ARKANSAS, USA — The Great American Solar Eclipse, set to pass right over the Arkansas River Valley on April 8, 2024, is drawing international attention from stargazers and tourists alike.
The path is set to go straight through Arkansas, leading to what officials predict will be the "largest tourist event in Arkansas history." The Arkansas Department of Transportation has released its plan to handle the heavy influx of sightseers they predict will visit the Natural State for the rare event.
Officials said the shadow is supposed to touch down in the southwest tip of the state at 1:46 p.m. and move northeast, exiting the state around two p.m., with those in the path expecting up to four minutes of "total darkness."
West Arkansas State Parks near or within Totality:
- Cossatot River
- Queen Wilhelmina
- Mount Magazine
- Mount Nebo
- Lake Dardanelle
- Crater of Diamonds
- Daisy State Park
- Millwood State Park
- Historic Washington State Park
- Lake Quachita
West Arkansas towns near or within totality:
Arkansas' official website has listed ten towns within the center of totality.
- Van Buren
- Fort Smith
- Clarksville
- Mulberry
- Booneville
- Mena
- Hot Springs
- Heber Springs
- Conway
- Dardanelle
- Mount Ida
- Clinton
- Heber Springs
- Searcy
- Jasper
- Yellville
- Flippin
- Batesville
- Mountain View
- Mountain Home
- Hardy
- Cherokee Village
Events:
- Russellville: Arkansas Tech University is offering reservations for its campus grounds to serve as a space for the public to view the eclipse.
- Mena: The Solar Eclipse Festival at the Blue promises over four minutes of totality while RV and tent camping with hot showers, live music, food, ziplining, vendors, activities, on-site Spanish carvings, wildlife exhibits, astronomy presentations, and more.
- Ozark: The city of Ozark is hosting Shadow on the Square in downtown Ozark.
- Eureka Springs: The day before the eclipse, on April 7, many musicians are gathering in Eureka Springs to host a "Moonlight Before Eclipse" concert. Musician and business owner Aviva Tu invites eclipse travelers to "Immerse yourself in a musical journey featuring the timeless sounds of Sound Journey, the collaboration of improv guitar and violin, and the ethereal beauty of a piano solo resonating with the iconic Moonlight Sonata."
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