Last night, I found myself standing with just my wife at Anclam Beach in Baileys Harbor at about 9.30pm. The picture above is what we witnessed and it was breathtaking. As we looked north over the bay we could see green ribbons of light that were dancing across the night sky, reflecting off the dark waters of Lake Michigan like nature’s own private light show. The aurora borealis had come to Door County.
I always assumed the northern lights were something reserved for Alaska or northern Canada. Those ethereal curtains of green, purple, and pink seemed as distant as the moon itself. But climate patterns and solar activity have been shifting, and increasingly, we’re getting these magical displays much farther south than ever before. Door County, with its dark skies and minimal light pollution, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline, has become an unexpected hotspot for aurora viewing. The peninsula juts out into the lake like a finger pointing north, offering unobstructed views of the horizon where these celestial performances unfold.
The science behind what causes the northern lights is fascinating, though I’ll admit I was too mesmerized last night to think much about solar particles and magnetic fields. When charged particles from the sun collide with gases in our atmosphere, they create those stunning colors we see dancing overhead. Oxygen produces the green and red hues, while nitrogen gives us those brilliant purples and blues. The lights appear to move and shift because the solar wind is constantly changing, creating an ever-evolving masterpiece across the sky.
What makes Door County particularly special for aurora viewing is the combination of geography and environment. The lack of major cities nearby means light pollution is minimal, especially once you get away from the more populated areas like Fish Creek and Ephraim. The long stretches of shoreline provide clear northern views, unobstructed by trees or buildings. Places like Whitefish Dunes State Park, Newport State Park, and the beaches near Bailey’s Harbor offer prime viewing locations.
I’ve learned that timing is everything when it comes to catching the aurora. You need a strong geomagnetic storm, which scientists can predict a few days in advance through space weather forecasts. The best viewing typically happens between 10 PM and 2 AM, when the sky is darkest. Clear skies are essential, since even thin clouds can block the display entirely. The moon phase matters too; while a new moon provides the darkest skies, a crescent moon can actually help illuminate the landscape without overwhelming the aurora.
Last night at Anclam, we were alone. Word is spreading through social media and local photography groups that conditions look promising again tonight.
The colors last night started as a faint green glow on the northern horizon, so subtle I wondered if my eyes were playing tricks. But within an hour, the display had intensified into distinct columns of light that seemed to pulse and breathe. Occasionally, streaks of purple would shoot upward like cosmic searchlights. The reflection on Lake Michigan doubled the spectacle, creating a mirror image that made it seem like we were surrounded by dancing light.
Photography enthusiasts will find Door County’s aurora displays incredibly rewarding to capture, though it requires some preparation. While the photos I have here were taken on my Sansumg phone I would imagine that a sturdy tripod, along with a camera capable of manual settings would capture this glorious event much better. Long exposures of 15 to 30 seconds would work best, with a wide aperture and high ISO settings. The key is finding the right balance between capturing the aurora’s movement and avoiding overexposure from any ambient light.
But honestly, some of my favorite aurora memories last night came from simply putting the camera down and watching. There’s something humbling about witnessing a phenomenon that connects us to the vast cosmos beyond our daily concerns. Standing there on the beach, watching ancient light dance overhead, reminded me how small we are in the universe and how lucky we are to witness such beauty.
The increasing frequency of northern lights over Door County reflects broader changes in our planet’s relationship with solar activity. While climate change affects many natural phenomena, the aurora is primarily influenced by the sun’s 11 year solar cycle and random solar storms. We’re currently in a period of increased solar activity, which means more opportunities to witness these displays in locations like Wisconsin.
For those hoping to catch their own northern lights display over Door County, preparation is key. Download a space weather app that provides aurora forecasts and alerts. Later in the season, dress warmly in layers. Having said that even during summer, lakeside temperatures drop significantly at night. Bring a red flashlight to preserve your night vision while walking around.
The best viewing locations require some driving, so plan your route in advance and let someone know where you’re going. Newport State Park offers some of the darkest skies on the peninsula, but it closes at 11 PM, so you’ll need to find roadside parking nearby. There are many mid-county, rural roads, that have almost no light and can provide a perfect spot to gaze.
Most importantly, manage expectations while remaining hopeful. Aurora displays are unpredictable, and many predicted events turn out to be duds. But when conditions align perfectly, the experience is absolutely magical. Last night in Baileys Harbor changed how I think about Door County and reminded me that wonder can appear anywhere, even in our own backyard.
The northern lights over Door County represent something profound about our connection to place and sky. This peninsula that draws visitors for its charming villages, scenic drives, and cherry orchards also offers moments of cosmic wonder that rival any destination on earth. Standing beneath dancing lights reflected in Lake Michigan’s dark waters, surrounded by the familiar landscape of Wisconsin, creates memories that last a lifetime.
So next time you see an aurora forecast for Door County, pack some warm clothes and head north. Two of our homes, Carraig Dale and Carraig Nua are situated mid county and provide a dark space paralleling Newport State Park. Just turn off the lights, grab a blanket, lie down in the grass and be amazed. The universe puts on quite a show when conditions are right, and Door County provides front row seats to one of nature’s most spectacular performances. The picture below is of Carraig Nua under the Northern Lights on Sept 14 2025.
