A Total Eclipse of the Parks

How can I observe the eclipse at an Indy Parks watch site?

Reservations are required for an eclipse day pass, with each vehicle entering the park needing a separate reservation. There are twelve designated watch sites at Indy Parks: Eagle Creek, Garfield, Riverside, Brookside, Christian, Holliday, Indianapolis World Sports Park, Krannert, Perry, Southeastway, Thatcher, and Washington Park.

When can I start making day pass reservations for the eclipse?

Day pass reservations open on March 8, 2024 and can be made online at www.indyparks.org or by calling Indy Parks Customer Service at (317) 327-7275.

How many reservations am I allowed to make?

You can make reservations for up to 4 vehicles per account.

Is there a fee for making reservations?

Eagle Creek Park is the only watch site with a fee, where the reservation includes prepaying the $6 gate admission per vehicle. All other watch site reservations are free.

Will my Eagle Creek Annual Park Pass serve as a reservation?

Your annual pass does not guarantee entry into the park on April 8th. Reservations are still required. Please contact Indy Parks Customer Service at (317) 327-7275 or Eagle Creek Park at (317) 327-7110 if you have questions.

Can I make a reservation for a large group such as a school group or Scout troop?

Bus entry into the designated watch sites is not permitted. Each reservation is valid for one vehicle that can fit into a standard-sized parking space. To ensure fairness for everyone, we ask that you contact Indy Parks Customer Service to learn about alternate viewing locations for large groups.

Will I be able to leave the park and re-enter with my reservation?

Yes, you can leave the park at any time. However, there is no guarantee that you will be able to re-enter in a timely manner. The park’s entrance gate at Eagle Creek Park closes nightly at 8 p.m.

I have made a reservation, but my plans have changed. How can I cancel? Will I receive a refund? Can I transfer my reservation to a friend?

To cancel your reservation, please call Indy Parks Customer Service. However, there will be no refunds for the $6 fee for an Eagle Creek Park reservation. Yes, you can transfer your reservation to a friend, but they must be able to provide the name of the original registrant.

Where can I obtain solar eclipse glasses? Solar eclipse glasses will be provided upon check-in at the designated watch site, while supplies last. Please note that since reservations are made per vehicle and not per person, the glasses are provided based on an estimation of four people per vehicle, allowing for some flexibility to accommodate everyone.

What time should I arrive at the park if I have reservations?

We recommend arriving early to account for potential traffic congestion. To expedite the entry process, please have your reservation confirmation printed or readily available on your phone upon arrival.

I have reserved a day pass for one vehicle, but now I want to bring two cars with the same number of people. Is this allowed?

No, each vehicle must have its own day pass reservation. Once all day passes are sold out, we will not have space for additional vehicles. The second car will be denied entry.

Can I be dropped off or ride my bike to view the eclipse?

Pedestrian entry is allowed, but only registered individuals will receive free solar eclipse glasses.

Are buses or RVs allowed in the park on April 8?

Unfortunately, buses and RVs are not permitted in the park. Please contact Indy Parks Customer Service for information on alternate park locations to view the eclipse.

I do not have a reservation. Where else can I observe the eclipse?

For more information about other Indy Parks locations, please visit www.indyparks.gov or contact Indy Parks Customer Service at (317) 327-7275.

Can I have a picnic or barbecue?

Picnic tables and grills are available at some of the park sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Consider bringing your own table, chairs, or blanket. If you bring your own grill, please place it on asphalt to prevent damage to the grass or sidewalk. Please note that alcohol is not permitted on park premises.

Can I purchase food?

No food concessions will be provided, so please bring your own snacks and drinks. While we aim to have all drinking fountains in service, we cannot guarantee their availability.

Are there restroom facilities?

Restrooms will be available at all twelve watch sites, including both flushing toilets and portable restrooms. Please check the hours of operation for the restroom facilities at your reserved watch site.

Can I play music?

Amplified music is not allowed in public areas. However, if you are separated from others and can play music at a volume that does not disturb others, it is acceptable.

Will solar eclipse glasses be available at the park?

Solar eclipse glasses will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to registered individuals.

Can I fly a drone within the park if I have an FFA permit?

Drone usage is prohibited in the park at all times.

Can I bring my dog?

You are allowed to bring your dog while keeping it on a 6-foot leash and cleaning up after it. Please ensure that your pet is not left unattended. Please bring any necessary items for your dog in case your visit is extended due to traffic congestion.

Will there be any educational programs?

Some sites may offer “Arts for All” eclipse edition programs during the week leading up to the eclipse. Please check our registration site, www.indyparks.org, for updates.

Can I park on the grass if there are no available parking spaces?

No, parking on the grass is strictly prohibited and may result in a parking ticket or even towing. The watch sites were selected based on their parking capacity, and reservations are aligned with the number of available parking spaces.

Can I watch the eclipse from the water?

Boat rentals will not be available on eclipse day. If you have made a reservation for one of the designated locations with launch access, such as Earth Discovery Center, Marina, or the beach, you are welcome to bring your own canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. The Dandy Trail boat ramp also allows access on a first-come, first-served basis, with a $10 boat ramp admission fee.

Can I watch the eclipse from areas outside of the designated watch sites at Eagle Creek?

Reservation is required for designated locations such as the main park area through the 56th gate house and 71st gate house, as well as Eagle’s Crest on the west side of the park. The fee for these locations is $6 per vehicle, payable at the time of reservation.

Non-designated locations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, including the bear overlook ($6), Starling nature sanctuary ($6), Dandy Trail (42nd St.) boat ramp ($10), mayor’s garden, and the dog park (requires a dog member pass for entry). Solar eclipse glasses are not available at these non-designated sites.

Can I park on the grass if there are no available parking spaces?

No, parking on the grass is not permitted and may result in a parking ticket or even towing. The watch sites were selected based on their parking capacity, and reservations are aligned with the number of available parking spaces.

Can I walk or ride my bike into the park?

Pedestrians are allowed to enter without reservations, as only vehicle entry requires reservations. Normally, pedestrians are required to pay a $1 admission fee, but this fee will be waived on April 8th. However, please note that solar eclipse glasses will only be provided to individuals with reservations.

Do I have to stay at the area where I parked?

No, once you have checked in with staff and found a parking space, you are welcome to explore the park on foot to find your preferred spot to observe the eclipse.

Can I reserve a shelter house?

Yes, you can reserve a shelter house, but all members of your group must still make reservations to enter the park on April 8th. A representative from your group must arrive at the shelter by 10:00 am and have a printed copy of the shelter rental contract. Shelter reservations for the eclipse must be made by phone or in person, as online shelter rentals are not available. To reserve a shelter at Eagle Creek Park, please call or visit the park office at (317) 327-7110 ext. 5, located at 7840 W 56th St.