Experience the Keweenaw Peninsula Northern Lights and Stars

The Keweenaw Peninsula turns nighttime into its own kind of activity. Families will find star-filled skies, the elusive northern lights and plenty of unique nighttime activities.}

The people who call this Upper Peninsula destination home have made the most of its clear, dark skies and rugged landscape, turning after-dark experiences into unforgettable memories.

Want more to do in the Keweenaw? See our full City Guide to learn all the basics, like where to eat and stay, winter activities for families and Nordic fun in the region.

1. International Dark Sky Park

The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor is the hub for all nighttime adventures. As home to a certified International Dark Sky Park, the lodge offers some of the very best stargazing in Michigan.

Families can attend seasonal events like the Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival, held annually in April, where astronomers lead stargazing sessions, night sky tours and workshops on everything from constellations to astrophotography.

Regular night sky programming throughout the year includes guided constellation tours, nighttime hikes and stargazing excursions, and telescope viewings, making it an accessible experience for stargazers of all ages. 

For families hoping to catch the northern lights, Brockway Mountain Drive, just outside Copper Harbor, is a top spot. The high-elevation location offers unobstructed views of the aurora borealis, which are most visible during the fall and winter months on cold, clear nights.

Pack warm blankets, a portable heater, and some hot cocoa in a thermos for a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience. Download an app like Aurora Alerts which can help plan the perfect time to visit. 

2. Rockhounds delight in Yooperlites

Rock hunting gets an evening twist at McLain State Park, where families can hunt for Yooperlites — fluorescent rocks containing sodalite that glow orange or yellow under UV light.

Late spring through early fall is the best time for this activity, when the rocky Lake Superior shoreline is accessible and not quite so frigid.

Bring, purchase or rent UV flashlights at an outfitter in Houghton, like Surplus Outlet, to explore the beaches at night, transforming a simple walk into an exciting treasure hunt.

3. Snowshoeing under the moon

In winter, the nearby Swedetown Trails in Calumet stay open through the night, offering guests moonlit snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.

Lantern-lit paths make these trails feel downright magical, and warming huts along the way provide comforting stops to rest. This is a fun way for families to explore the snowy woods after dark, combining exercise with a touch of winter wonder under the stars.

The Michigan Tech Trails in Houghton are another option for nighttime snowshoeing and skiing. Occasionally hosting evening events, these trails allow families to experience the quiet beauty of the woods under the stars.

For a peaceful nighttime adventure, the Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary near Copper Harbor is ideal for families who love hiking. Its trails offer serene views of the stars framed by towering old-growth pines. Snowshoeing is available during winter evenings, too.

The frozen shores of Lake Superior throughout the peninsula, especially near Eagle Harbor and Calumet, provide additional spots for stargazing or watching the northern lights. The reflection of the stars or aurora on the icy lake surface creates a breathtaking, surreal view that’s hard to match.

4. Outdoor spa experience under the stars

For those who prefer a more laid-back night, the Mount Bohemia Nordic Spa offers a unique way to relax.

Soaking in their outdoor hot tub or heated pool beneath a star-filled sky is the perfect way to unwind, with saunas and spa treatments available for those seeking extra indulgence.

The Keweenaw is a nighttime wonderland

Whether it’s stargazing, hunting for Yooperlites, enjoying lantern-lit trails, or soaking in a Nordic spa under the stars, the Keweenaw comes to life for families in the evening.

From glowing rocks to shimmering auroras, this region proves that the best kind of adventures can happen after dark.

Ready to trek to Michigan’s UP? Start planning today with our comprehensive City Guide to the Keweenaw Peninsula. Find out the basics, some great winter family activities and plenty of Nordic fun to explore. 

Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.

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