Taking in the Total Solar Eclipse
We won’t experience another total solar eclipse until 2099, making April 8 a must-see celestial celebration. Here you’ll find some of the best places to enjoy the show, along with the precise time the totality begins in each location.
3:12:17 p.m. Toledo, Ohio
Head to Imagination Station (imaginationstationtoledo.org) for Don’t Be Left Out of the Dark, an all-day outdoor viewing party at Festival Park featuring food from local eateries, games, science demonstrations, interactive experiments and eclipse experts. Beforehand, brush up on your space facts with a tour of the Above and Beyond Exhibit. Looking for overnight accommodations? From tents and campsites to cabins and a treehouse village, you’ll find an ideal perch at Metroparks Toledo’s Great Eclipse Campout (metroparkstoledo.com). The next morning, choose from two prime viewing areas — the Beach Ridge Area of Oak Openings (a stunning natural setting) or Glass City Metropark (a delightful riverfront location near downtown Toledo).
3:12:21 p.m. Sandusky, Ohio
With four days of musical entertainment, food trucks, specialty vendors and science explorations, you’ll find it all at the Total Eclipse of SUNdusky Festival (https://cityofsandusky.com/visitors/eclipse.php)
at Jackson Street Pier. Total Eclipse of the Point, meanwhile, will be held at Cedar Point (cedarpoint.com), which is opening its gates in the off season for one day of select rides, as well as food and drink options at the Grand Pavilion overlooking the water.
3:12:26 p.m. Lakeside, Ohio
Total Solar Eclipse 2024 takes advantage of this community’s pier and lakefront path to offer stellar views of the big event, as well as art classes, puzzle competitions, a storybook trail, scavenger hunts and tons of other activities for the entire family. Select shopping and dining destinations will be open throughout the Marblehead Peninsula. lakesideohio.com
3:12:34 p.m. South Bass Island
A Monumental Eclipse is a fitting name for this event on the lawn of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial in Put-in-Bay. Think it’s too early to venture to the islands? Think again! The ferries will be running, and dozens of local lodging and restaurants will be waiting to serve you. visitputinbay.com
3:13:00 p.m. Lorain, Ohio
The 2024 Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Black River Landing offers an entire day of excitement, including entertainment, food trucks, specialty vendors and family-friendly activities. You can also head to Ariel Broadway Hotel (arielbroadwayhotel.com) for stunning views of Lake Erie, Lorain Lighthouse, Black River and Bascule Bridge as you wait for the unobstructed view of the eclipse from Rooftop Sunset Bar & Bistro atop the hotel. loraincountyohio.gov
3:13:43 p.m. Leamington, Ontario
Point Pelee National Park is the southernmost point of continental Canada, meaning you’ll have wide open views of the sky while enjoying one of the most peaceful places on Earth. visitwindsoressex.com
3:13:46 p.m. Cleveland
Total Eclipse Fest 2024 is a three-day, family-friendly celebration taking place at Great Lakes Science Center. Starting Friday, discover hands-on activities and meet NASA experts. On Sunday, enjoy a free concert with the Cleveland Orchestra. greatscience.com
3:14:58 Grand River Valley, Ohio
Plan your path along the Grand River Valley’s Total Eclipse Wine Trail, where 14 wineries within minutes of each other will be celebrating all weekend long. Each destination will feature eclipse-themed appetizers, and many will be releasing new limited-edition wines exclusively for the eclipse. ohio.org
3:16:22 p.m. Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie will be bustling all weekend with activities for all ages. Will you grab a spot at Dobbins Landing? Venture out to Presque Isle for a few extra viewing seconds? Reserve a sky-high perch at Oliver’s Rooftop or Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant? Maybe you’d prefer to experience the Eclipse at Mercyhurst University, which will offer lectures and viewing access at Saxon Stadium. Adventure seekers will want to check out Lake Erie Speedway, which will offer driving demos, monster truck rides and inflatables. visiterie.com
3:16:46 Norfolk County, Ontario
Long Point Eco-Adventures is known for its star gazing, so it makes sense that it’s also a top spot to see the eclipse. Book a glamping package and stay in a wooden yurt, wilderness suite, marsh cabin or camping pod. While event specifics were not available at the time of publication, a social media teaser promised “big fun.” The resort also offers zip lining, kayaking, bike riding and axe throwing. lpfun.ca
3:17:27 p.m. Chautauqua County, New York
Discover dozens of special events throughout the county, including Steelbound Eclipse Fest in Dunkirk (a DJ, ice sculptures and kids’ games) and festivities held at the Chautauqua Institution (eclipse-themed food and libations), 21 Brix Winery in Portland (music and food trucks) and Chautauqua County Airports in Jamestown (vendors, catering and live entertainment). tourchautauqua.com
3:18:18 Niagara Falls
Visit the Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Power Vista, Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and Niagara Falls State Park to participate in a variety of celestial-themed programs and exhibits, including interactions with scientists and NASA astronauts. But the best seat in the house, if you ask us, will be at the very top of the Niagara SkyWheel. niagarafallsusa.com
3:18:20 p.m. Buffalo
Buffalo will host multiple celebrations, from a top-floor event at VUE Rooftop Lounge to a viewing party at Sahlen Field. Or find the perfect spot along the waterfront at Canalside, in the heart of downtown, while enjoying a DJ, free carousel rides at Buffalo Heritage Center and food and drink specials from Clinton’s Dish. buffalowaterfront.com
Watch from the Water
Jet Express Eclipse Excursion
Board one of several Jet Express vessels venturing out onto the water to give riders the most picturesque view possible of the eclipse. jet-express.com
Pelee Islander II Eclipse Excursion
Be one of 500 people escaping the mainland of Leamington, Ontario, to see this once-in-a-lifetime event from the southernmost point of Canada. ontarioferries.com
Want more Lake Erie in your life? Subscribe to our free The Splash newsletter. It’s your guide to the best food, drinks, parks, beaches, shopping, festivals, music and more. Click here to subscribe.
