NEWSLETTER
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With endless waterside vistas, unobstructed skies, and so many towns and cities in the path of direct totality, plan to be in the Thousand Islands-Seaway for this cosmic phenomenon taking place on April 8, 2024. Choose from awe-inspiring lighthouses, historic battlegrounds, or vibrant celebratory atmospheres to pair with this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are some of the best places to view the total solar eclipse from the Thousand Islands-Seaway.
Total Eclipse of the Park at Thompson Park
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Celebrate the total solar eclipse in the direct path of totality at the historic Thompson Park in Watertown. You’re going to want to clear the whole weekend for a series of eclipse related festivities starting April 5, with the grand finale viewing event on April 8, Total Eclipse of the Park! The park itself is 574 acres and sits atop a hill that overlooks the city of Watertown which means you’ll be able to look up at a once-in-a-lifetime event and look out across a beautiful city. Check the official Watertown eclipse website for more information as the date approaches.
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse
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Frame your eclipse experience at the point where the sparkling St. Lawrence River meets the powerful Lake Ontario at the Tibbetts Point lighthouse in Cape Vincent. Get a closer look at the lake and river through the telescope or explore the historic lighthouse which was built in 1827 and features the only working fresnel lens on Lake Ontario!
Fort Ontario State Historic Site
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Witness this star-studded celestial occasion from the star-shaped fort dating back to the 1840s at the Fort Ontario State Historic Site. This clear sky viewing spot is right on Lake Ontario offering 36-acres of open air and waterside views to pair with the eclipse. While the beautiful scenery might be the first thing you notice, this destination also boasts a rich history, being the site of many monumental battles from the French and Indian War and War of 1812, as well as a US Army-occupied site during WWII. The fort will be open on April 6-7 for tours (admission is free). The old stone fort will be closed to visitors on eclipse day, but the grounds will be open to visitors. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair to find a spot along the grounds for the big event!
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site
Gaze up at the sky from a site that’s as monumental as the eclipse itself at Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site. Pairing this cosmic occurrence with 70 acres of gorgeous and historic views, open fields, and lookouts of Lake Ontario will create a truly amazing experience. Afterward follow the Battlefield Historic Trail. It’ll take you through Centennial Grove and the Navy Yard, and provide sweeping views of Black River Bay. Still craving more history? Follow the trail to the village's War of 1812 Bicentennial Trail connection for a six-mile circuit featuring even more lakeside views, monuments, and historic markers.
Robert G. Wehle State Park
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Look to the skies next April from the 17,000-foot shoreline of Lake Ontario at Robert G. Wehle State Park. The 1,100-acre park was once the estate of Robert G. Wehle, who was an avid conservationist, sculptor, and lover of Elhew Springer Spaniels (hence the canine sculptures you’ll find throughout the park). Today, it’s home to wonderful unobstructed skies and waterfront views, some of which are visible from 80-foot limestone cliffs overlooking the lake, creating the perfect pairing for once-in-a-lifetime celestial events. Parking is limited.
Wellesley Island State Park
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Peer up at this cosmic event while you peer out at the sparkling waters of the St. Lawrence River at Wellesley Island State Park. With 2,600 acres boasting sandy beaches, miles of scenic hiking trails, and of course, breathtaking Thousand Islands views, you’re sure to find a totally great spot for the total solar eclipse. Be sure to stop by the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center on the way out. It’s one of the largest nature centers in the NYS park system.
Fort de La Présentation
Look to the skies for Solar Eclipse 2024 from one of the most beautiful vantage points on the mighty St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie Rivers. Rensselaer Point in Ogdensburg holds a long history and is the very ground where Fort de La Présentation was established when it was claimed as New France. Enjoy the beautiful site as you watch the eclipse and afterward join one of the guided tours running on the hour. Admission is $10 per person.
Visit NY Eclipse 2024 in the 1000 Islands and Total Eclipse of the Park to stay up to date on the latest events, deals, and other eclipse offerings in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region.