Light and Dark

Avid astronomers and science buffs have been eagerly awaiting April 8, 2024, when Indiana will find itself in the spotlight during a total solar eclipse. Viewable from various locations around the world, this celestial phenomenon happens every 18 months or so when the moon’s orbit passes precisely in between the Earth and the sun. As luck would have it, positioning for this spring’s event puts Indiana directly in the path of totality, meaning viewers will get the unique opportunity to experience full darkness in broad daylight for approximately four minutes.   

Eclipse enthusiasts will have an easier time getting to Indiana for the occasion. Almost half of the U.S. population is within a day's driving distance of Indiana, which is why it’s called the "Crossroads of America". (Visit Indy is also partnering with Sun Country Airlines to provide a special discounted day trip flight from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Indianapolis and back again on April 8.) Although most hotels, campgrounds and Airbnb's have already been booked up for months, it never hurts to check for cancellations if you’re still looking for a place to stay.

Hoosier cities in the southwest-to-northeast swath of totality are planning for heavy crowds in the days before and after the eclipse — a boon for local economies.  

“The solar eclipse presents what is expected to be a record number of visitors to our state for the historic natural event,” says Justus O’Neil, Public Relations and Social Media Officer for Visit Indiana. “We anticipate a substantial influx of tourists seeking out the best viewing locations, which should contribute to a significant boost in local tourism spending. Across the state, Indiana is estimated to welcome more than 500,000 visitors [according to greatamericaneclipse.com].” 

“There won’t be another eclipse of this magnitude that can be seen in the United States until 2044, so we are expecting a huge turnout,” adds Mike McAfee, Visit Bloomington’s Executive Director. “College towns directly in the line of totality for the 2017 eclipse saw crowds of more than three times their populations.” 

These and other Indiana communities are stationing public viewing sites in multiple locations where visitors will have plenty of room to safely watch the show in the sky, along with dedicating web pages to ideas and recommendations on how to best celebrate the event. The eclipse won’t take place until the afternoon of Monday, April 8, but most locations will be getting crowds hyped up with full itineraries of events and activities for all ages throughout the preceding weekend as a lead-up.  

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is teaming up with NASA for eclipse programming that includes live broadcasts, astronaut appearances and on-site camping, and downtown Indy’s White River State Park and Newfields both plan to host festival-style activities on the big day. In addition, local businesses are coming up with some creative ways to ride the wave of excitement surrounding the whole experience. 

“Indy’s independent cinemas will be showing space-related movies, and some bars and restaurants will be serving eclipse-themed cocktails,” mentions Clare Clark, Senior Communications Manager with Visit Indy. 

To the east, Visit Richmond and Wayne County are proposing more than 60 eclipse-related offerings between April 5 and 8 including a laser light show, a pancake breakfast, a beer garden, live music and several art-oriented events.  

“Most of these activities are either free or at a nominal cost,” mentions Leisure Market Manager Nancy Sartain. “The goal is to highlight the region’s assets and attractions, and to offer entertainment for visitors throughout their stay.”  

In Evansville, look for planetarium shows at the Koch Family Immersive Theatre in the Evansville Museum; a “Solarpalooza” party at the University of Southern Indiana; an eclipse-focused exhibit at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science; and NASA-sanctioned presentations at local universities.  

“There is a tremendous buzz surrounding the eclipse across the entire state,” O’Neil says. “Organizations are making it a point to prepare for it well in advance, and the sheer number of events that are being held is a testament to that.” 

Wherever and however you choose to watch the eclipse, don’t get blinded by the light. Protective eyewear is a must — plan to grab a pair of solar viewing glasses ahead of time for safe observation of the event, and never look directly at the sun without them. Experts do say it’s ok to temporarily remove your glasses during the few minutes of totality.  

Where to watch 

Most Indiana residents should be able to see the eclipse from their own properties as long as they have a clear view to the sky. But if you want to experience the event in a fun group setting, here are some suggested viewing spots around the state (tickets, admission or parking fees may be required at some locations): 

Bloomington — Switchyard Park, Paynetown State Recreation Area at Lake Monroe, Riddle Pointe Park at Lake Lemon, Monroe County Fairgrounds, Memorial Stadium at Indiana University 

Evansville — Riverside Drive, University of Southern Indiana campus 

Indianapolis — White River State Park, Highland Park, Garfield Park, Holiday Park, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Newfields, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis 

Richmond — Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History at Earlham College, Indiana University East campus, Cope Environmental Center, Elks Country Club 

Vincennes — High Pointe Golf Course, Vincennes University Track and Field Complex