Many times you can see the northern lights right here in MI but for the most part you need to go into the UP for best viewing. There's something about Lake Superior that makes them move viewable.
May to Oct is a tough time to see the lights, in the dead of winter is better. The darker the better, seems like the colder as well. Of course you will get better views away from artificial lights. Total darkness out in the boonies.
I saw a beautiful display of the norther lights back in the early 60's when we were living in a place called Pigeon Falls, WI. We laid on a hillside and enjoyed the show.
