Introduction

Seeing the northern lights is a dream for many travelers, but chasing the aurora doesn’t have to mean camping out in the freezing cold or flying to the Arctic Circle. In fact, the U.S. offers several remote, luxurious lodges where you can enjoy the show in comfort, surrounded by wilderness and warmed by fireplaces, hot tubs, or even floor-to-ceiling glass walls. These aren’t just basecamps, they’re destinations in themselves, combining nature with high-end hospitality.

The aurora borealis is most visible in the far north during winter, and in parts of the U.S. particularly Alaska, northern Minnesota, and even parts of Idaho and Montana there are luxury lodges positioned perfectly for viewing. What sets these places apart is not just their location, but how they turn a natural wonder into a five-star experience. Think heated domes, curated meals, expert guides, and wide-open skies with zero light pollution. Here are six luxury lodges that let you chase the lights without roughing it.

6 Resorts to Watch Northern Lights in Style!

Chena Hot Springs Resort – Fairbanks, Alaska

Located just 60 miles from Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is one of the most accessible places in Alaska to view the aurora and one of the most comfortable. The resort is famous for its geothermal hot springs, where guests can soak in steaming mineral water while watching the sky dance overhead. Rooms range from standard lodgings to upscale cabins, and the onsite Aurora Ice Museum is a quirky, photogenic bonus.

Because it sits directly under the auroral oval, Chena gets frequent, vivid displays from late August through April. Nightly aurora tours take guests to nearby hilltops for even better viewing, and the heated outdoor pool is open until midnight, often when the lights are most active.

Aurora expert and physicist Dr. Jason Ahrns notes, “Chena’s geothermal activity keeps it warm even in mid-winter, which makes it one of the few places where you can watch the lights while completely relaxed, not freezing.”

Borealis Basecamp – Fairbanks, Alaska

Also located near Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp offers one of the most photogenic experiences for northern lights chasers in the U.S. Its luxury geodesic domes feature heated interiors, ensuite bathrooms, and transparent ceilings, so you can lie in bed and watch the aurora ripple across the sky. Each dome comes with modern Scandinavian decor, plush bedding, and privacy, creating an experience that’s part glamping, part boutique hotel.

This lodge caters specifically to aurora seekers, with customized photo tours, local cuisine, and guides who monitor solar activity to help time the best nights for viewing. It’s been featured in publications like Condé Nast Traveler and Architectural Digest for its balance of style and immersion.

Tour operator Heather Dixon shares, “Borealis Basecamp is ideal for couples, photographers, or anyone who wants to watch the lights without stepping outside or compromising comfort.”

Hotel Alyeska – Girdwood, Alaska

Tucked into the Chugach Mountains about 40 miles from Anchorage, Hotel Alyeska is a ski-in/ski-out resort that doubles as a luxury northern lights lodge during peak aurora season. The property blends alpine charm with five-star comfort, featuring an award-winning spa, multiple restaurants, and cable car access to mountain-top viewing spots.

What makes Alyeska unique is its location near the coast, which adds a different landscape to the usual tundra backdrop of aurora photos. On clear nights, hotel staff provide updates and wake-up calls for guests who want to catch the lights. During the day, visitors can ski, snowshoe, or enjoy the spa, making this a great pick for those who want a full winter resort experience.

Meteorologist Karla Schoonover notes, “While cloud cover can be tricky in coastal Alaska, Hotel Alyeska often benefits from fast-changing weather systems, so it’s worth being ready at any hour.”

Gunflint Lodge – Minnesota’s Boundary Waters

Situated near the Canadian border in northern Minnesota, Gunflint Lodge offers rustic elegance in the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It’s one of the best places outside of Alaska for aurora viewing in the Lower 48. Guests stay in private log cabins with fireplaces, jacuzzis, and sweeping views of Gunflint Lake, often mirrored with the colors of the aurora on clear nights.

The lodge offers guided night hikes, dogsledding, and even photography workshops focused on capturing the northern lights. While less flashy than Alaska’s domes or resorts, Gunflint delivers authentic wilderness luxury, surrounded by silence and star-filled skies.

Naturalist John Latimer explains, “What makes Gunflint special isn’t just the view, it’s the isolation. With no light pollution for miles, even a faint aurora display can feel surreal.”

TreeHouse at Moose Meadow Lodge – Waterbury, Vermont

Although Vermont isn’t a prime destination for the northern lights, rare solar storms have made aurora sightings possible even in the northeast. Moose Meadow Lodge’s two-story luxury treehouse offers a unique, secluded vantage point surrounded by forest and elevation. The property includes a main log lodge, gourmet breakfasts, and hiking trails, but the real star is the hand-built treehouse, outfitted with a full bathroom, wraparound deck, and skylight.

While aurora sightings here are infrequent, the experience of watching any kind of night sky event from a heated, elevated treehouse is worth the trip. The lodge is also LGBTQ-friendly and known for curated couples’ stays.

As local guide Peter Cooper puts it, “You don’t come to Vermont expecting the aurora, but if you catch one, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of night. The treehouse just makes it better.”

Scoria Vineyard and Dome Retreat – Idaho

Set in the emerging wine country of western Idaho, Scoria’s dome retreat combines two indulgences which are stargazing and wine tasting. This off-grid eco-lodge features insulated geodesic domes with clear skylights and wood-burning stoves, perched above rolling hills with minimal light pollution. It’s a lesser-known spot for aurora, but during high solar activity, the northern lights can sometimes be spotted here, especially during the shoulder seasons of March and October.

Each dome has heated floors, minimalist interiors, and a stocked minibar with local wines. Guests often pair a stay here with daytime wine tastings and evening bonfires.

Astrophotographer Leah Hanson shares, “Idaho is underrated for night sky viewing. On the right night, it’s as good as any northern outpost minus the extreme cold.”

FAQs

When is the best time to see the northern lights in the U.S.

The aurora is most visible between late August and mid-April, with peak activity typically in February and March. Clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution are key factors.

Is Alaska the only state where you can reliably see the aurora?

No, although it’s the best option. Northern parts of Minnesota, Montana, Idaho, and even occasionally Vermont can experience aurora during strong solar events.

Do luxury lodges guarantee sightings of the northern lights?

Unfortunately, no. Solar activity, cloud cover, and timing all affect visibility. However, these lodges are positioned in high-probability zones and often offer tools like apps or guides to improve your chances.

Are northern lights visible to the naked eye?

Yes, but they may appear fainter than in photos. Long-exposure photography can make the lights look brighter than what you see in real life.

Key Takeaways

You don’t need to leave the U.S. to experience the northern lights. Several remote luxury lodges offer prime viewing in serious comfort.

Alaska dominates the aurora scene, with Fairbanks being the most reliable area for sightings. Domed stays like Borealis Basecamp make the experience both stylish and immersive.

Lower 48 states like Minnesota and Idaho offer surprisingly good opportunities during strong solar storms, and luxury lodges there deliver warm, secluded accommodations.

These lodges often combine adventure and indulgence, offering everything from geothermal soaks to in-room skylights and personalized aurora alerts.

To checkout luxury train travel, read this!