Rare Northern Lights Display Now Possible Tonight Across Minnesota

A few years ago, at about 11:30 pm, a friend of mine sent me a text that said, "Look outside - they are out right now!".

On my bucket list for years was to get a chance to see the magical Northern Lights.  About 34 to 42% of Americans have this on their wish list of things to see.  I am so glad that I threw my coat on, grabbed my shoes, and went out to a dark road in Southeast Minnesota that night...because I finally got to check that off.

If seeing the Northern Lights is a dream of yours, tonight might be the night you get to cross this off your bucket list, too.

READ MORE: How To Take Photos Of The Northern Lights

Don't Miss It: Northern Lights May Be Visible Tonight in Minnesota

A rare chance to see the Northern Lights could light up the skies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and even parts of Iowa tonight.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website, if the skies stay clear, the gorgeous greens and reds may show up tonight in our area.

Below you can see the red line for the possible viewing area of the Northern Lights.  It encompasses quite a few states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Keep Looking - Another Chance To See The Northern Lights Is Happening on Friday

Based on the data published right now, it appears that an even better chance to see the Northern Lights is now possible for Friday, March 20th, 2026.

When Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights

Grab another cup of coffee because seeing the Northern Lights may require you to stay up past your regular bedtime.

Typically, the best time to get outside and take a look at the Northern Lights is between 9:00 pm and 2:00 am.  Discovertheworld.com points out that the brightest lights (or colors) normally happen between 11:00 pm and Midnight.  That hasn't always been the case for me in Southeast Minnesota - we have had some pretty phenomenal showings in the 10:00 pm hour as well.

If you'd like to get a heads up, the NOAA.gov website has a dashboard that shows where the Northern Lights are active in the upcoming minutes.  You can also join different Facebook groups that help alert fans when the Northern Lights are active - Northern Lights Alert, and Northern Lights Tonight are a few that have some great photos and activity.

Helpful Tips To Successfully See The Northern Lights

I've had some pretty successful evenings the past few years seeing the Northern Lights.  Every time I've gone out with the hope of catching them, I've followed these tips:

• Drive away from the city lights.  This typically means getting off the main roads and finding a country road that doesn't have any type of lighting nearby.
• Park away from a farm or street lights.  (And please, for the love of all things, do NOT park on the edge of a busy road.  This is extremely dangerous!)
• Take a photo with your phone of the sky - if you see green or purple on the photo when you look at it, that is probably the Northern Lights.  This also helps you realize where they are if so you can attempt to view it with just your eyes.