Your Complete Guide To Seeing April’s Total Solar Eclipse In Indiana

A very rare path of totality will arc across the southern half of Indiana, from southwest to northeast, on April 8, the Hoosier State’s first total solar eclipse since August 7, 1869. It’s also a true once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of the population, with the next one coming on September 14, 2099.

Indiana will be busy on April 8. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected, according to the Indiana State Government, while GreatAmericanEclipse.com driveshed data suggests that between 131,000 to 522,000 could drive into the path through Indiana on April 8. That would make it the second busiest U.S. state on eclipse day, after Texas.

“We expect between 150,000 and 600,000 people to travel to various destinations within Indiana to experience the eclipse,” said Amy Howell, Director, Tourism, Marketing and Communications at Indiana Destination Development Corporation, in an email. “This is expected to be the single largest tourist event to ever happen in Indiana.”

Four Minutes Of Madness

As well as being home to almost four million people—including Indianapolis—Indiana will be the final place on the path where four minutes of totality is possible.

As well as being home to some big cities, many small communities will mark the eclipse with events primarily aimed at local people, but open to everyone. “You’re going to get small-town hospitality,” said Sarah Wolfe, Eclipse Director, Vincennes, Knox County, in an interview. “If you live in Indiana, you’re known as a Hoosier, and we’re very proud of our Hoosier hospitality.”

Here’s exactly what you need to know to see the eclipse in Indiana, from the best eclipse maps of the path of totality and eclipse times to climate predictions, traffic advice, how and where to find accommodation, and all about festivals, events, the best places to view—and basketball.

Top tip: stay Monday night after the eclipse because the NCAA championships’ “March Madness” will happen on the evening of April 8. “Indiana is a basketball state—everybody lives, breathes and drinks basketball, especially that time of year,” said Wolfe. “Stay Monday night, go to a watch party, and you’ll also avoid any traffic issues.”

Indiana: Path of Totality And Time Of The Eclipse

A total solar eclipse results when the new moon completely blocks the sun for a few minutes, casting a narrow dark shadow across Earth’s surface. This is the path of totality, and on April 8, it will be between 115 and 113 miles wide as it surges across Indiana, going southwest to northeast, entering the state at the borders with Illinois and Kentucky at 15:01 EDT and exiting at the border with Ohio at 15:12 EDT. That’s just 11 minutes, during which it will cross—and come close to—many large cities.

There are also a few big cities close to the path, with Louisville in Kentucky and Cincinnati in Ohio, just to the south, while Fort Wayne is to the north. Indiana is also likely to be the target for eclipse chasers from Chicago to the north and Nashville to the south.

Tip: On the centerline of that path, totality will last for between 4 minutes and 6 seconds and dead on 4 minutes, depending on your exact location (punch in any location here for a full schedule), but there’s no need to be on the centerline. It’s more important to be where the skies are clear—though you should try to stay away from the edge of the path of totality.

Indiana: Eclipse Chasing Through Two Timezones

Although Indiana observes Eastern Time, 12 of its 92 counties observe Central Time. Six of these counties (Gibson, Perry, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick) are in southwestern Indiana in the path of totality’ According to Visit Indiana, all observe daylight saving time, so clocks go forward an hour on the second Sunday in March.

Your cellphone will tell you the right time for where you are, but it’s something to be aware of and prepare for in advance. You can get the exact eclipse schedules and times for any location using this website.

Indiana: City Eclipse

Plenty of cities in Indiana in the path of totality have a plethora of planned events. Indianapolis will host a NASA event for 300,000 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with key events also slated for White River State Park, Indianapolis Zoo and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Other cities include Bloomington, Muncie, Richmond & Wayne County and Terre Haute.

Indiana’s Edge Cities: Frankfort and Kokomo

Where you need to be to see the total solar eclipse is paramount. Within the path of totality, you’ll see a total eclipse of the sun, but outside of it—even a mile on the wrong side of the border—you’ll merely see a partial solar eclipse, with no darkness nor views of the sun’s corona. Always remember that “99% totality” does not exist.

This means that those in Kokomo and Frankfort, Indiana, need to be extremely careful for the eclipse because the northern edge of the path intersects both. Some residents will see a 99.99% partial solar eclipse, while others will glimpse an eclipsed sun for a few seconds. Neither will ever be able to relate to what the other half saw or did not see. It will be necessary to be on the southeast side of Kokomo to see the totality and the far southeast corner of Frankfort.

Two other cities on the northern edge to be wary of are Crawfordsville, which is just inside the path but has a very short totality, and Fort Wayne, which is just outside the path.

Tip: if you live or are staying overnight in any of these cities, get up really early and spend the entire day in your chosen location farther south—but don’t necessarily choose somewhere on the centerline (the region just south of Indianapolis in particular, could be bustling).

Indiana: Destinations Within The Path of Totality

If anyone tries to tell you that the path of totality is all booked up or will be overcrowded, show them a map of Indiana. There are hundreds of places to consider viewing the eclipse, from small towns and cities to speedway arenas and attractions such as the Tulip Trestle between Bloomfield and Solsberry, Greene County, George Rogers National Historical Park in Vincennes—one of only two historic national parks in the path—and James Dean’s grave in Park Cemetery in Fairmount. Or you could watch drag racing during “Race To The Eclipse” in Hendricks County.

Here are some key locations either on or near the centerline (click the link to reach the community site, which lists events and festivals):

Tip: data suggests that Franklin and Shelbyville, both just south of Indianapolis, could be very busy on April 8, with up to 432,000 and 88,000 visitors, respectively, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

Indiana: Eclipse Accommodation, Events, Camping And Festivals

With a huge influx of visitors expected, as well as the large resident population, there is a lot of choice in Indiana when it comes to eclipse events and accommodation. For the latest, scour the interactive eclipse map from The Eclipse Company and National Eclipse’s Eclipse Events page. You’ll find a mix of camping and RV events, music festivals, science-themed festivals, observing-only day events, and star parties (solar eclipses also occur around the new moon, which is the best time of the month for stargazing). For campers, Hipcamp’s Solar Eclipse Camping Guide 2024 and Campspot’s Where to Camp for the 2024 Solar Eclipse Path are helpful.

Indiana: Climate, Weather And Timezones

Where is the best chance of clear weather during the eclipse in Indiana? There’s a roughly 60-65% chance of cloud in Indiana on April 8, according to Timeanddate. That’s not all. “Our weather is a real hit or miss that time of year,” said Wolfe. “It could be 80 degrees, it could be hail, it could be anything.” Storms are possible, as well as clouds, so keep an eye on severe weather forecasts for April 8.

Tip: watch the weather forecasts and make a final decision on where to go 24 hours before the eclipse.

For the latest on all aspects of April 8’s total solar eclipse in North America, check my main feed for new articles each day.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.