Don't Miss the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse! Prime Viewing Locations Across the USA
Indianapolis, Indiana will have over 2 minutes of totality during the 2024 total eclipse
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over the continental United States, offering millions of Americans the chance to witness one of nature's most spectacular shows. As the Moon passes directly between the Earth and Sun, it will completely block out the Sun's light for over 4 minutes in some locations. The moon's shadow, or path of totality, will traverse the country from Texas to Maine over the course of about 90 minutes.
If you want to experience the awe and magnificence of totality, when the Sun's corona blazes into view and day suddenly turns to night, you'll need to situate yourself within the path. Here are five prime viewing locations for the 2024 total solar eclipse and the top places to stay if you want to see this amazing astronomical event.
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
The eclipse will make landfall in the United States near the metropolitan area of Dallas/Fort Worth in north Texas. Viewers here will be among the first to witness the Moon pass in front of the Sun. Totality will last over 4 minutes, beginning at 1:40 PM CDT.
Dallas offers many excellent hotel options, like the Joule Dallas Downtown, a luxury high-rise with a rooftop pool. Fort Worth attractions like the Stockyards National Historic District and Sundance Square are also great places to stay. Outside the cities, state parks like Dinosaur Valley and Daingerfield offer camping underneath the eclipse path.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland will be the largest city in the path of totality in 2024. Totality is expected to last around 2 minutes and 20 seconds, starting at 2:38 PM EDT. Cleveland's prime viewing area will be on the southern shore of Lake Erie.
Downtown Cleveland has several high-end hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland that will put you in the heart of the action. For a quainter stay, choose an inn in the treelined Cleveland Heights neighborhood. Further outside the city, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers beautiful protected landscapes from which to experience the eclipse.
Indianapolis, Indiana
The state capital of Indiana will see up to 2 minutes and 30 seconds of totality, beginning at 2:48 PM EDT. Indianapolis' urban green spaces like White River State Park will be ideal spots to witness the eclipse.
Downtown Indianapolis hotels like the Conrad Indianapolis luxury high-rise or historical English Hotel and Inn provide walks to Eclipse Day festivities. Or opt for a relaxing retreat outside the city at French Lick Springs Hotel, nestled among the wooded hills of Hoosier National Forest.
Carbondale, Illinois
Located deep in the heartland, Carbondale is promoting itself as the Eclipse Crossroads of America. The southern Illinois city will experience the longest duration of totality on the eclipse path - over 4 minutes! Totality is set to start there at 2:06 PM CDT.
Carbondale's proximity to Shawnee National Forest means ample camping opportunities in the great outdoors. In town, the Carbondale Eclipse Marketplace will feature food trucks, live music, and activities. Local hotels like Hampton Inn Carbondale and Best Western Plus Carbondale provide comfortable rooms to return to after a long day under the eclipsed Sun.
Portland, Maine
The 2024 total solar eclipse will exit the United States over northern New England before crossing into Canada. In Portland, Maine, totality is expected to last just over 3 minutes, starting at 2:33 PM EDT.
Portland's scenic Casco Bay will be an unforgettable waterside spot for eclipse viewing. The city offers diverse lodging options, from the regal Portland Harbor Hotel overlooking the bay to the quaint The Francis boutique hotel in the Arts District. Nearby towns like Freeport also provide small inns and B&Bs from which to experience the awe-inspiring celestial show.
Wherever you choose to witness the total solar eclipse, prepare for an experience you'll never forget. As the Moon fully blocks the Sun, revealing its ethereal corona and twilight rapidly descends, you'll be treated to one of nature's most spellbinding wonders. Just make sure you have proper eye protection for safe eclipse viewing! With less than a year until totality dazzles across America, now is the time to start finalizing your plans. This stunning cosmic event is not to be missed!
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