A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun and casts a shadow over the Earth. This phenomenon is incredibly rare in Ohio and the moon will completely block out the sun for the first time in over 200 years. The last total eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806, and the next one won’t occur until 2099. Ohio residents and out-of-state visitors will be able to see this historic total solar eclipse April 8. 

Here in Columbus, the total solar eclipse won’t last for much time at all; about 40 seconds. But at the direct center of the path, there will be nearly four minutes of totality. If you are willing to get up early or fight the crowds, as little as an hour’s drive north of us lay some of the best eclipse viewing spots in the country.

Lima, Ohio 

Out in the middle of corn country lies Lima. This unassuming small town an hour and a half north-west of Worthington is quite literally in the middle of nowhere. While this seems like a disadvantage, it is exactly what makes Lima a perfect viewing location for this eclipse. There aren’t too many people who live there, and travelers following the eclipse will drive right through on their way to another location. It’s also a large enough town that you can make a day of it, so if you’re there a few hours early, you won’t be stranded in the middle of nowhere. There is good food on the main drive, shops to kill time, and metro parks to watch the eclipse from. Since Lima is not mentioned on many websites, it is good to get there well before 3. Totality should begin around 3:10 pm.

Cleveland, Ohio

Although it is a bit of a drive, just north of us in Cleveland the solar eclipse path reaches totality for nearly four minutes of darkness at 3:13 p.m. However, the best place in the area to view this rare astronomical phenomenon is actually in Lorain County at Avon Lake, which is only 23 miles west of Cleveland. Avon Lake is along the centerline of the eclipse path, meaning totality and the moon fully blocking the sun will last for the greatest duration there out of anywhere else nearby. For several minutes, the landscape will be plunged into darkness in the middle of the day, allowing viewers safely wearing solar filters to see the sun’s outer atmosphere emerge around the black disk of the moon. The temperature may also briefly drop during totality. So for those willing to make the drive to Lorain County, Avon Lake offers the longest window and most dramatic vantage point to observe the eclipse. 

Ohio State Parks

For those who don’t want to spend the day in a city, The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio State Parks have been on a mission to get people to come out to the state parks to view the eclipse. Starting nearby, there are Delaware and Alum Creek State Parks. While they won’t experience centerline totality, they will experience more totality than Worthington, and both are within 30-40 minutes from Columbus. If you travel a little further, Mohican, Mt. Gilead, and Portage Lakes all will have great viewing experiences with picnic areas, trails, and even kayaking.

Maybe your thing isn’t driving, but instead, you’d prefer to spend a little under 1000 dollars to fly the eclipse path. There’s an option for everyone, but for most people, staying with friends and family is the best way to soak up the sun or (lack of it) during this eclipse. Whether you drive hours or stay home, be safe and remember not to stare directly into the eclipse.