Update 8/10/2017
Are you planning to view the total solar eclipse from Land Between the Lakes? If so, read more about how you can come prepared to have a safe and enjoyable viewing experience.
Update 7/28/2017
We have updated the best viewing locations list across Land Between the Lakes. The chart now shows where the closest drinking water is to the viewing location. Check it out!
Update 7/25/2017
The Elk & Bison Prairie will open at 3pm on eclipse day. Here’s why…
Expected crowds delay opening of Elk and Bison Prairie on eclipse day
Update 7/21/2017
Learn what to expect for the total solar eclipse on August 21!
Update 6/7/2017
Get ready for an unforgettable show, courtesy of the earth, moon and sun–A total solar eclipse!
Visit our Homeplace 1850s Working Farm, Golden Pond Planetarium, and Woodlands Nature Station the week leading up to the total solar eclipse on Monday, August 21 for eclipse themed programs.
Learn what an eclipse is, how animals adapt during day and night, and legends and tales from the past.
Check each program for exact time and dates.
- Sun and Moon Days-August 16-23 (11 x 17 poster)
- Sun and Moon Days-Total Solar Eclipse Programs-August 16-23-jpg (8 1/2 x 11 brochure size)
- Sun and Moon Days-Total Solar Eclipse Program Brochure 2017-pdf (8 1/2 x 11 brochure)
Golden Pond Planetarium
Family Fun Days | Sat, Aug 19-Sun, Aug 20 | 10am-4pm
Enjoy a weekend of family fun activities involving our sun. Make a sun dial, paint sun catchers, learn about eye safety, make a UV bracelet or go on a scavenger hunt. Free
TOTALITY Planetarium Show | Aug 16-23 | 11am and 2pm
From lunar to total solar eclipses TOTALITY explains how eclipses occur and what to expect. $5 adults | $3 children
“Mystery” Solar Show | Wed, Aug 16-Mon, Aug 25 | 12 and 4pm
Enjoy a special, two-week engagement of a brand new mystery total eclipse program in addition to TOTALITY. Enjoy these shows on a state-of-the-art, Ultra-High-Definition Sigma Projector. You have to see it to believe it! $5 adults | $3 children
Pink Floyd Laser Extravaganza | $7 all seats | Fri, Aug 18-Sat, Aug 19 | 5:30pm and 7pm
The sights and sounds of our vibrant laser shows will provide the perfect evening entertainment to compliment the solar eclipse. We see the “dark side of the moon” during the solar eclipse, so what better way to celebrate this event than with Pink Floyd’s classic “Dark Side of the Moon”?
Special Eclipse Star Party | Sat, Aug 19 | Starting at Dark 8:45pm
Join the West Kentucky Amateur Astronomers (WKAA) club as they enjoy a dark night under the stars with their telescopes. Weather Dependent
Solar Viewing | Sun, Aug 20 and Mon, Aug 21 | 10am-4pm
Safely observe the Sun through telescopes with special solar filters with the WKAA. Weather Dependent
Homeplace 1850s Working Farm
Life by the Sun, Moon and Stars | Weekdays | 2-3pm
Farm families looked for signs from celestial bodies as guides for everyday life on an 1850 farm. Have a seat and learn about ancient folk beliefs used for everything from planting crops to getting a haircut. Learn about a different topic each day!
Storytelling Evening at the Homeplace | Sat, Aug 19 | 6-7:30pm
As the summer day ends and the work is done, gather around the old maple tree and listen to ancient tales of a time long ago. Savor the taste of cold watermelon as a storyteller weaves tales of the sun, moon, stars and eclipses of a time gone by. $5 adults | $3 children | Doors open at 5:30pm
Sun and Moon Watermelon Social | Mon, Aug 21 | 11:30am-12:30pm
View the total solar eclipse at the Homeplace. Join us for a traditional picnic – bring your own picnic lunch and we’ll provide watermelon, games and stories of solar eclipses of the past.
