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Eclipse Day Tips
- View it safely. Make sure you have eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Find companies evaluated by the American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force who sell solar viewing products. DNR has eclipse glasses for sale at state parks and other state-park-managed properties and online. DNR purchased these glasses from American Paper Optics, which is on the AAS list. See more ways to safely view the eclipse.
- View from home. We love having you visit DNR properties, but if you live in the zone of totality, consider viewing from your backyard to avoid all the traffic.
- Stay overnight. Our inns are full, but campsites are still available at several locations. Reserve your weekend (minimum Sunday–Monday night stay) at camp.IN.gov. Standard camping rates are in effect. If guests are joining you in the campground to watch the eclipse, suggest that they arrive very early or stay overnight with you the night before so they can get into the property.
- Make a day of it with us, but remember these things:
- Arrive early and stay put. Entrance gates (where they exist) open at 7 a.m. When parking areas are full, gates will close to cars and pedestrians. If you leave before the eclipse, you may not be able to get back in.
- Bring your annual entrance pass. Properties with entrance gates will have gate fees. Cash or credit cards will be accepted, but showing your pass will help the lines move more quickly.
- Bring cash. There is a good chance wireless communications will be slow across the zone of totality, so bring extra cash for food, drinks, gate entrance, and commemorative items that may be for sale, just in case.
- Pick up ID tags. If you want free ID wristbands for your kids, we will have them available at or near entrance gates at most properties.
- Bring lawn chairs and a picnic. The eclipse actually begins between noon and 1 p.m. depending on where you are, but you’ll want to arrive EARLY. Some locations may have food, but not all.
- Fill your gas tank before you come. Indiana will have people from all over the world visiting on April 8, and gridlock may ensue as you head home.
- Pack your car and your patience. Include extra snacks, water and first aid supplies/medicines for your stay and for the trip home in case you find yourself in a traffic jam. Bring a backpack of car games, videos, or other entertainment for the kids to enjoy during travel. Monitor traffic on Indiana roads at 511IN.org.
- Be safe on the water. If you plan to view the eclipse from your boat or a kayak, make sure you have PFDs for everyone and follow boating regulations, including those regarding the use of alcohol.
- Watch for uniforms and yellow shirts. DNR staff and volunteers will be staffing gates, directing traffic, and answering questions. Please follow their guidance while you are visiting.
- Cellular service may be slow or not available. With the number of people coming to watch the eclipse, cell service may be questionable. When possible, text rather than call.
- Keep your pets close if you bring them. Dogs and cats don’t generally stare directly at the sun, but there is no real research on direct impacts from them doing so. The best option may be for pets to be left at home or inside, especially if they have difficulty in social situations. If you bring a pet, it must be on 6-foot leash at all times. More safety info.
- Stay in touch. Follow us on Facebook on X at @INDNRNews and @INTotalEclipse for updates before and on the day of the eclipse.
- Carry In, Carry Out. Help our staff and volunteers by picking up your trash and taking it home with you.
- Learn about the eclipse. Check out our programs in advance of the eclipse – visit calendar.dnr.IN.gov and explore our website at on.IN.gov/eclipse.
Be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Day will become night for two to four minutes, depending on where you are. The next total solar eclipse that crosses a portion of Indiana is not until 2099.
FAQs
- Will there be rentable space on DNR properties for watching the eclipse?
There will be no rentable spaces available on April 8. This includes shelters and recreation buildings. All open space will be available first-come, first-served based on available parking and space. Campsites will be reservable where available. All fire towers will be closed to the public.
- When can we make reservations for camping, cabins, and state park inns?
Camping reservations will be accepted beginning at noon ET, exactly 6 months prior to your intended date of arrival, which is our standard practice. Cabins managed by Indiana State Parks can be reserved up to one year in advance. State Park Inns reservations are currently being accepted, except for Spring Mill Inn, at which reservations remain closed due to the timeline of this inn's complete renovation. The minimum stay for lodging at cabins and campgrounds for the eclipse will be Sunday night, April 7, 2024, and Monday night April 8, 2024. Special circumstances may occur in some locations if paired with other property events, and notice will be provided on the website as needed. Subscribe to webpage updates to be notified when that occurs.
- Will you have eclipse glasses available?
We will have these for sale on our online store at ShopINStateParks.com and expect to have a limited supply available for sale on properties prior to and on the day of the eclipse.
- What events and activities will be happening on DNR properties as a part of the eclipse?
We will be hosting activities at a number of DNR properties both within the zone of totality and at other properties across the state. We’ll provide those details as we get closer to the eclipse. Subscribe to webpage updates to be notified when that occurs and watch the DNR calendar and our social media.
- Will we be able to watch the eclipse from the water?
If you have a kayak or boat, our lakes with launching ramps are certainly places where you can go to access the water to see the eclipse. Note that parking spaces will be limited to those available in existing lots, and lake permits will be required on boats launching at state parks, reservoirs and state forests.
- Will gate fees be charged?
The standard gate fee will be collected at DNR properties that normally collect gate admission. This includes state parks, reservoirs, off-road SRAs and state forest SRAs.
- Will we be able to watch the eclipse from a fire tower?
All fire towers will be closed to the public on April 8. Some fire towers will be held for site-specific programming through staff and volunteers.
