BUFFALO, N.Y. — We've known for some time when the total solar eclipse will happen. That date is April 8, with the partial eclipse expected to start at 2:04 p.m., with the total eclipse to follow at 3:20 p.m.
But where exactly will you be when the event comes? Fortunately, there's no shortage of locations where locals and tourists alike can observe the unique dayside plunge into darkness.
If you're wanting a camping experience, away from bustle of cars and taller buildings, there are five New York State parks in Western New York that will also serve as campsites from April 4-8. You must book for at least two nights through ReserveAmerica.com:
- Allegany State Park in Salamanca (Allegany County)
- Evangola State Park in Irving (Erie County)
- Four Mile Creek State Park in Youngstown (Niagara County)
- Golden Hill State Park in Barker (Niagara County)
- Letchworth State Park in Castile (Livingston/Wyoming counties)
If camping is a step too far for you, or if those parks are completely booked, you can still visit a number of parks and locations that will welcome tourists.
- Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel in Batavia (Genesee County)
- Beaver Meadow Nature Center in North Java (Wyoming County)
- Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park (Erie County)
- Buffalo Harbor State Park (Erie County)
- Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown (Niagara County)
- Genesee County Park, Forest & Interpretive Center in East Bethany (Genesee County)
- Griffis Sculpture Park in East Otto (Cattaraugus County)
- Kelkenberg Farm in Clarence Center (Erie County)
- Lakeside State Park in Waterport (Orleans County)
- Niagara Falls State Park (Niagara County)
- Onoville Marina Park in Steamburg (Cattaraugus County)
- Orleans County Marine Park in Kent (Orleans County)
- Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls (Niagara County)
If you're going to be in Canada, Skylon Tower and the Falls are options, as is Niagara-on-the-Lake, with its Lake Ontario shoreline and a number of vineyards.