Colorful aurora borealis with pink and purple lights fills the night sky above Minnesota's Rainy Lake, with the silhouette of trees in the foreground. | Rainy Lake, MN

Northern Lights

Colorful aurora borealis with pink and purple lights fills the night sky above Minnesota's Rainy Lake, with the silhouette of trees in the foreground. | Rainy Lake, MN

Located in Northern Minnesota, the Rainy Lake area and Voyageurs National Park are renowned for their stunning displays of the Northern Lights, making them prime destinations for aurora enthusiasts. While this natural phenomenon isn’t guaranteed, checking aurora borealis forecasts can help increase your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring display. Even if they don’t show up, you’ll have an amazing view of the starry night sky!

Whether you explore the park by snowshoe, ski, snowmobile, or choose to camp beneath the stars, a breathtaking celestial show awaits.

Learn more about the park’s dark skies and its International Dark Sky Park designation.

Related

Exterior of Americas Best Value Inn & Suites motel under a blue sky with clouds. A tall blue sign and marquee reading "The Best Place to Stay for Your Getaway" stand before the two-story Tudor-style Minnesota building near Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN

America Best Value Inn

A modern four-story AmericInn hotel in Minnesota features blue, white, and tan exterior walls, stone accents, and a red-and-white striped entrance canopy under a clear blue sky near scenic Rainy Lake. Manicured landscaping lines the front. | Rainy Lake, MN

AmericInn by Wyndham

Map of Voyageurs National Park and surrounding area in Minnesota, including Rainy Lake, showing snowmobile trails, safety warnings, lodging locations, trailheads, and amenities. Key and legend at the bottom; colored lines indicate routes and trail conditions. | Rainy Lake, MN

Arrowhead State Trail

A modern wooden cabin with large triangular windows and a wraparound deck sits among autumn trees near Minnesota’s Rainy Lake, surrounded by a green lawn and outdoor seating area. | Rainy Lake, MN

​Black Bay Lodge

A map of Black Bay Skiing and Hiking Trails near Rainy Lake, Minnesota, showing color-coded trails, parking areas, a visitor center, comfort stations, shelter, paddle access points, and a mileage scale. | Rainy Lake, MN

Black Bay Skiing and Beaver Pond Hiking Trail

Trail map of Blue Ox and Alwood/Squaw Lake areas in north-central Minnesota, featuring ATV routes, parking, campsites, picnic spots, service roads, and a map key with navigation tips—ideal for exploring the Rainy Lake region. | Rainy Lake, MN

Blue Ox Trail

A cheeseburger topped with bacon and macaroni and cheese is served with crinkle-cut fries in a basket. Behind it, a Boondocks Bar & Grill sign reflects the welcoming spirit of Minnesota’s Rainy Lake, set on a wooden table. | Rainy Lake, MN

Boondock’s Bar & Grill + RV Campground

Four people in winter clothing kneel on a frozen Minnesota lake, smiling and holding several fish each. More fish are arranged on the ice in front of them, with two off-road vehicles parked nearby—an unforgettable day on Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN

Border Country Outdoor Adventures

A black and white Ski-Doo snowmobile is parked on snow beside a green metal building near Minnesota's Rainy Lake, with its front view and windshield visible. | Rainy Lake, MN

Boyum Performance Snowmobile Rental