Indiana: Where to Experience the Eclipse

White River State Park is one of the best places for residents and visitors to experience the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. The park is hosting a free, once-in-a-lifetime festival, “LUNACY!”

The eclipse will be fully visible across the United States, but nowhere will there be such a connected and accessible destination as the “Crossroads of America.” Indianapolis, located in the “Path of Totality,” will see a total solar eclipse for 3 minutes and 46 seconds beginning at 3:06 pm.

“LUNACY!” is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features a wide range of programming and activities for people of all ages and interests.

• Free eclipse glasses, courtesy of IU Indianapolis, will be provided to guests at the park’s Visitor Center while supplies last and are first come, first serve.
• 20 food trucks will line the Old Washington Street Bridge providing ample opportunities for visitors to fuel up for the big event. Each truck will have a signature food for the eclipse and guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite. All signature foods can be found here.
• Visitors looking for the most unique view of the eclipse can sign up for a river adventure with Frank’s Paddlesport Livery. The event will end with eclipse viewing from the White River. This is a paid opportunity and registration is open here.
• The National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) will be offering free yoga classes at noon and 12:30 p.m. These classes are for all skill levels.
• The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will have a brass quintet performance leading up to the eclipse in Celebration Plaza Amphitheater.
• For those looking for a more calm way to take in the fun, look no further than “Naptown.” This relaxation zone will be filled with hammocks, chairs, and yard games making it the perfect place for a more tranquil viewing experience.
• Families will enjoy taking a story walk along the River Promenade. The book is called “A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse” by Kate Allen Fox and will be placed along the trail and read as groups walk together.
• Further programming including a DJ, crafts, and a roaming photo booth will be on site courtesy of IU Indianapolis’ Tourism, Events, and Sports Management program.

• The National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) will be offering free yoga classes at noon and 12:30 p.m. These classes are for all skill levels.
• The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will have a brass quintet performance leading up to the eclipse in Celebration Plaza Amphitheater.
• For those looking for a more calm way to take in the fun, look no further than “Naptown.” This relaxation zone will be filled with hammocks, chairs, and yard games making it the perfect place for a more tranquil viewing experience.
• Families will enjoy taking a story walk along the River Promenade. The book is called “A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse” by Kate Allen Fox and will be placed along the trail and read as groups walk together.
• Further programming including a DJ, crafts, and a roaming photo booth will be on site courtesy of IU Indianapolis’ Tourism, Events, and Sports Management program.

Visitors looking for other opportunities can visit the Indiana State Museum for its Total Solar Eclipse Celebration from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum, and NCAA Hall of Champions will also be open to visitors on Monday, April 8.

BLOOMINGTON

While the eclipse itself will last approximately four minutes and two seconds, a weekend of activities has been planned! The Monroe County Fairgrounds is offering camping and Eclipse viewing beginning April 5 at 3 p.m. with a total package through April 8 or 9. Food vendors will be on site all weekend. A Solar Eclipse themed trivia night, “Total Eclipse of the Brain” is scheduled April 5 at the Switchyard Park. The event will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Pavilion. The next evening at the park there will be karaoke, crafts, games, and educational activities starting at 6 p.m. The movie, “Hidden Figures” will be shown at 8:45 p.m. Several other locations in Bloomington have scheduled viewing parties. For more activities, visit https://bloomington.in.gov/recreation/2024eclipse

MUNCIE

As the moon’s shadow sweeps across the earth, plunging the area into momentary darkness in the middle of broad daylight, Muncie will be in the prime viewing zone known as totality. This rare event promises to awe and inspire all who witness it. Leading up to the main event, Muncie will be buzzing with a weekend full of family-friendly activities, entertainment, and educational opportunities.

The Delaware County Fairgrounds is Muncie’s in-town camping and RV accommodation hub for everyone visiting for the Total Eclipse of the Heartland! The Magic City Market, with live music and dozens of artisan Makers, will be there all weekend for visitors and locals! While you enjoy our wonderful Hoosier town, you will be able to socialize and shop with the Muncie Makers Market at the Magic City Market held in Heartland Hall at the Fairgrounds. For more details, visit https://eclipsemuncie.com/

DANVILLE – HENDRICKS COUNTY

Hendricks County still has hotel rooms available and some of the most affordable camping you will find anywhere. Plus, Visit Hendricks County has partnered with a Plainfield hotel to offer a giveaway to one lucky winner for a two-night stay during the eclipse weekend that visitors can register for through March 20.

“The excitement that is building for this event among both residents and visitors is unlike anything we’ve seen here in quite some time,” said Josh Duke, Senior Manager of Content & Communications for Visit Hendricks County.

Hendricks County will be in the path of totality with darkness lasting for nearly four minutes. Destinations within the county have numerous celebrations and viewing parties planned for this celestial phenomenon with both free and ticketed events to offer something for everyone.

The two free public events:

• Race to the Eclipse – Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Brownsburg – Events include a 5K run/walk for a fee, live entertainment by a local band, children’s activities and two nitro dragsters speeding down the track at 300 mph when total darkness ensues.
• Solar Eclipse 2024: Military Tribute – The Shops at Perry Crossing, Plainfield – This event will offer space to all branches of military, local recruiters and veteran resources as well as an activity to celebrate local heroes. Also enjoy children’s activities and plenty to do throughout the day including shopping, dining and other entertainment at the mall.

A sampling of the ticketed or paid events include:

• Total Solar Eclipse at Beasley’s Orchard – Cost is $7 a person for a prime viewing spot on the Danville farm where you can also enjoy live music, educational components about the eclipse, games, family entertainment and more.
• Experience the Eclipse Live! – Cost is $25 a person to take in this once-in-a-lifetime event in the brand-new Hendricks Live! entertainment venue in Plainfield. Enjoy their arts center event space and the adjoining outdoor terrace with artistic and educational activities planned for all ages.
• Eclipse Viewing Party at Murphy Aquatic Park – For $5 a person, your registration includes bounce houses for the kids, live music, food trucks and more in Avon.
• Ms. B’s TotaliTEA – Cost is $45 a person for a unique experience including a themed tea party both inside and on Ms. B’s Teas outdoor patio in Clayton. Limited space is available, and everyone will have an outdoor spot during the eclipse.

Apart from the two free events, registering in advance is highly recommended for all other events. To view frequently asked questions about the eclipse, reserve hotel or camping accommodations, find more events, register to win the giveaway and much more, visit our eclipse online guide at www.VisitHendricksCounty.com/Eclipse.