On Aug. 21, 2017, millions of people from across the world will gather to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking sights: a total solar eclipse. The last one spotted in the continental United States took place in 1979. This one will carve a path across the entire country – and Nebraska happens to be a prime spot for viewing it.
As you’re deciding exactly where you want to view the eclipse, keep our Nebraska state parks and recreation areas in mind. They’re some of the most beautiful areas in the state, and there’s plenty to do when you’re not busy eclipse-viewing.
Below is a full list of all the state parks and recreation areas where you can view the eclipse. Some of our more well-known parks made the list, such as Indian Cave State Park, Fort Kearny State Historical Park and Fort Robinson State Park. Eclipse glasses will be available at these parks while supplies last; bring your own to ensure you’ll have a pair for safe viewing.
Eastern Nebraska
Alexandria State Recreation Area
Blue River State Recreation Area
Bluestem State Recreation Area
Conestoga State Recreation Area
Indian Cave State Park
Olive Creek State Recreation Area
Pawnee State Recreation Area
Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area and State Historical Park
Rockford State Recreation Area
Stagecoach State Recreation Area
Verdon State Recreation Area
Wagon Train State Recreation Area
Central Nebraska
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area and State Historical Park
Cheyenne State Recreation Area
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area and State Historical Park
Lake Maloney State Recreation Area
Mormon Island State Recreation Area
North Loup State Recreation Area
Sandy Channel State Recreation Area
Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area
Union Pacific State Recreation Area
Victoria Springs State Recreation Area
War Axe State Recreation Area
Windmill State Recreation Area
Safe traveling on eclipse day
As August 21 nears, many will be traveling to view this phenomenal event. Ensure your safety and the safety of others by being prepared.
Tips for safe traveling on Eclipse day
- Don’t stop along the interstate — please exit to a safe location to stop.
- Be aware of pedestrians on smaller local roads.
- Avoid traveling along the main path of the eclipse during the event if possible.
- Please make sure to yield to emergency response vehicles.
- Turn your lights on manually– don’t rely on your vehicle’s automatic features.
- Keep up to date on traffic in Nebraska by following @Nebraska511 on Twitter, downloading their app or using a mobile navigation app like Google Maps or Waze.
- Traffic volumes are really unknown so plan in advance!
- It will be late August, which means it could very well be hot and dry. Be prepared with supplies for heavy traffic delays.
- Don’t forget the totality is around two minutes depending on your viewing location–but the light will be noticeably different in the hours leading up and immediately after.
- Stay alert and wear your seatbelt!
Solar eclipse events
Many parks are hosting events concurrent with the eclipse. Find one near you!
Solar Eclipse Anticipation
June 18
Fremont State Recreation Area
Get ready for the amazing sight of a total solar eclipse that is coming in August! At this event, you will learn more about what an eclipse is and why they are exciting.
Learn more
Movie at the Outdoor Amphitheater
Aug. 18
Indian Cave State Park
Get ready for the solar eclipse by viewing an eclipse-related movie outdoors.
Learn more
Fun-filled Weekend at Indian Cave State Park
Aug. 18-20
Indian Cave State Park
As you wait for the solar eclipse on Monday, enjoy a fun weekend at Indian Cave with living history, horse trail rides, a buffalo stew cookout, a presentation by Matthew “Sitting Bear” Jones, and an eclipse-related movie at the outdoor amphitheater.
Learn more
Gear up for the Great American Solar Eclipse
Aug. 19
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
Learn more about the spectacular sight of the solar eclipse that you’ll be seeing on Monday, including how to view it safely.
Learn more
Mathew “Sitting Bear” Jones – Solar Storytelling
Aug. 19
Indian Cave State Park
Join us for a spectacular storytelling by Mathew Jones, a Kiowa/Otoe-Missouria Indian of Oklahoma entitled “The Night Sky-America’s Total Solar Eclipse”.
Learn more
Solar Eclipse Weekend: Horse Trail Rides/Cookout
Aug. 19
Indian Cave State Park
Spend a day getting hyped for the solar eclipse with tons of activities! Ride trails by horse, see history come to life, enjoy a buffalo stew cookout and more!
Learn more
Pre-Solar Eclipse Party
Aug. 19
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area
Enjoy food, a solar eclipse presentation, and a star party with a local amateur astronomer.
Learn more
Stargazing: The Night Before
Aug. 19
Windmill State Recreation Area
Come and view the Perseid meteor shower, stargaze and explore the night skies with a telescope. Guests are also invited to make their own constellation to take home with them.
Learn more
The Great American Solar Eclipse
Aug. 20
Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area
Hear from University of Nebraska physics professor Gregory Snow as he explains, in simple terms, what causes a solar eclipse, as well as other interesting facts about this rare and exciting astronomical event.
Learn more
Look Up, Look Around: Citizen Science Encounter
Aug. 21
Mormon Island State Recreation Area
Help scientists better understand the behavior of animals during an eclipse by recording your observations in a diary.
Learn more
Solar Eclipse
Aug. 21
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
Join us at the park to view the eclipse. Enjoy plant journaling and Citizen Science activities – gathering wildlife data for scientists to use.
Learn more
Solar Eclipse
Aug. 21
Indian Cave State Park
Join us at the park to view the eclipse. Solar eclipse glasses will be distributed.
Learn more
2017 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing
Aug. 21
Windmill State Recreation Area
Meet at the Nature Trail entrance to view the eclipse afield. A limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available.
Learn more
Solar Eclipse Scavenger Hunt
Aug. 21
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
Join us to view the eclipse and go on an eclipse-related scavenger hunt!
Learn more
Solar Eclipse
Aug. 21
Niobrara State Park
The park will be hosting a viewing of NASA’s live streaming of the eclipse from Carbondale, Illinois, on a television in the Niobrara Group Lodge. You can also view a partial eclipse from the Lodge platform.
Learn more
Solar Eclipse
Aug. 21
Lake Minatare State Recreation Area
View the eclipse from the Lighthouse, and enjoy educational programs throughout the morning.
Learn more
Eclipse Viewing Party
Aug. 21
Smith Lake WMA
The Rushville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an Eclipse viewing party at Smith Lake, join them for food and festivities!
Learn more
More information on the eclipse path through Nebraska, as well as general information on the eclipse, are available online.
EclipseWise.com
Great American Eclipse
