Can You See The Northern Lights In Iowa?


Seeing the northern lights is probably the most common bucket-list items out there.

Some people get to see them often. If you’re lucky enough to live in a Scandinavian country or in northern Canada, you’re close enough to the north pole that viewing conditions are almost always perfect. But what about the rest of us?

Thankfully, the northern lights aren’t just reserved to those who live near the poles. In fact, Iowa has some pretty good views!

Can you see the northern lights in Iowa?

northern lights iowa

While seeing the northern lights in Iowa is not as common as seeing them in Alaska, it is still possible to see the northern light in Iowa as long as there is strong solar activity.

The northern lights were last visibile in Iowa in 2021.

They had a potential to be visible in March of 2022, although it’s unclear if they ever were. The solar wind was most active Wednesday of that week, although it still lingered on Thursday. Good thing, because snow clouded the sky that Wednesday! 

Decently north, Iowa is closer to the north pole than a lot of the United States. This means there’s a weaker magnetic field than in southern states closer to the equator. And when it comes to the northern lights, the weaker your magnetic field is, the better.

The sun constantly ejects particles from its corona, resulting in solar wind. Northern lights dazzle before our eyes when the solar wind makes it through the magnetic field and hits the upper atmosphere.

How often do the northern lights appear in Iowa?

The northern lights appear quite often in Iowa because of how far north it is. While there isn’t always follow through, there tends to be the potential to see them at least once every year or so. 

What is the KP-Index and how does that relate to seeing the northern lights in Iowa?

kp index northern lights in texas

The KP-Index is a measurement that ranges between 0 and 9 that signifies the sun’s activity for three hours. The higher the KP-index, the better your chances are at seeing the northern lights.

When you’re closer to the north or south pole, the KP-index doesn’t have to be quite so high because the magnetic field isn’t as strong. But the further away you go from the poles, the higher the index has to be for the particles to make it through the magnetic field.

What are the best places to see the northern lights in Iowa?

1. Whiterock Conservancy

Whiterock Conservancy - Northern Lights Iowa

(photo)

Whiterock Conservancy is specifically designed to give you both privacy and an awe-inspiring view of the night sky. They have the darkest skies in the area and are the best place to go stargazing. Tents, trucks, vans, and pop-up campers (under 20 feet) are all welcome here.

With a picnic table, fire ring, shower house, port-a-potties, and trails, you’ll have everything you need and more at your campsite. 

But if there’s news of the northern lights appearing, you’d better hurry- this campground is first come, first serve.

2. Lake Sugema

Lake Sugema - Northern Lights Iowa

(photo: Stevenjgarner)

Lake Sugema is a nearly 600-acre lake famous throughout Iowa for its largemouth bass. There is a huge operation to prevent siltation at the lake in order to protect the fish- and preserve the fishing that takes place there.

Look forward to boat ramps, a fishing pier, and wildlife islands!

But if you’re not one to watch the night sky from a boat, then you’re probably interested in the 3,000 acres surrounding the lake. Just like the lake, this is a highly managed wildlife area with habitats in development and species populations on the rise.

Primitive camping only! 

3. Nine Eagle State Park

Nine Eagle State Park - Northern Lights Iowa

(photo)

Nine Eagles State Park is one of the most scenic state parks in Iowa. You’ll find trees over three centuries old, 15 miles of trail, a sandy beach, picnic areas, fireplaces, and more!

There are three campgrounds that have both non-electric and electric sites. There are also trailer dump stations, restrooms, and showers. 

Primitive equestrian campsites have fire rings, hitching rails, and pit toilets.

Go fishing and hiking during the day as you prepare for your big night looking up at the sky.

4. Palisades-Kepler State Park

palisades kepler state park - Northern Lights Iowa

Palisades-Kepler State Park has stunning ravines, majestic river bluffs, awe-inspiring trees and a huge array of wildlife. 

Native American mounds demonstrate the early history of the area. The park was established in 1922. Six years later an estate was donated to the park, which almost doubled its size. Lots of the rustic structures found at the park were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 30s.

If you’re in the business of hunting the northern lights, you’ll want to stay overnight- either in one of four cabins or at the campground. One of the cabins is ADA accessible, while they all have a fridge, stovetop, restroom, and shower. (Bring your own cooking supplies, towels, and bedding!)

The campgrounds have electrical hookups, restrooms, modern showers, and a trailer dump station. 25% of the campsites are first come, first serve. But if you hear about a solar storm and want to book in advance, you can do so here.

5. Preparation Canyon State Park

Preparation Canyon State Park  - Northern Lights Iowa

Enjoy Preparation Canyon State Park for its backcountry solitude.

There are ten hike-in campsites- some of the only hike-in sites in all of Iowa’s state parks. Each site has a fire ring and table, but bring your shovel! 

You’ll be under trees at some parts of the park, but if you explore the trails enough you’ll find wide-open expanses where you can see 360 degrees. Marvel at the landscape during the day, and the sky at night!

6. Eden Valley Wildlife Refuge

6. Eden Valley Wildlife Refuge

The Eden Valley Wildlife Refuge is perfect for viewing the northern lights. What could be more perfect than a lookout tower?

The cabins even have A/C, which can truly make or break a camping trip. You’ll come to find four twin size mattresses, a small fridge, and a microwave. Bring bedding and a camp stove if you want one. 

Pro tip: the bathrooms are better at the campground!

Tips to see the northern lights in Iowa

Here are some tips for the perfect night viewing the northern lights.

  • Head to the northmost part of the state for the best luck.

  • Check the forecast to see if the sky will be clear or cloudy.

  • You’ll have the best chance when the moon is below ¼.

  • Look to the north.

  • An aurora forecaster will be your best friend!

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