America's UFO Hotspots
Are you ready to swap beaches and big cities for glowing lights in the sky and maybe a surprise encounter with a gray alien? Welcome to the other side of American tourism — where the stars aren't just in Hollywood but might actually be circling above your tent in the desert.
We dug deep into national UFO reporting databases, MUFON records, local news stories, and first-hand accounts to find the top 25 US states with the most UFO sightings.
If you're into dark tourism, paranormal road trips, or just want to freak out your friends, this guide is for you.
Separating the Hoaxes from the Hovercrafts
Before we get carried away with tinfoil hats, let's get one thing straight: not every shiny dot in the sky is E.T. Professionals in aviation, astronomy, and even the military help rule out hoaxes, drones, and weather balloons. So, the cases you’re about to read are the real head-scratchers—sightings that have left even experts stumped.
JonathanLamb~commonswiki, Wikimedia Commons
Lakes, Loons, and Luminous Orbs
#25: Minnesota
Minnesota isn't just about snow boots and serene lakes. In 2017, a group enjoying a bonfire near Duluth described a "bright orange orb" that split into two smaller lights and shot off in opposite directions. Up north, fishermen have reported "spinning discs" silently moving over frozen lakes at dawn.
With about 1,300 sightings, Minnesota's skies rival its endless winter tales — and yes, you might need that camera along with your fishing rod.
Dr. R. Albrecht, ESA/ESO Space Telescope European Coordinating Facility; NASA, Wikimedia Commons
Colonial Charm and Cosmic Guests
#24: Connecticut
New England charm meets cosmic curiosity in Connecticut. In 2020, a couple hiking in Litchfield Hills saw a "triangular black craft with soft white lights" glide silently above the pines. Coastal towns have also reported "saucer-shaped glows" hovering over Long Island Sound.
With more than 1,400 sightings logged, Connecticut proves that beyond colonial stone walls and autumn leaves, something else might be peeking down from above.
Unidentified: Stunning Reports of Triangle Shaped UFOs (Season 2) | History, HISTORY
Beaches and Blinking Visitors
#23: South Carolina
Imagine watching a Myrtle Beach sunrise, only to see a "string of bright lights" hovering offshore, as beachgoers did in 2021. Elsewhere, boaters have described "spinning silver disks" near Hilton Head Island.
With around 1,500 sightings, South Carolina adds cosmic flavor to its famous beach vacations — so don't just pack the sunscreen, maybe bring your telescope too.
Line of lights spotted in the night sky over Pennsylvania, wgaltv
Cheeseheads and Celestial Oddities
#22: Wisconsin
Wisconsin isn't all about bratwursts and Packers games. In 2018, dairy farmers near Green Bay reported a "spinning disc of green light" silently gliding above their barns before zooming off vertically. Lake Superior visitors have spotted "orbs hovering just above the waterline."
With over 1,600 sightings recorded, Wisconsin proves that sometimes the weirdest thing in the state isn’t the cheese curds.
What are they? Group of green lights spotted hovering near Brushy Creek, KXAN
Bourbon, Bluegrass, and Beams
#21: Kentucky
Bourbon and bluegrass music meet cosmic curiosity in Kentucky. In 2016, a family camping in Daniel Boone National Forest saw a "cluster of glowing red orbs" hovering above the treetops. Others report "boomerang-shaped crafts" drifting silently over Lexington’s horse farms.
Kentucky’s total stands at roughly 1,700 sightings — so while sipping bourbon on a porch swing, don’t be surprised if the sky starts its own show.
Lobsters and Luminous Craft
#20: Massachusetts
Cape Cod fishermen have reported "massive silent triangles" gliding above the ocean, like one sighting in 2019 that left an entire boat crew speechless. Meanwhile, Boston residents have described "pulsing blue discs" moving between city skyscrapers.
With about 1,900 sightings, Massachusetts offers more than historic ghost tours and fresh lobster — it might just be the best place to chase something truly out of this world.
Cornfields and Cosmic Intruders
#19: Indiana
In 2018, a group of friends camping near Brown County saw "a large triangular object with three bright lights" hovering silently above the treetops. They described it as "the size of a football field" and said their car wouldn’t start afterward. Indiana may be known for its cornfields, but these visitors aren’t just after the sweet corn festivals.
With nearly 2,000 reports on record, Indiana keeps proving there’s more than just corn in the fields.
Investigating mystery triangle UFO spotted above U.S. marine base, NBC News
Southern Charm and Sky Surprises
#18: Georgia
Georgia might be known for peaches and hospitality, but it also has its share of extraterrestrial charm. One man near Atlanta claimed he saw a "diamond-shaped object with glowing edges" hovering silently above his backyard, only to vanish when he went to get his phone. Locals call these "Southern stealth ships," and some even say they've seen lights over Stone Mountain during moonlit hikes.
