The 11 Absolute Best Places to View 2024’s Total Solar Eclipse

Are you getting excited about the total solar eclipse coming up on April 8, 2024? The path of totality will sweep across North America, from the western coast of Mexico, near Mazatlán, to the eastern coasts of Canada. A total of 13 U.S. states will experience the full effect of the eclipse. The path of totality, roughly 115 miles wide, extends diagonally from across the United States from southwestern Texas through Maine. Some of the largest cities on the path include Montreal, Indianapolis, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, San Antonio, and Austin in Texas. But where are the absolute best places to view 2024’s total solar eclipse?

Of course, opinions will vary, and there are many factors to consider, including distance, lodging availability, and potential weather disruptions. As lovers of wildlife and nature, some of the best places to observe this amazing total solar eclipse would include locations where you can also enjoy beautiful natural scenery. Places where you could possibly even observe the reactions of birds and other animals when the eclipse begins. With that in mind, here are 11 of the best places to view 2024’s total solar eclipse, all while surrounded by nature.

Inks Lake State Park, Texas

Inks Lake State Park lies in the Texas Hill Country, about an hour northwest of Austin, near the center of the path of totality. This lovely park features beautiful wildflowers in the spring, including the famous Texas bluebonnets, which tend to bloom from March through May. Although the nearly 200 campsites may already be taken, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department you can reserve day passes for 2024’s total solar eclipse beginning one month before the big day.

Lake Whitney State Park, Texas

Located on the Brazos River, Lake Whitney State Park in Texas features an array of local wildlife and excellent fishing opportunities. Located between Waco and the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, visitors can reach this natural oasis in just a short drive. If you cannot get a campsite, you can still reserve a day pass within one month of 2024’s total solar eclipse.

Beavers Bend State Park, Oklahoma

The totality of 2024’s total solar eclipse occurs around 1:45 pm on April 8 in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Beavers Bend State Park lies near this small town in the far southeastern corner of the state. Known for its amazing forests, beautiful water, and abundance of birds and other wildlife, this park draws tourists all year round. You might find lodging still available in the many cabins available for rent in the area.

Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas

The state of Arkansas is known for as the Natural State, and it has an abundance of gorgeous parks. The path of totality for 2024’s total solar eclipse encompasses 27 of the state parks in Arkansas. Petit Jean State Park, a little more than an hour northwest of Little Rock, lies close to the center of the path. This park in the Ouachita Mountains features more than 20 miles of trails, waterfalls, and amazing overlooks.

Lake Wappapello State Park, Missouri

Lying near the center of the path of totality, Lake Wappapello State Park will have one of the best views of 2024’s total solar eclipse in the state of Missouri. Nestled on serene Lake Wappapello, just miles from the Mississippi River, this park in the far southeastern corner of the state features hiking and horse riding trails, boating, fishing, and much more.

Giant City State Park, Illinois

This beautiful park near Carbondale in southern Illinois lies near the center of the path of totality. Scientists will stream live from Giant City State Park as part of the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative. Visitors to the park can also enjoy forested trails with huge sandstone structures as well as other activities.

Brown County State Park, Indiana

Just outside Bloomington, Indiana, Brown County State Park encompasses more than 16,000 acres. It features a nature center, miles of trails, fishing, and much more. This popular Indiana park has a variety of accommodations, including motel rooms, cabins, and campgrounds. It even has an indoor waterpark. Even though much of Indiana will fall within the path of totality, this park is sure to be one of the best places to view 2024’s total solar eclipse.

Indian Lake State Park, Ohio

A large swath of Ohio, from Dayton in the southwest to Cleveland in the northeast, lies in the path of totality. Residents in this part of the state can stay home and view the eclipse if they’d like. But for people coming into the area, several state parks offer a variety of activities and many campsites or cabins. Indian Lake State Park sits right in the middle of the path of totality, conveniently close to I-75 on a lake known for fishing and boating.  

Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania

Only the furthest northwestern corner of Pennsylvania falls in the path of totality. Therein lies one of the most amazing state parks from which to view 2024’s total solar eclipse. Presque Isle State Park sits on a peninsula jutting into Lake Erie. It has a picturesque lighthouse, a sea-like shoreline, and a wide array of watchable wildlife.

Allegany State Park, New York

This large state park, just south of Buffalo, will be a top spot to view 2024’s total solar eclipse. Located in the path of totality, this park has more than 200 cabins and nearly as many campsites. The park is known as “The Wilderness Playground of Western New York.” It features a huge array of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Houlton Riverfront Park, Maine

Because access to state parks may be limited, the State of Maine encourages visitors to check out the town of Houlton. This town lies close to the center of the path of totality. The Houlton Riverfront Park provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the solar eclipse. Houlton lies just west of the Canadian border off I-95. Visitors can expect to see migratory birds and perhaps other wildlife along the trails in this cold but inviting park.

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