Where will you be August 21, 2017?
The Great American Eclipse will pass through Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area on August 21, 2017. A total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon and hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in Western Kentucky, as nearby Hopkinsville is the closest city to the point of greatest totality.
What to expect?
We are anticipating over 50,000 visitors at Land Between the Lakes. All campsites which can be reserved have been booked and most local lodging is full. Basic and self-service camping are still available. Please get your permits online before you visit, https://landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations/ or https://www.usedirect.com/CampLBL/.
If you have a large group and are still looking for a place to gather, check out Brandon Spring Group Center. Call 270.924.2044 for more information.
Viewing spots within the 170,000 acre National Recreation Area are listed at https://landbetweenthelakes.us/best-2017-eclipse-viewing-areas/. The viewing location list is categorized with the closest toilet and parking available and other information. Traffic congestion is to be expected.
If you are near a different part of the country, visit https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/eclipse2017 to find more great viewing locations.
When is the eclipse?
What time will it happen? Here is what we know…
- Duration | 2 hours, 55 minutes, 29 seconds
- Duration of totality at Golden Pond, KY | 2 minutes 13 seconds
- Partial eclipse begins | 11:55:27am Central Time
- Full eclipse begins | 1:23:53pm Central Time
- Maximum eclipse | 1:24:59pm Central Time
- Full eclipse ends | 1:26:06pm Central Time
- Partial eclipse ends | 2:50:56pm Central Time
Check out https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2017-august-21 to find times near you. See NASA’s official 2017 Eclipse website at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/.
How much will it cost?
There is no fee to enter and view the eclipse. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early to find a spot. Be sure to have plenty of water and proper eye protection. Food vendors, eye protection and parking will be available at Fenton, near US68/KY80 Eggner’s Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake.
Is there anything special planned?
Land Between the Lakes’ day-use and environmental education facilities will be open and charge regular admission fees; Adults age 13 and over $5; Children age 5-12 $3; Children 4 and under are free.
Special eclipse related programming will be offered through Sun and Moon Days, August 16 – 23 at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum, Golden Pond Visitor Center and Planetarium, and Woodlands Nature Station.
For a complete list of programming at Land Between the Lakes, go to https://landbetweenthelakes.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1.3.SolarEclipseBrochure_Final_2017_Color.web_.pdf.
Safety is a big deal!
The following guidelines will assure that everyone has a safe and exciting experience during the 2017 Great American Eclipse:
- Your safety is your responsibility.
- Have proper eye protection when viewing the eclipse.
- Understand risks, respect signs and barriers, and stay within your limits.
- Most remote areas have limited services and facilities, so pack plenty of food and water. Cell service may not be available, so plan your route in advance and pack a map.
- Be prepared for warm temperatures and use sun protection.
- Make sure you have the proper supplies and gear.
- Expect large crowds.
- Familiarize yourself with the rules and specific information about the site you are visiting.
- Many roads on public lands are gravel and may require a high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle. Motor vehicle use maps show which roads are open to motor vehicle use. If a road is not on the map, then it is closed to all motor vehicle use. Motor vehicle use maps are available for free at https://landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/maps/.
- The eclipse will have a huge impact on highways, gasoline supplies and other basic needs. Expect delays, traffic backups and changes in normal travel paths.
- Help us protect our lands for all to enjoy.
- Tread lightly and leave no trace. Leave your site better than you found it.
- Remove all trash and remember to pack it in, pack it out!
- Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires.
- Know fire risks and respect fire restrictions, such as campfire bans.
- Avoid parking or driving on dry grass as your vehicle can spark a wildfire.
- Dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
We welcome everyone to visit Land Between the Lakes to experience this amazing astronomical event!
Please take safety precautions for your visit. See our Communities page to connect with our neighbors and find out what they have happening.
See you soon,
Jeff Laird
Customer Service Department Manager
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
