On April 8, 2024, Dharma and I had the good fortune of watching our second total solar eclipse over the course of seven years. We had the pleasure of viewing this astronomical wonder, the Great North American Eclipse of 2024, from White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. It was an unforgettable experience.
In 2017, we traveled to Indian Boundary Lake in northern Tennessee’s Indian Boundary Recreation Area with friends to witness the Great American Eclipse. For approximately two minutes and forty seconds, we reveled in the totality on the shore of the lake. Since we were situated in a remote natural area, we experienced the unique soundscapes of the natural world. This included animals and insects settling into their evening routines and vocalizing their dusk chorus as the moon obscured the sun and the sky shifted to the hues of dawn/dusk. It was such a rewarding experience that we committed, that day, to ensuring our attendance at the 2024 eclipse, especially given its trajectory across the continent.
The path of the 2024 total solar eclipse was even closer to home, with many key viewing points located in Midwestern and Great Lakes Region urban cities. We chose to view the eclipse from Indianapolis given the short drive from our home in Michigan. Unlike in 2017, we experienced the total eclipse in an urban park, which provided a much different experience compared to viewing from a more remote location. We opted for White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis because we could walk from our hotel and avoid the hassle of driving and getting caught in eclipse traffic.
White River State Park is an impressive urban park that combines natural beauty with cultural attractions. Spanning 250 acres, the park features picturesque canal walks and spacious lawns, alongside notable institutions such as the Indiana State Museum, an IMAX Theater, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Indianapolis Zoo. Additionally, it hosts the Lawn at White River State Park, a popular venue for concerts and events, enriching the cultural life of the city.
White River State Park served as the perfect viewing spot for enjoying the total eclipse. The event, officially named “LUNACY! Solar Eclipse Festival,” featured around 20 food truck vendors, free yoga classes, a performance by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s brass quintet, and various other activities. There was a robust turnout, and the park buzzed with excitement as thousands of attendees gathered.
All in all, we experienced approximately three minutes and forty-six seconds of totality. The temperature in the park dropped about 10 degrees during the eclipse, which was quite refreshing given the intensity of the sun and the heat that day. It was truly an amazing experience, and we’re now contemplating trips abroad to view eclipses in 2026 and/or 2027! We’ve definitely caught the eclipse-chasing bug!
