How to keep your eyes safe during the solar eclipse
By this point, you’ve probably heard that you need special eclipse glasses, but depending on how you’re planning to watch the eclipse, there may be more you need to know.
Across the state, millions are preparing for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse in southeast Michigan. Luna Pier in southern Monroe County is one of the only places in Michigan to reach totality.
Now, you just need a spot to watch it. State parks, metroparks and national parks could be the perfect spot to catch the rare event.
Here’s a list of parks near the path of totality or hosting a viewing party, that you may want to consider visiting to watch the eclipse.
State and Metroparks
Pass Required: $14 recreation passport
Sterling State Park in Monroe is hosting a viewing party in the beach parking lot from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will provide complimentary eclipse glasses, while supplies last. The park is expected to experience 99.8% of the solar eclipse at 3:13 p.m.
What time is the solar eclipse? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide.
Erie State Game Area in Monroe County is expected to be among the state’s top eclipse-viewing locations. The Monroe Co. Convention and Tourism Bureau and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host a viewing party at Dusseau Tract, at the corner of Dean and Bay Creek Roads. A map can be found here.
The Lake Hudson Recreation Area, near the Ohio border in Clayton, is expected to experience 99.4% coverage at 3:12 p.m. and is hosting a viewing party from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last.
Lake Erie Metropark lies in the path of totality and will experience a total eclipse at each of its 13 parks. The visitor’s information desk at the Frost Center at Osborn MetroPark will have one pair of eclipse glasses for each guest while supplies last. Pass Required: $10 daily pass or $40 annual pass
Michigan national parks for eclipse viewing
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will host a viewing party at its iconic Dune Climb from noon to 4 p.m. The eclipse will start at 1:57 p.m., and reach maximum coverage at 86.7% at 3:11 p.m.
Park entrance passes are required and can be bought for $25 at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center, Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and Homestead.
The River Raisin National Battlefield Park is hosting a free viewing party from noon to 5 p.m. with family activities in the Event Center from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Daisy Hips is a science communicator who brings the wonders of the natural world to readers. Her articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to environmental conservation. Daisy is also an advocate for science education and enjoys stargazing in her spare time.
