FAR from the hustle and bustle of inland cities lies an incredible United States vacation spot where you might see better views of the Northern Lights than in Iceland.
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is surrounded by water and, as a result, doesn't have nearly as much light pollution as many parts of the U.S.
With hundreds of miles of shoreline and lake, the Upper Peninsula provides ideal conditions for seeing the Northern Lights.
In fact, it's one of the best spots in the world to catch a glimpse of the iconic nighttime lights.
Here, we round up everything you need to know to travel to the Upper Peninsula.
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WHY THE UPPER PENINSULA?
Michigan's Upper Peninsula borders three lakes: Superior, Michigan, and Huron.
The region offers an optimal environment to stargaze - and see the Northern Lights if the conditions are right.
The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, are the result of electrically charged particles from the sun smashing into gaseous particles in our planet's atmosphere.
Shades of green, pink, and purple are often seen when the lights are present.
While the Northern Lights can be seen in the Upper Peninsula year-round, it's recommended to visit between August and April.
The peak months are April, October, and November, and it's recommended to pick a night when there isn't a chance of snow.
The further north you travel, the more likely you are to see a spectacular show - but be sure to land in a spot where you're able to see down the horizon.
WHAT ARE THE BEST UPPER PENINSULA VACATION DEALS?
The Upper Peninsula is a destination you could visit for a day or turn into a full-blown vacation.
Because it's a region rather than a specific spot, you could conceivably visit multiple towns and cities as you journey to find the Northern Lights.
For example, you could fly into the local airport, Sawyer International (SAW/MQT) and stay in nearby Marquette.
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You could also fly into Green Bay International Airport in Wisconsin and rent a car to embark on an epic multi-city road trip.
Roundtrip tickets to Sawyer International from around the country typically include at least one layover and cost about $500.
Accommodations vary from hotels and resorts to home rentals and motels.
Many cost under $150 per night.
Keep in mind that the majority of the hotels are located inland from the lakes, so having a car will make this trip easier.
WHAT MAKES THE UPPER PENINSULA WORLD-CLASS?
The Upper Peninsula boasts a variety of spots where the Northern Lights are visible.
Drummond Island, located in the far eastern part of the region, is known for offering one of the best Northern Lights viewing spots in the world.
There are two world-class spots here where you can view the sky show: Drummond Island Township Park Beach or Glen Cove Beach.
Brimley State Park is one of the oldest state parks in the area and has more than 2,000 feet of sandy beaches along Lake Superior where you can lay a blanket down and star gaze.
Whitefish Point, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Au Train, and Marquette - the largest city in the Upper Peninsula - are all prime viewing spots.
In Mackinaw City, visitors can check out the Headlands International Dark Sky Park - one of only a handful of places in the world with designated Dark Sky viewing areas.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN THE UPPER PENINSULA?
Regardless of when you visit the Upper Peninsula, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
In addition to scouting out the Northern Lights, there is an abundance of nature-related activities.
The Upper Peninsula is home to more than 150 waterfalls, many of which can be seen along hiking trails.
You might also come across one of the many lighthouses in the area during your hike.
The hiking trails also offer the chance to see wildlife, including black bears, moose, deer, turtles, coyotes, and more.
Of course, there are also opportunities to go skiing, snowmobiling, golfing, ATVing, and fishing.
There are plenty of opportunities to take day trips within the Upper Peninsula region, as there are breweries, unique restaurants, and museums to explore.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UPPER PENINSULA?
The nearest airport is Sawyer International Airport, also known as Marquette, as it's located in Marquette County.
The U.S. dollar is the accepted form of currency.
A valid passport is only required if visiting from outside the U.S., or if you're traveling to another country after your visit to Michigan.
English is the spoken language.
Temperatures vary depending on the time of year you visit.
The weather can dip below freezing at the start of April and then rise into the 50s and 60s by the end of the month.
In October, expect slightly warmer weather conditions before November, when the temperature can trail off into the 30s and 40s.
The best times for viewing the Northern Lights are between 10pm and 2am.
And remember - it has to be as dark as possible for optimal viewing.
