many local residents enjoyed amazing views of the Northern Lights from vantage points across the city – north, south, east and west – amid a geomagnetic storm in October 2024.
Here are some optimal viewing spots in and around Grand Rapids:
Fisk Knob Park
Rising 1,072 feet above sea level, Fisk Knob is the highest point in Kent County. This four-acre park is about 25 miles north of Grand Rapids, so it’s nice and dark, with clear views of the horizon. Park in the small lot, then hike up the gated drive to the peak.
Cascade Township Park
One of the most spectacular videos from the October 2024 Northern Lights was captured in Cascade Township Park. While it’s nestled between busy Cascade Township and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, the 55-acre park is dark enough for excellent aurora viewing. It’s also a favorite spot to watch the annual Perseid meteor shower.
Riverside Park
It’s just a few minutes from the heart of downtown, but Riverside Park offers a view looking north along the Grand River that can provide magical glimpses of the Northern Lights along with swirling reflections in the water below.
The Fruit Ridge
Ten minutes north of Grand Rapids, The Fruit Ridge is an 8-mile wide by 20-mile long land feature boasting elevations greater than 800 feet. It’s one of the world’s prime fruit-growing regions, so the landscape is dominated by low-profile apple, cherry and peach trees and light pollution is minimal. Explore the country roads around Cedar Springs, Rockford and Sparta for a spot to pull off and see the show.
James C. Veen Observatory
Owned and operated by the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association, the James C. Veen Observatory has three major telescopes trained on the night sky. Public viewing nights are offered on select Saturdays from April through October, so it’s possible one might coincide with an aurora borealis event.
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan beach towns Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon and Saugatuck/Douglas offer expansive views of sky over endless water 30-45 minutes from Grand Rapids. Beachfront boardwalks, roads and scenic overlooks up and down the coast provide viewing points – just be sure to look north!
Dr. T.K. Lawless Park
Michigan is home to three internationally designated dark sky parks, which are protected against light pollution and have natural features to enhance views of the night sky. The closest to Grand Rapids is Dr. T.K. Lawless International Dark Sky Park, about 90 minutes south. It’s great for stargazing any time of year and can be a great place to view the Northern Lights when they’re visible that far south.
From Grand Haven to Saugatuck, the Lake Michigan shoreline offers scenic views, just a short drive from Grand Rapids.
Photo by Sarah Goodwin for Experience GR.
Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Grand Rapids
A crisp, clear night offers the best chance of seeing the lights. Keep your camera ready, because even if the lights appear faint to the eye, cameras can capture memorable images. Use the night mode feature on your smartphone for the best results – it increases exposure time to capture vibrant colors.
Whether you opt for a smartphone or a conventional camera, a tripod is a good idea to keep the camera steady. Consider using a remote release or cable release rather than pressing the shutter button your camera. You’ll need to adjust your ISO, aperture and shutter speed on DSLR or mirrorless cameras with manual settings.
Whether you’re visiting Grand Rapids in the spring or fall, you’re going to be outdoors well after the sun goes down to try and catch the light show. Dress warmly, in layers that you can take off or add as needed. Don’t forget boots, gloves and a hat. Bring a flashlight so you can navigate in the dark – red flashlights are best to preserve your night vision.
The Northern Lights aren’t the only natural fireworks you can enjoy in Grand Rapids – check out some of our favorite places to watch the sunset.