Viewing the 2024 Total Eclipse in Kentucky

March 24, 2024 Family Fun, Outdoor, Spring, Statewide, Uncategorized

Do you have a plan to view the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse? Let us help!

If you haven’t made plans for viewing the 2024 Total Eclipse in Kentucky, we’ve put together some options for you. The total solar eclipse will impact eight Kentucky counties and clip portions of four others. The totality phase will enter Kentucky around 2 p.m., CDT, in parts of Fulton and Hickman counties before rolling across Ballard, McCracken, Livingston, Crittenden, Union and Henderson counties along the Ohio River. It also clips small portions of Carlisle, Graves, Webster, and Daviess counties.

Some of the events below are held in areas of totality and a few

X Marks the Spot Festival (Paducah)

April 7 & 8

Paducah is celebrating the occasion with an exciting community event and watch party attracting locals and visitors from all corners of the country. The festivities will feature watch parties, exclusive shopping deals, special “eclipse themed” culinary delights for foodies, and engaging family activities.

Total Eclipse Viewing Party (Henderson)
Ellis Park Racing & Gaming

Grab your eclipse glasses and head to Ellis Park from Noon to 3:00 pm. The family-friendly event will have mouthwatering delights, from savory bites to sweet indulgences. Bring your chairs or blankets and relax with an ice-cold beer in hand. Following the eclipse, Ellis park will give away exciting prizes and your chance to win free play.

The first 100 people get a free pair of eclipse glasses!

Total Eclipse Viewing Party (Carlisle)
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park

Blue Lick Battlefield State Resort Park invites you to their Total Eclipse Viewing Party. The festivities start in the Lodge parking lot starting at 1:30 p.m. as we discuss a bit about this natural phenomenon and wait for the big show! For your safety, we will have solar glasses available for use. Mark your calendars! Weather dependent program.

Solar Eclipse Festival (Morganfield)
Morganfield’s City Park

Head to Morganfield to celebrate the total solar eclipse where you’ll be treated to live music, engaging family crafts, delicious food, and a celestial lineup featuring astronomers and storytellers. Festivities are from 12:30 – 2:30 pm

Sturgis Airport Eclipse Viewing Party (Sturgis)
Sturgis Municipal Airport

The Sturgis Municipal Airport is hosting a free family-fun viewing party for the total solar eclipse. Starting at 11:00 am, guests can enjoy delicious treats from a variety of food trucks, a live band and inflatables for the little ones. NASA-approved glasses will be available on-site. Bring your own chair. Tent camping will be available for airplanes.

Solar Eclipse Viewing (Wickliffe)
Wickliffe Mounds

Wickliffe Mounds will be open for visitors to set up their own viewing area with space available on the grounds and picnic tables on a first come, first serve basis. Bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blankets as you like! Food service not available, and picnics welcome. Soft drinks for sale on site. The park has a museum ($), welcome center, gift shop, picnic areas, and walking trails. Eclipse begins at 12:42. Total eclipse happens at 1:59 and lasts 2 minutes and 44 seconds in duration. At 2:02, the eclipse begins to wane. By 3:18, the sun is full again. Wickliffe Mounds will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm with the gift shop closing at 1:30 to 2:30 for eclipse viewing.

Total Eclipse Hike to Eagle Falls (Corbin)
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Join Cumberland Falls State Resort park for a guided hike to Eagle Falls Trail for a total eclipse viewing (92.3% Max Coverage)! Solar Eclipse Glasses are provided for those participating! Must meet at trail head at 1:00 p.m. to start hike! Coordinates: 36.83675, -84.34545

Meet Us in Marion Total Eclipse Viewing Party (Marion)
City County Park Soccer Field

The Marion County community invites you to join us for a friendly, laid-back viewing of the eclipse (tailgate style). They have food and fun, as well! Enjoy tasty food, games and prizes during the tailgate. The family friendly event includes the community’s new state of the art playground, a walking trail and music brought to us by a live DJ.

Spectator Tips for a Safe Event
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) offers the following suggestions for viewing the 2024 total eclipse

Get eclipse-viewing glasses early. Regular sunglasses are not safe.
Fill up your gas tank before traveling in the event of traffic delays.
Do not stop along highways or emergency shoulders.
Do not take pictures while driving. Exit the highway to view or photograph the event. Turn on headlights.
Drive alert and watch for pedestrians.
Come early, stay late. This will help minimize major traffic delays.
Plan ahead. Book accommodations early and select a viewing destination before you travel. Locations with restrooms and food will be in high demand.
Travel with enough food and water for everyone in your vehicle.
Expect lines at restaurants, convenience stores and grocery stores.
Check the local weather.

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