NEWSLETTER
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The skies are about to become even more breathtaking than normal on April 8, 2024 in Greater Niagara! Get ready to view the total solar eclipse while overlooking the roaring waters of Niagara Falls, surrounded by the 14,000-acre “Grand Canyon of the East,” or enjoying all kinds of festivities leading up to lively celebrations on the big day. Be sure to snag a front row seat in the path of totality for this once-in-a-lifetime event - it only happens once every 400 years!
*Trained staff will be on site with proper equipment for safe viewing including telescopes with specialized filters and eclipse glasses.
*Niagara Falls
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Elevate your total solar eclipse viewing experience from one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Niagara Falls State Park. The park itself is located on 400 acres of stunning landscapes, so you’re sure to find a prime location for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Prospect Point and Goat Island offer unique waterfall vistas with unobstructed skies perfect for the celestial occurrence. Not only will Niagara Falls prove to be an exceptional vantage point, but when the eclipse is viewed through the perpetual rainbow that lingers just above the falls, the color of the light will change from rainbow to monochromatic pink! About a 10-minute drive north will land you at Whirlpool State Park where you can watch the event alongside the roaring Niagara River Rapids. On the days leading up to the eclipse, NASA will be providing free public programming and exhibits throughout the area, including Niagara Falls Public Libraries, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, the Aquarium of Niagara, the Niagara Power Vista, the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, and Niagara Falls State Park. After the big event, stick around until nighttime when the falls shine with an array of vibrant colors!
*Beaver Meadow Nature Center
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Watch the eclipse surrounded by the natural beauty of the Beaver Meadow Nature Center with 324 acres of calming meadows, ponds formed by glaciers, boardwalk trails, and wooded forests. Known for its breathtaking clear skies ideal for viewing our galaxy at night throughout the year, this destination is sure to be an amazing spot for the big event. The center will also be hosting a family-friendly viewing event on the big day so everyone can safely admire this celestial phenomenon. Book a stay at the rustic and cozy Beaver Meadow Cabin found on-site for a more secluded experience. For the days leading up to the celestial event, check out the Buffalo Astronomical Association Observatory’s schedule for monthly public nights where you can learn more about the eclipse, take a tour of the solar system, and pick up some solar eclipse viewing glasses available for a $2 donation.
*Fort Niagara State Park
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Unobstructed skies combined with waterside views of the Lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario make for a breathtaking eclipse experience. The 504-acre park is home to gorgeous scenery, woodland hiking trails, year-round living-history programs, and the historic Old Fort Niagara, which controlled access to the Great Lakes during monumental wars. Find an eclipse spot among the park’s beauty and afterward check out the museum and 18th-century military architecture including the oldest building in the Great Lakes area: the French Castle. Parking is $8 per car.
*Buffalo Harbor State Park
Admire the total solar eclipse under open air and clear skies from Buffalo's Outer Harbor. Filled with a variety of gorgeous viewing spots, this beautiful park is the City of Buffalo's first and only state park. After the eclipse, explore the vibrant city or take to the park's walking and hiking trails for even more stunning scenes (and spectacular sunsets).
Genesee County
Get ready to embrace the dark side when the sun disappears throughout Genesee County next April. Sprawling rural landscapes and low light pollution make for an ideal eclipse viewing experience, plunging the county into a deep twilight revealing stars, planets, and a new level of darkness larger metropolises won’t be able to rival. Clear your schedule for the weekend leading up to the big day for four days of eclipse festivities throughout the county. The Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is planning an eclipse-themed party complete with on-site hotel packages, themed menus, live music, gaming promotions and giveaways, and viewing glasses to watch the eclipse from the infield race track. The Genesee County Park, Forest, & Interpretive Center will be providing an educational eclipse experience with informational videos, self-guided activities, crafts and activities for the kids, and a telescope with a solar filter special for eclipse viewing.
*Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at Buffalo State College
Join the Whitworth Planetarium at Buffalo State College for an educational eclipse viewing. After their kick-off this past April, exactly one year away from the rare event, Buffalo State College officially began its countdown to totality. In the year leading up to the highly-anticipated special celebration on April 8, 2024, the Planetarium will hold various public programs focusing on the eclipse's main players - the sun, moon, and earth, and the mythology, history, and safety behind it all. Plan to stop by for an exciting watch party complete with special viewing glasses, of course.
Letchworth State Park
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What better place to watch the eclipse than from the “Grand Canyon of the East”? Spectacular views can be found year-round throughout the 14,000-acre park, which means you’re bound to find a stunning spot to view the total solar eclipse. Admire totality alongside one of the three magnificent waterfalls, named upper, middle, and lower falls, or on a hike through 66 miles of scenic trails. The best part is if you’re not a hiker, various scenic views can be accessible by bike or car throughout the park. Make it an eclipse weekend and stay at one of Letchworth's 19 cabins and cottages, which can be booked now at ReserveAmerica.com. The Glen Iris Inn is also located on-site and provides a unique viewing experience next to Middle Falls where it might even get a little misty. (NOTE: While Letchworth State Park will be open for public viewing, space will be limited. For public health and safety, no new visitors will be admitted once capacity is reached.)
Buffalo Waterfront
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Experience an exciting eclipse celebration from Buffalo’s Canalside! Make your way to the waterfront Monday, April 8th at 1pm for all kinds of events including a silent disco on the boardwalk with SE2, free carousel rides at the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, food and drink specials at Clinton’s Dish, and more. You can also witness the "Total Eclipse in the 716'' at Buffalo’s newest outdoor event space, Terminal B! Taking place at the Outer Harbor, from 12pm to 5pm, this free event will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, outdoor fitness classes, and a Kids Zone. Following the eclipse, runners can participate in the Total Eclipse of the Sun Run, with a 5k planned for 6pm and a fun run at 5pm. Free eclipse glasses will be handed out at both viewing events. Space is limited and pre-registration is required to attend. Register for the event and exclusive parking here.
You can also view the Eclipse at these sites:
- Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel
- Genesee County Park, Forest & Interpretive Center
- Lakeside State Park
- Orleans County Marine Park
- Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
Other campgrounds such as Four Mile Creek State Park with 50 campsites and Golden Hill State Park with 25 campsites make for great eclipse stays that can be booked now on ReserveAmerica.com.
Visit 2024 Solar Eclipse in Niagara Falls, Buffalo Eclipse, and Genesee the Eclipse to stay up to date on the latest events, deals, and other eclipse offerings in Greater Niagara.