Nature Station
Daytime vs Nighttime Animals | Weekdays | 11:30am
Learn how their everyday lives are influenced by the moon and sun.
Mornings with the Hummingbirds | Thurs, Aug. 17 and Tues, Aug. 22 | 10-11am
Relax in our backyard while naturalists present amazing facts about these little birds as they fly around their feeders. Bring your camera!
Sunset Canoe Trips | Fri, Aug 18 and Wed, Aug 23 | 5:30-8pm | $25 per canoe
Join us for a relaxed paddle as we explore the nooks and crannies of one of Lake Barkley’s scenic bays. Reservation and full deposit required. 270.924.2020 | Daytime Nature Station admission not included | Space is limited
Hummingbird Cafe | Sat, Aug 19 | 9-10am
Join us for coffee, juice and breakfast pastries while the hummingbirds have a feeding frenzy of their own! Plus, learn about “bird-friendly coffee” and how it benefits migratory birds. Reservation and full deposit required. 270.924.2020 | $10 per person includes same day NS admission
Snakes of Land Between the Lakes | Sun, Aug 20 | 11:30am-12:30pm
Learn to identify common snakes and why each of the species reacts to the sun and moon. Includes feeding time with the snakes at Nature Station.
Update 5/15/2017
Special Event | Total Solar Eclipse | August 21, 2017
- Sun and Moon Days-August 16-23 (11 x 17 poster)
- Sun and Moon Days-Total Solar Eclipse Programs-August 16-23-jpg (8 1/2 x 11 brochure size)
- Sun and Moon Days-Total Solar Eclipse Program Brochure 2017-pdf (8 1/2 x 11 brochure)
Update 12/12/2016
Best Eclipse Viewing Areas
Here is a chart of all the best viewing areas across Land Between the Lakes. Pick your spot!
https://landbetweenthelakes.us/best-2017-eclipse-viewing-areas/
11/29/2016
Save the date! Monday, August 21, 2017
Dear friends,
In 2017 we will be witness to one of the great wonders of nature – a total solar eclipse.
On August 21, 2017 the moon will pass between the earth and sun causing this phenomenon to occur around 1:23 pm for our region. According to NASA:
- Shadow bands are often seen on the ground as totality approaches.
- Light filtering through leaves on trees casts crescent shadows as totality approaches.
- Local animals and birds often prepare for sleep or behave confusedly during totality.
- Local temperatures can drop as much as 20 degrees during a total solar eclipse.
We invite you to join us for the 2017 Solar Eclipse.
The greatest duration of the eclipse will occur around 20 miles from us and pass directly over our northern tip.
The entire region will be hosting celebrations and showcasing our culture that people come from all over the world to experience.
We encourage you to come visit for the week and see what the region has to offer.
Kentucky Tourism 2017 Eclipse | http://www.kentuckytourism.com/eclipse/
Sun and Moon Days throughout Land Between the Lakes
Eclipse Programming August 16-23, 2017
Normal entrance fees apply. Check out our rates and hours at https://landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/rates-hours/.
Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory
In addition to our regular schedule of outstanding planetarium shows, we are working on several special presentations for the week of August 16 through 22, 2017 to highlight the Solar Eclipse.
We will also be presenting Laser Light and Music shows on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Saturday, August 19
Join us for a Star Party! View an evening show in our planetarium, located in the Golden Pond Visitor Center, followed by night sky observation at the Golden Pond Observatory. An outstanding group of volunteers from the West Kentucky Amateur Astronomers club will be assisting us with this party and have multiple telescopes for viewing objects in the night sky.
Monday, August 21
The big day! Land between the Lakes will provide one of the best views of the total solar eclipse. Be sure to come by and enjoy one of our shows while you are here to view the eclipse!
