by If you are looking for a unique way to experience the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024then consider a road trip.
On that day, a 185-kilometer (115-mile) wide path will stretch through parts of three Mexican states, 15 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. Only within this path will people experience darkness in the middle of the day and be able to see the solar corona.
It will be an exciting space event not to be missed, but it is also a great opportunity to explore. Whether you’re a stargazer, history buff, or space enthusiast, here are six road trip options to make the total solar eclipse a memorable experience.
Related: Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024, Live Updates
1. Stargazing in Arkansas and Missouri
Stargazing in Arkansas and Missouri
Duration: 7 days
Start and finish: Little Rock, Arkansas
Recommended location to view the eclipse: some rural place
Not all eclipse chasers are stargazers, but if you fall into both camps, consider visiting some of the dark spots within the path of totality. Five regions with excellent dark skies along the way are the Texas Hill Country, the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, southeastern Missouri, northeastern New York, and northern Maine.
Campgrounds at two Texas Dark Sky Parks: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and South Llano River State Park — are full while clouds They are likely to be in the Northeast, so the destinations that make the most sense are Missouri and Arkansas. Try the Mark Twain National Forest on the northern limit or Rocky Creek Conservation Area in Missouri. In Arkansas, the Ozark Francis National Forest, Buffalo National River and Ouachita National Forest They are dark and probably away from the crowds. As a bonus, you’ll also get a dark sky during totality.
Related: Best Places in the US to Experience Totality During the April 2024 Solar Eclipse
2. The dark side of the Wabash
The dark side of the Wabash
Duration: 4 days
Start and finish: Indianapolis, Indiana
Recommended location to view the eclipse: Vincennes, Indiana
The Wabash River is the state border between southern Indiana and southern Illinois. It also crosses the path of totality on April 8.
A focal point for exploring the area and observing the eclipse has to be the historic Vincennes, on the center line of the path of totality, where a documentary about the eclipse is being filmed. The dark side of the Wabash is a four-day festival of science, art and music events at the Rendezvous Grounds (site of an annual Revolutionary War reenactment), the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, Historic Riverfront Pavilion and Main Street. Expect float parades on the Wabash River, Think Floyd (a Pink Floyd tribute band), and musicians playing “The Final Countdown” on eclipse day. You’ll also get over 4 minutes of totality.
On either side of the eclipse, you can review the history of the 1806 total solar eclipsevisit the historic former utopian colony New harmonyWatch the Sugar Loaf Mound and pyramidal mound and explore the large Amish communities nearby, particularly in Logo.
3. Skiing and stargazing in Quebec
Skiing and stargazing in Quebec
Duration: 7 days
Start and finish: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Recommended location to view the eclipse: ASTROLab, Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve
Although it is vast Jean-Drapeau Park It will be over a minute into totality and you are planning a big event, Montreal is at the northern end of the path of totality so it is not in an ideal location to view the eclipse.
However, it is perfect as a hub for an itinerary that includes skiing and stargazing in Quebec, which is getting organized for the eclipse. About 90 miles northwest of Montreal, out of the path of totality, in the Laurentian Mountains lies Mont-Tremblant National Park, which was recently certified as Canada’s third international dark sky park. Get back on track to go skiing in Quebec. Mont-Orford Ski Resort either Mont Sutton before heading to Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve stargazing and observing the eclipse in ASTROLabhe astronomy capital of Quebec.
Related: The best places in Canada to see the 2024 total solar eclipse
4. Space exploration
Space exploration
Duration: 5 days
Start and finish: Cincinnati to Cleveland, Ohio
Recommended location to view the eclipse: Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland
According to eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler in GreatAmericanEclispe.com, there are five NASA spacecraft in museums within the path of totality. It’s not practical to visit them all in a single road trip, but four reside in Indiana and Ohio.
Where you start and end is up to you (everything here is in the way), but be sure to watch Gemini 3 in the Grissom Monument from Spring Mill State Park near Mitchell, Indiana, the Apollo 15 Command Module at the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, Gemini 8 in the Neil Armstrong Air and Space MuseumWapakoneta, Ohio, and the Great Lakes Science Center, home of the Skylab 3 space capsule and, on April 8, Total Eclipse Festival 2024.
5. Houston, we have a problem
Houston, we have a problem
Duration: 7 days
Start and finish: Houston Texas
Recommended location to view the eclipse: Corsicana, Mexia or Ennis
Another space-themed road trip around the eclipse could hinge on a visit to Space Center Houston to see Mission Control, Rocket Park (home of a Saturn V rocket) and the Apollo 17 command module. Then, take a journey into the path of totality. Don’t make the mistake of taking Interstate 10 west to join the crowds heading to the Texas Hill Country from San Antonio. Instead, consider heading north on Interstate 45 toward Dallas and experiencing totality in Corsican, mexia either Ennis.
Waco is huge Eclipse over Texas 2024 Observation event could also be an option. After the eclipse, head east from the road, avoiding traffic to/from Houston and Dallas to visit lufkin in Texas Forest Country and explore massive Lake Sam Rayburn.
6. Mexico by bus
Mexico by bus
Duration: 7 days
Start and finish: Mexico City, Mexico
Recommended location to view the eclipse: Mazatlan Malecon
Eclispe hunters who plan their trips years in advance have long known that the highest chance of clear skies on April 8 is in north-central Mexico, especially in the cities of Mazatlán, Durango and Torreón.
Organized trips have been sold out for a long time and getting a flight to any of those cities is very expensive. So take the bus! The buses in Mexico are nothing like those in the United States or Europe. They have comfortable business class style seats and free food. Consider flying to Mexico City, which can be done cheaply, and taking a night bus to your destination for about $70 to $110. Find your bus at busbud.
Related: The best places in Mexico to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024
