Experts Share 12 Prime U.S. Destinations Perfect for Seeing Tomorrow's Rare Blood Moon

Stargazers and amateur astronomers will be in for a treat during the early hours of Mar. 3, 2026, when the Earth will pass between the sun and the moon, creating a lunar eclipse. As a result of the Earth’s position, the moon will appear red as it hangs in the sky, creating what is known as a Blood Moon.

The celestial show will be visible across most of the U.S., but according to the pros, there are a few spots where you can secure an exceptionally good view of the moon…weather permitting, of course. Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss this event, since there won’t be another lunar eclipse visible from the North America until 2029! Here’s where you should head to check it out.

Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota

Northern Minnesota is home to one of the largest and most pristine dark sky regions in the world, according to Alyssa Hayes from Voyageurs Conservancy. “At Voyageurs National Park, an International Certified Dark Sky Park, visitors trade city lights for constellations, the Milky Way, and on lucky nights, the Northern Lights reflected across the park’s vast waterways,” she says. “Thanks to exceptionally low light pollution and its remote northern location, the 218,000 acre and 40 percent water-based park offers some of the darkest, clearest skies in the continental U.S.”

Hayes says that regular Park-After-Dark programs hosted by the park and Voyageurs Conservancy bring telescope sessions and guided night sky tours to the surrounding communities in Minneapolis, creating accessible ways for travelers to experience these remarkable night skies.

As an added bonus, Hayes says that visitors can download the Voyageurs Dark Sky Visitor Guide for insider tips on the best stargazing spots by land and water, ensuring you won’t miss a minute of the Blood Moon.

Zion National Park in Utah

Utah’s red rock country exemplifies “astro” vacations at their most dramatic, with Zion National Park’s dark-sky status creating natural amphitheater’s for cosmic observation in the American Southwest, according to Praytell’s Ali Burns. “The region’s high-altitude desert location and minimal atmospheric interference lend themselves to crystal-clear viewing conditions that reveal thousands of stars which would be invisible from urban lookout spots,” she says. And although the stars will light up the night sky, you won’t have to worry about them drowning out the moon’s red glow. Instead, they will add to the appeal.

“Utah’s iconic sandstone cliffs are a defining feature of any Zion stargazing tour, creating unique dark sky photography opportunities for capturing the celestial wonders,” Burns continues, adding that Zion’s Wildflower Resort, WorldHotels Crafted Collection, is the perfect base for these unique experiences, offering luxury services just outside the national park boundaries.

“By visiting the Zion Wildflower Resort, you’ll enjoy guided astronomy sessions where expert astrologists reveal cosmic wonders through high-powered equipment, transforming casual stargazing into an educational adventure that will deepen your appreciation for the complexities of our universe,” she says. “Plus, you can do this from the comfort of your very own glamping tent porch.” Talking about a once in a lifetime experience!

Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania

Potter County is home so Cherry Springs State Park, which Julia DePillis of Vault Communications says is an ideal space for stargazers to head if they want to get the best views of the sky.

“It is a standout stargazing destination for Pennsylvania, and one of the best in the entire country,” she says. “Designated an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International in 2008 (the first in the eastern U.S.), viewers can see up to 30,000 stars visible to the naked eye.”

At 2,300-feet above sea level, and surrounded by 262,000 acres of Susquehannock State Forest, visitors can see the Milky Way, meteor showers, and of course the Blood Moon. “Rustic on-site camping (reservation required) and nearby vacation rentals via Cherry Springs Dwell are available to those who would like to stay,” she adds for those who want to spend the night near the park to make it easier to catch the early morning show.