Believe it or not, Georgia has logged over 2,300 UFO sightings — not exactly what you'd expect with your sweet tea.
Glowing object seen streaking across southern U.S. skies, ABC7
Honky Tonks and Hovering Lights
#17: Tennessee
Music City isn't just about country tunes and whiskey shots. In 2019, a Nashville musician spotted a massive triangular craft with pulsating lights while loading gear after a gig. He claims it "moved like a manta ray" across the sky before shooting upward at impossible speed. Locals have also reported strange formations in the Smoky Mountains — perfect for a spooky cabin getaway.
Tennessee has seen more than 2,100 UFO reports float in over the years, adding a cosmic twist to its musical legacy.
Colonial Ghosts and Cosmic Guests
#16: Virginia
Virginia isn’t just for lovers — it’s apparently for space tourists too. Near Roanoke, hikers on the Blue Ridge Parkway reported a "silent cigar-shaped craft with a glowing underside" that hovered for several minutes before disappearing into the mountains. Some believe it’s connected to old Appalachian folklore about "sky spirits."
The state boasts over 2,500 UFO reports — so there's more than just historical ghosts drifting around at night.
The Proof Is Out There: Strange Cigar-Shaped UFO SHOCKS Pilot (Season 4), HISTORY
Pinot Noir and Plasma Beams
#15: Oregon
Wine country by day, alien country by night. In 2019, a couple near Portland reported a "large glowing ball" hovering silently over their vineyard, occasionally pulsing blue and red. Some believe Oregon’s coastal fog makes it easier for UFOs to slip in unnoticed.
Oregon has logged over 2,700 reports, so after sipping Pinot Noir, maybe keep that camera handy just in case.
Pilot gives insight on mysterious lights over Oregon, KREM 2 News
Tar Heel Territory or Alien Highway?
#14: North Carolina
Along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, multiple beachgoers have reported strange orbs darting over the ocean at night, some splitting into two and zooming away. In 2021, a group of fishermen saw a "spinning disc with bright blue lights" hovering over the water for nearly 10 minutes. Even the wild horses on Corolla Beach might be keeping an eye on the skies now.
With over 3,000 sightings reported, it seems aliens love Carolina beaches as much as vacationers do.
UFOs Off the North Carolina Coast || ViralHog, ViralHog
Great Lakes and Galactic Guests
#13: Michigan
Michigan’s vast skies over the lakes make it a prime UFO hotspot. In 1994, more than 300 people (including police officers) reported seeing bright lights above Lake Michigan. One witness described them as "circling like a disco ball in the clouds." The event is so famous it even has its own segment in Netflix documentaries.
The state has seen more than 3,000 reported UFO incidents, so maybe bring a telescope next time you head to the lake.
Remembering West Michigan's Most Famous UFO Sighting - Part 1, WWMT-TV
Show-Me State... Show Me the Aliens!
#12: Missouri
In 2011, a retired police officer in rural Missouri reported seeing a "boomerang-shaped craft with orange lights" moving slowly above his farm. He grabbed binoculars and confirmed it wasn’t any aircraft he'd ever seen. The craft then shot off toward Kansas City at "unbelievable speed," leaving his cows in a mild panic.
Missouri has chalked up over 3,100 sightings — talk about a show-me attitude from the skies.
The Enigma of Cube UFO from Missouri | UFO Witness | Discovery Channel India, DiscoveryChannelInd
Buckeyes and Bizarre Blips
#11: Ohio
Ohio is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, rumored to house secret alien artifacts. In 2020, a couple driving near Cleveland saw a "metallic saucer" that followed them for miles before zipping away over Lake Erie. Another resident in rural Ohio swears he saw "tiny beings" running near a glowing craft in his cornfield. And yes, we checked — he wasn't sampling moonshine.
Ohioans have reported roughly 3,200 sightings, making cornfields here extra suspicious at night.
Boardwalks and Blinking Beacons
#10: New Jersey
New Jersey might be famous for boardwalk pizza and big hair, but aliens seem to love it too. In 2018, beachgoers in Atlantic City described "a massive hovering rectangle of lights" that hovered silently before vanishing into the ocean.
Locals have reported over 4,100 sightings, so keep an eye on the sky while you're winning tickets at the arcade.
