EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was a compilation of information from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
COLUMBUS – Be sure to make your plans early for the total solar eclipse on April 8.
There are many Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) locations that will provide a great backdrop for the astronomical event.
“This total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Ohio,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Our parks and wildlife areas will allow people to be surrounded by the state’s natural wonders as people take in the eclipse.”
The following ODNR locations are in or near the path of totality:
- Alum Creek State Park
- Buck Creek State Park
- Delaware State Park
- Delaware Wildlife Area Shooting Range
- Wildlife District Three Akron Office
- East Harbor State Park
- Findley State Park
- Geneva State Park
- Grand Lake State Park
- Grand Lake St Marys State Fish Hatchery
- Headlands Beach State Park
- Hueston Woods State Park
- Indian Lake State Park
- John Bryan State Park
- Kiser Lake State Park
- Lake Loramie State Park
- Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and Visitor Center
- Maumee Bay State Park
- Mohican State Park
- Mosquito Lake State Park
- Mt. Gilead State Park
- Portage Lakes State Park
- Punderson State Park
- Pymatuning State Park
- Spring Valley Wildlife Area Shooting Range
- Sycamore State Park
- West Branch State Park
- Wingfoot Lake State Park
Camping spots at Ohio State Parks are running out so make sure book your reservation by visiting ReserveOhio.com.
People are not permitted to make reservations for arrivals or departures on April 8.
To address the potential high volume of visitors and traffic, campers must set their reservations to arrive on April 7 or earlier and depart on April 9 or later.
For more information about eclipse plans at state parks and wildlife areas, visit ODNR’s Solar Eclipse website.
Solar Eclipse 2024
On Monday, April 8, 2024, people within a 124-mile-wide band in the state of Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse.
Areas in Ohio that are outside the path of totality will experience a partial eclipse.
A total solar eclipse is a rare and spectacular event. On average, one happens somewhere on the Earth only once every 1.5 years.
Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states in the entire existence of the United States.
The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099. Learn more at eclipse.ohio.gov.
Parks programming
Get ready for a totality awesome time with Ohio State Parks. Come early and stay late to enjoy a long weekend full of programs and activities at parks around the state.
Participate in eclipse science programs to learn about different types of eclipses, the significance of the 2024 eclipse, safe viewing methods, and learn how to make pinhole viewers or other crafts.
Evening hikes and owl prowls will open your eyes to nocturnal wonders as you explore the parks after dark.
Select parks will introduce you to park wildlife ambassadors that may include reptiles, amphibians, and birds through animal encounters and feedings; others will offer a close-up look at animal artifacts like skins, skulls, and scat.
Parks with Nature Centers will offer drop-in hours, throughout the weekend. Many parks will offer an archery experience, and some will feature movies in the campground.
Saturday, April 6: Animal Encounters, Eclipse Science & Craft Activities, Evening/Night Hikes, Nature Center Open Hours.
Sunday, April 7: Archery, Nature Hikes, Eclipse Science & Craft Activities, Stargazing, Nature Center Open Hours.
Monday, April 8: Nature Center Open Hours, Eyes on the Sky for the Celestial Show
Individual program schedules vary by park.
See an up to date list of park activities at this link.