Related: When Is the Next Eclipse? Plus, Astronomers and Astrologists Answer Your Burning Eclipse Questions

Sun Valley in Idaho

Midwesterners have lots of places to choose from when looking for a great spot to view the blood moon, but Nollie Haws with Visit Sun Valley says this one region in particular cannot be beat thanks to being part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. According to her, this area stretches from Ketchum/Sun Valley north to Stanley, and it’s located within the stunning Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

“Designated on December 18, 2017, by the International Dark-Sky Association as the first Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Reserve in the U.S. and one of only a few dozen worldwide, the reserve reflects nearly two decades of collaborative planning by local communities, land managers and private landowners to protect the nocturnal environment from light pollution,” she explains. “Its remote wilderness terrain, encompassing public lands, wilderness areas and small mountain towns, offers exceptional stargazing opportunities where the Milky Way, planets and meteor showers are visible with the naked eye, and supports educational programs, astrotourism, and conservation goals that celebrate both the natural and cultural heritage of the region.”

Visitors can choose from lodging in Ketchum, Sun Valley or Stanley, Idaho or camp in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, according to Haws. “Hotel Ketchum offers telescopes and other complimentary stargazing equipment for guests.” And while you won’t need a telescope to see the moon, you can absolutely use it to check out some of the stars while you wait for the show to begin!

Adirondack Park in New York

The Adirondack Park, a six million acre region located in upstate New York, is largely free from light pollution, making its villages and wilderness areas prime locations for stargazing, according to Jane Hooper, communications manager at the regional Office of Sustainable Tourism.

“Clear skies and minimal light pollution are crucial for optimal viewing, both of which the Adirondack region offers,” she says. “Most of the Adirondacks are a Class 2 on the Bortle Scale, which is described as a ‘typical truly dark site.’ The region offers minimal light pollution, relatively low humidity, and elevation—all important factors for viewing the stars.”

Hooper says visitors to the Adirondacks have myriad opportunities to take part in stargazing, either as a casual observer with the naked eye, with binoculars, or with a personal telescope. “People visiting the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, the Adirondacks’ only public astronomy-based organization, can experience close-up views of deep space through high-powered professional telescopes.”

The region offers especially dramatic views of the Blood Moon thanks to the landscape itself, according to Hooper. “The Adirondacks is an exceptional location for viewing the nighttime sky,” she says. “While it is known for its mountains, lakes, lush green trails and spectacular foliage, the nighttime sky is equally beautiful—it’s an incredible place to stargaze.”

Clear, cool nights show off millions of bright twinkling stars set against ink-black skies. “Even something as simple as watching a full moon rise in the distance, over the mountains or over a beautiful, still lake in the evening is a beautiful thing to see.”

Cottonwood in Arizona

Thousand Trails Verde Valley (RV Campground) in Cottonwood, Arizona is one of 56 International Dark Sky communities in the U.S., according to Claudia Russo, a Communications Specialist with Thousand Trails. “Conveniently located in Cottonwood is Verde Valley RV Campground, the perfect place to camp out under the stars,” she says.

Here, visitors will have minimal light pollution to contend with, allowing you to witness the deeper and more vibrant colors of the Blood Moon. Plus, if you decide to camp here, you won’t have to wake up quite as early to see the show. Instead, you’ll just need to look out the window of your camper or cottage rental.

Vero Beach in Florida

Obviously, some of the most impressive views of the Blood Moon will come from areas on the water, since you’ll be able to see the moon reflected on the surface, allowing for some truly breathtaking sights and photo opps. But, according to Awet Sium, General Manager, Kimpton with Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, you’ll want to splurge a little to get the best views.

“Down here, some of the best stargazing is on the water: the hotel offers a complimentary ‘Stargazing on the Sea’ riverboat excursion on the Indian River Lagoon, just across from its Atlantic Ocean beachfront,” he explains. “Guests head out at night with local astronomer and president of Mission Astronomy Group, David Brown and a telescope for a guided tour of constellations, planets and seasonal sky highlights tailored to that specific date and time.”

But, if you’re hoping to book in time for the Blood Moon, you’ll have to be fast, since the boat only takes about six guests out at a time. Can’t make it down there before the lunar eclipse gets started. Sium says you’ll have plenty of other opportunities to book a trip to look at the stars in the future.

Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado

Another International Dark Sky Park, Russo says that this is a great place for campers who are looking for the best views of the Blood Moon. “Home to beautiful reservoirs in Gunnison, Colorado is Curecanti National Recreation Area, an International Dark Sky Park,” she says, noting that those who stay here will have plenty to do during the daytime as well. “Not only can you stargaze here, but you can also go fishing, hiking, or camping,” she says.

