6. Experience the Northern Lights at Newport State Park
Experience the Northern Lights at Newport State Park
Address: Newport State Park, 475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Directions: From Sister Bay, take WI-42 north towards Ellison Bay. Turn right onto County Rd NP, which leads directly into Newport State Park.
Cost: $ (Vehicle admission sticker required)
Duration: 2-4 Hours
Seasonality: Year-round, with optimal conditions on cloudless and moonless nights
Description: Marvel at the celestial dance of the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, at Newport State Park, Wisconsin’s only wilderness state park and a proud bearer of the International Dark Sky Park designation. With its minimal light pollution and expansive dark skies, Newport offers one of the best settings in the United States for stargazing and catching the awe-inspiring aurora displays.
What to Look For: The aurora can appear in various forms, from tall rays that create a curtain-like illusion to arcs that span from horizon to horizon. As the night progresses, these arcs may begin to twist and sway, resembling windswept curtains of light. By early morning, the aurora often transforms into cloud-like patches that blink on and off until dawn.
When to Watch: The phenomenon can occur any time of the year, though visibility is best under cloudless, moonless skies. Late evenings to just before midnight are ideal for viewing the arcs, while the twisting forms are typically observed nearing midnight.
Viewing Tips:
- Look North for the best views, in places with an unobstructed horizon.
- Use dedicated aurora tracking apps like "Aurora" or follow local aurora hunters' groups on social media for real-time updates and tips, including "Great Lakes Aurora Hunters" and "Auroras of Door County" on Facebook.
- Plan to spend several hours, as aurora watching can require patience and persistence.
Park Features: Newport State Park spans over 2,400 acres of wilderness, offering 30 miles of hiking trails and 11 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. Activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and backpack camping enrich the daytime experience, while the park’s designation ensures stellar nighttime sky viewing opportunities. The park maintains 16 backpack-in campsites, fostering a serene and immersive natural encounter.
Note: Prepare adequately for nighttime temperatures and terrain. Ensure all camping gear and supplies are carried in and out, as the park promotes a leave-no-trace ethic to preserve its pristine condition.
Experience the magic of the night sky and the mystery of the Northern Lights at Newport State Park, where nature’s wonders illuminate the darkness and create memories that last a lifetime.