Unexplained flying objects, possibly drones, spotted over New Jersey, FBI investigating, CBS News
Chicago Lights... and the Ones Above
#9: Illinois
You thought O’Hare Airport was only known for canceled flights and deep-dish pizza? Think again. In 2006, United Airlines employees at O’Hare reported a "perfectly round, metallic craft" hovering above Gate C17 before punching a hole in the clouds and disappearing. Several pilots, mechanics, and baggage handlers all backed up the story, making it one of the most credible sightings ever.
Illinois has documented over 4,000 UFO sightings — and they aren't all just "weird lights by Wrigley."
User:Piotrus, Wikimedia Commons
Rocky Mountain High... or UFO Flybys?
#8: Colorado
Colorado is the place for high-altitude hikes and, apparently, high-altitude visitors. In 2021, campers near Pike National Forest saw "a silver disc hovering and shimmering" above the treetops before vanishing straight up into the night sky. Locals in Crestone claim they often see lights they call "sky dancers" — perfect for your next crystal-fueled wellness retreat.
More than 4,000 sightings have been recorded in Colorado, so don’t forget to look up between ski runs.
Lenticular cloud looks like UFO hovering over Colorado, AccuWeather
Grand Canyons and Grand Visitors
#7: Arizona
Arizona is home to one of the most famous UFO sightings ever: the 1997 Phoenix Lights. Thousands of people reported a V-shaped craft "as big as a city" slowly gliding over Phoenix before vanishing. Even the governor at the time later admitted it gave him chills.
Arizona has more than 4,600 reported sightings, proving it's not just the sun that blazes bright here.
17th anniversary of "Phoenix Lights", ABC15 Arizona
Lone Star, Lone Craft
#6: Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas — including UFO sightings. Near Stephenville in 2008, dozens reported a giant "silent craft with bright lights" flying low and fast. Witnesses, including pilots, described it as "wider than a football field." Ranchers have also claimed to see "orbs chasing cattle" in rural areas.
Texas boasts over 4,700 reports, so your next BBQ trip might come with an unexpected flyover.
Big Apple, Big Abductions?
#5: New York
Beyond Broadway lights, New York skies hide plenty of mysteries. In 2015, Manhattan residents saw a "fleet of white lights" drifting between skyscrapers before vanishing near the Hudson River. In upstate regions like Hudson Valley, there are decades of sightings, including a "massive triangular craft" that once hovered for 15 minutes above a suburban neighborhood.
The Empire State has amassed over 5,000 UFO reports — aliens love New York almost as much as pizza rats do.
Exclusive New York City "UFO" Footage, CBS News
More Than Just Vegas
#4: Nevada
Home to the infamous Area 51, Nevada might as well be called "Ground Zero for Aliens." Pilots have described "fast-moving, shape-shifting lights" above the Nevada Test and Training Range. In 2004, hikers near Rachel saw a "huge glowing craft" hovering silently, so close they claimed to see "moving figures" inside.
Nevada racks up more than 6,600 sightings, so prepare for a close encounter right after your poolside mojito.
Ancient Aliens: Inside Area 51's UFO Secrets, HISTORY
Rain, Coffee, and Cosmic Guests
#3: Washington
Seattle residents might be used to rainy nights, but in 2018, several reported seeing "a spinning disc with pulsating lights" above the Space Needle. Witnesses say it moved in sudden, jerky angles before vanishing into the clouds. Out in Yakima Valley, locals have reported "floating fireballs" for decades, inspiring UFO festivals that draw believers from everywhere.
Washington has tallied over 7,200 sightings, making it a must-visit for alien enthusiasts and coffee addicts alike.
Swamps and Saucer Stories
#2: Florida
Swamp lights aren’t just gator eyes reflecting moonlight. In 2020, beachgoers near Miami reported a "bright turquoise object" that hovered and then zoomed into the ocean at an impossible angle. In the Panhandle, several fishermen claimed they saw "huge jellyfish-like crafts" hovering above the Gulf waters.
With more than 7,500 sightings on record, Florida proves its skies are as wild as its nightlife.
A UFO ? What was that strange sight in sky over South Florida, WSVN-TV
Golden State, Galactic State
#1: California
From Malibu’s "jetpack men" to Mt. Shasta’s "floating orbs," California has it all. In 2021, pilots near LAX reported a "man in a jetpack" flying alongside planes, sparking theories about alien suits. Up north, Mt. Shasta is rumored to be a portal, with hikers reporting "orbs and luminous shapes" moving through the forest.
With over 15,400 sightings, California takes the cosmic crown — a true paradise for those who want to surf in the morning and chase UFOs by night.
Video from pilot shows what appears to be jetpack man in Los Angeles | ABC7, ABC7
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