Best aurora viewing on Keweenaw peninsula
Ok . We will me on the peninsula tomorrow Friday Oct 4. Staying in Chassell. We will drive and do whatever it takes to catch a glimpse of the magic. Calumet Waterworks? Copper harbor? Please help
The Keweenaw Peninsula is one of the best spots in the Lower 48 for aurora viewing due to its northern latitude and relatively low light pollution. Since you’ll be staying in Chassell, you have several great options within reasonable driving distance for maximizing your chances.
Key tips for aurora viewing:
- Head away from city lights—anywhere with minimal artificial light will improve visibility.
- Check the aurora forecast (apps like Aurora Forecast or websites like SpaceWeatherLive) and cloud cover to pick the best spot for the night.
- Bring warm clothing, blankets, and a thermos—October nights can be chilly on the peninsula.
- Give your eyes 15-20 minutes to adjust to darkness before expecting to see the aurora clearly.
Recommended viewing locations from Chassell:
- Calumet Waterworks Park: Close to Chassell and fairly dark, this park has open views to the north and east, making it convenient if you don’t want to drive far.
- Copper Harbor: At the northern tip of the peninsula, this is one of the darkest spots with panoramic sky views over Lake Superior. It’s a longer drive (about 2 hours from Chassell) but often considered the best vantage point for auroras.
- McLain State Park: South of Copper Harbor, offers open views along the shoreline and good dark-sky conditions.
- Eagle River and Little Traverse Lake areas: These inland spots reduce the horizon glow from towns along the lake and provide good northern sky visibility.
For your night on Friday, plan to start driving around sunset or shortly after, scout for clear skies, and settle at a location with a wide northern view. Being patient and flexible will increase your chances of catching the aurora. If the aurora is strong, even closer spots like Calumet can yield good sightings.
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