ERIE, Pa. — In less than a month, Pennsylvanians will have a perfect view of a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, a total solar eclipse. One of the best places to catch the awe-inspiring spectacle on April 8, 2024, is in Erie.
"This has the opportunity to be the largest tourism event Erie County has ever seen in recent memory," said Christine Temple, director of communications for VisitErie.
Pennsylvanians across the state will have a great view of the eclipse; however, the only major city in the Commonwealth in the direct path of totality is Erie. Totality will take place at 3:16 p.m. and will last for 3 minutes and 41 seconds.
Officials say the event will be even more spectacular than 2017's solar eclipse due to the sun being in a more active state this time around.
"This really is once in a lifetime. You’re going to get [people] traveling from all across the country to be somewhere along the path of totality and because of our location, the northwest part of Pennsylvania right on a great lake, it’s a perfect setting," said Temple. "Who wouldn’t want to be here?"
Up to 200,000 people from across the northeastern part of the country and beyond are expected to travel to Pennsylvania, many of whom will be headed to Erie.
"With the expected crowds we could see, it’s possible we could become the third largest city in Pennsylvania for that day," said Temple.
With the massive influx of people, officials say it’s all about planning.
"It’s all about being prepared and being smart and traveling smart," said Temple.
Officials suggest going through a checklist of the items down below for your trip:
- Solar-safe glasses, pinhole viewers, solar-safe viewing lenses for binoculars, cameras, or telescopes
- Water
- Snacks or a meal
- Appropriate layers for sunny, cold, or rainy conditions and comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Camp chairs, a blanket, or other seating
- Necessary medications
Officials also suggest extending your stay in Erie before and after the total solar eclipse to avoid the traffic that is expected to cause major delays.
"About 3:20 p.m. in the afternoon people are going to start leaving," said Temple. "What we’re being told it’s a mass exodus of traffic."
From Presque Isle State Park to Erie Wine Country, or catching the Erie Seawolves, a Harrisburg Senators rival, for a game, there’s no shortage of things to do during your stay.
"There’s pretty much something here for everybody, every age, every interest and that’s the great thing about Erie," said Temple.
However, according to VisitErie, hotels are filling up quickly. As of the beginning of March, hotels were already at 87% capacity.
"I would say if you’re waffling back and forth between staying overnight or driving up [that day] make that decision sooner rather than later because right now we’re at 87% and that can change in a matter of days," said Temple.
Whatever you plan to do, Erie is ready for you.
"Things are just ramping up like you wouldn’t believe, city-wide," said Temple. "There’s just an air of anticipation and excitement."
For more information on the total solar eclipse, events being held in Erie and how to get a pair of free solar eclipse glasses, head to VisitErie's website.