Located on one of the reservoirs is Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch in Gunnison, Colorado, Russo says this is the perfect place to enjoy the Colorado skies.

Related: Carnival Is Offering a Rare Solar Eclipse Cruise at Sea

Big Bend National Park in Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, but does that include the moon? For hopeful stargazers looking to catch the Blood Moon, that means heading to Big Bend National Park for the best (and hopefully biggest) views. “Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Big Bend offers some of the darkest measured skies in the lower 48,” according to Blythe Beaubien, a representative working with Off the Beaten Path. “With minimal light pollution, high desert air, and expansive Chihuahuan Desert landscapes, it’s one of the most dramatic and immersive stargazing settings in the country.”

During the day, Beauvien says you can book an experience with Off the Beaten Path, where travelers can experience Big Bend not just as a scenic stop, but as a fully guided desert immersion with hiking among Santa Elena Canyon’s towering cliffs by day and settling in after sunset for guided night-sky viewing where the Milky Way stretches horizon to horizon. “The remoteness and scale make it especially powerful for first-time deep-sky observers,” she says of the location, which sounds absolutely perfect for catching the lunar eclipse.

Joshua Tree National Park in California

Joshua Tree National Park is not only known for its breathtaking desert landscapes that are home to many Joshua Trees, but also for stargazing, according to Russo, who notes that Palm Desert is also nearby for those who want to stay close to the action. “Just half an hour away is Thousand Trails Palm Springs, located in Palm Desert, California,” she says. “Whether you want to see the stars from the resort, or make the short drive to the National Park, this spot is a must.”

Sinks Canyon State Park in Wyoming

Sinks Canyon State Park is the first-ever International Dark Sky Park in Wyoming, according to Helen Wilson, CEO, Wind River Visitors Council. “The park is 600 acres and includes a deep canyon with steep walls, giving viewers a front-row seat and unfiltered view of the dark sky,” she says. According to Wilson, visitors can see the Milky Way, planets, and constellations throughout the year.

Of course, on March 3 everyone will be looking for the Blood Moon, which will look exceptionally bright thanks to Wyoming’s low light and high elevation. “Those two factors combined means star gazers have a better view of the sky and what’s in it,” she explains.

Best of all, visitors here don’t need to bring any extra gear with them when they come to check out the stars. “While you can use binoculars or a telescope for closer views, the dark sky that already exists in Wyoming makes it easy to simply look up and stargaze.”

Dr. Lawless County Park in Michigan

Dr. Lawless County Park offers some of the best stargazing in the state of Michigan, according to Russo, who notes that they keep the park open until 2 a.m. so that people can take advantage of the views.

“Not only can you gaze at the stars here, but you can also enjoy a variety of activities offered, that are great ways to spend the day, until nightfall arrives,” Russo adds for those who want to fill their time while visiting. “Located under an hour away from the park you can find Thousand Trails Bear Cave in Buchanan, which offers attractions of its own during camping season (April through October), including a cave that served as part of the Underground Railroad.”

View this post on Instagram

When can you view the Blood Moon

North American viewers will be able to see the Blood Moon during the early morning hours of Mar. 3, 2026, according to Space.com. Those located on the west coast will have the best views, but the total lunar eclipse will be viewable across the U.S.

Depending on where you’re located, your best views will be found during totality, which is when the Earth passes fully between the moon and the sun, forcing the suns rays to filter through the Earth’s atmosphere, creating the blood red color. Here’s when it happens:

• Penumbral eclipse begins at 3:44 a.m. EST
• Partial eclipse begins at 4:50 a.m. EST
• Totality will happen at 6:04–7:04 a.m. EST
• Maximum eclipse will happen at 6:33 a.m. EST
• Partial eclipse ends at 8:17 a.m. EST

So, remember to set your alarm and get ready for the show. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until New Year’s Day in 2029 to get another chance to see the Blood Moon in the U.S.