Solar Eclipse 2017: How to celebrate the big event in the Cowboy State

Theresa Davis, Gazette Editor
Posted 8/17/17

On Monday, August 21, North America will experience a total solar eclipse. Wyoming has been buzzing all summer, because many places in the state offer some of the best eclipse viewing points in the country.

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Solar Eclipse 2017: How to celebrate the big event in the Cowboy State

Posted

On Monday, August 21, North America will experience a total solar eclipse. Wyoming has been buzzing all summer, because many places in the state offer some of the best eclipse viewing points in the country.

We’ve gathered up a few Wyoming spots that will not only provide locals and tourists a front-row seat to this once-in-a-lifetime event, but have scheduled eclipse activities for all ages.

Whether you want to stay in Kemmerer or take a road trip, there’s plenty to do in the Cowboy State for the eclipse. 

Fossil Butte National Monument

  • Drive from Kemmerer: 12.7 miles, 15 minutes

  • Activities:yoga, presentations, University of Utah astronomer, crafts, star party, eclipse viewing party

  • Totality: 95%

  • More information: facebook.com/fossilbuttenps

Pinedale

  • Drive from Kemmerer: 105 miles, 1 hr 42 minutes

  • Activities: Kids science activities, solar oven cook-off,  movie in the park, music festival, presenters, viewing party

  • Totality: 99%

  • More information: visitpinedale.org

Grand Teton National Park

  • Drive from Kemmerer: 165 miles, 2 hr 55 minutes

  • Activities: Camping, bike rides, hiking, special viewing sites, University of Wyoming astronomy professor outreach

  • Totality: 100%

  • More information: tetoneclipse.org

Riverton

  • Drive from Kemmerer: 172 miles, 2 hr 40 minutes

  • Activities: Eclipse through Native American perspectives, museum exhibit, camping, BBQ

  • Totality: 100%

  • More information: windrivereclipse.org

Wyoming residents may be sick of hearing about the upcoming solar eclipse, but Monday, August 21, should be a day to remember as crowds of locals and tourists gather to watch the moon completely cover up the sun for more than two minutes in some places.

Lander will celebrate the solar eclipse with live music, an art show, a Native American music and art event, a flea market, a barbecue and a movie night.

Casper, which is in the path of 100 percent totality, will be home to the Wyoming Eclipse Festival, which boasts eclipse viewing parties all over town, as well as a craft fair and a downtown festival with food and live music.

Glendo State Park has plenty of events all weekend long, including scientific presentations on astronomy, pinhole camera demonstrations and guided hikes and horseback rides.

Guernsey State Park has eclipse presentations and a viewing party. The park will also host a University of Wyoming and NASA partnership program to record a live feed of the eclipse.

Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site will be hosting a pre-eclipse archaeoastronomy program.

Other Wyoming state parks and historical sites that have eclipse events include Fort Laramie, Boysen State Park, Fort Phil Kearney, the Trail End State Historic Site and Bear River State Park outside of Evanston.