Nature Station
Daily Programs
Weekdays
11:30am | Come learn about daytime animals versus nighttime animals as we explore different ways of approaching life. What adjustments have their bodies made to adapt to their night or day environment. Our rescued animals will be the star of this daily show.
1:30pm | Learn about the endangered Red Wolf and what endangered actually means. For their appearance, we will be feeding them to see them come out of their den. Wolves are shy.
3:30pm | Each weekday we will feature one of our rescued animals to highlight their lives in our Creature Feature program. You will learn about what they eat, how they live, and who their friends are. Check out this find time with native animals.
Every Day
4:30pm | If you like birds, join us for our Parade of Raptors. Each night as we move our owls and red tailed hawk for the night, we entertain our guests while teaching you about birds. You will also learn why these birds cannot live in the wild. It’s also a great opportunity to take come photos.
Mornings with the Hummingbirds
10-11am Thursday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 22
Bring your camera. These little birds love stopping over at the Nature Station to feast from our feeders. You will enjoy relaxing in our back yard while our naturalists presents amazing facts about hummingbirds.
Sunset Canoe Trips
5:30-8pm Friday August 18 and Wednesday August 23
Join us for a relaxed paddle as we explore the nooks and crannies of one of Lake Barkley’s scenic bays. We will search the waters and shorelines for wildlife such as osprey, eagles, beavers, egrets, frogs, and songbirds. Enjoy a feast for the eyes and ears as the sun dips below the trees and nature’s evening chorus comes to life.
Reservation and full deposit required. Reserve your canoe by calling 270-924-2020. The cost of $25 per canoe does not include daytime Nature Station admission. We close at 5pm. Registration is limited.
Hummingbird Café
9-10am Saturday August 19
Join us under the shade in our garden before we open to the public. Enjoy hot or iced coffee, juice, and breakfast pastries while the hummingbirds have a feeding frenzy of their own! Relax in our scenic wildflower gardens, chat with a naturalist about hummingbirds, and learn some new tips on attracting these birds to your own yard. Plus, learn about “bird friendly coffee” and how it helps migratory birds like hummingbirds in their winter homes
$10 per person, includes same day NS admission. Reservation and full deposit required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.
Snakes of Land Between the Lakes
11:30-12 Sunday August 20
Learn to identify common snakes and why each of the species is active around the sun and moon. Includes feeding time with the snakes at Nature Station.
Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum
Wednesday, August 16 to Wednesday, August 23 (Daily)
Life by the Sun, Moon and Stars
2- 3 pm Wednesday, August 16 to Wednesday, August 23 (Daily)
Guided by the sun, moon, and stars, farm families looked for the signs from these celestial bodies as guides for everyday life on an 1850 farm. Have a seat in the cool breezeway and learn about these ancient folk beliefs that were used for everything from planting crops to getting a haircut. Every day a different fascinating topic. Are they true? Stop by and you decide.
Storytelling Evening at the Homeplace
6- 7:30pm Saturday, August 19
$5 adults, $3 children. Doors open at 5:30pm
As the summer day ends and the work is done for the day, gather around the old maple tree and listen to ancient tales of a time long ago. Savor the taste of cold water melon as the storyteller weaves tales of the sun, moon, and stars and eclipses of the past.
Sun and Moon Watermelon Social
10am-4pm Monday, August 21
Enjoy a unique viewing experience of the solar eclipse at the Homeplace 1850s Farm. Join us for a traditional picnic, you bring your picnic lunch and we will provide watermelon, games and stories of solar eclipses of the past. Then let’s view the historic event together! Grab your journal and record your observations of the solar eclipse as it unfolds just like they did in the 1850s.
Camping Reservations are Open
Due to customer requests, we opened our reservations early. To reserve your camping spot, go to https://www.usedirect.com/CampLBL/.
Enjoy the show
We hope you will spend some time with us while you enjoy one of the greatest shows on earth.
See you soon,
Jeff Laird
Customer Service Department Manager
Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education
