Dayton and Montgomery County are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime event on Monday, April 8, as a Total Solar Eclipse will plunge the region into darkness for 2 minutes and 43 seconds, beginning at 3:09 p.m.
Adding to the excitement, USA TODAY just named Dayton as one of the 12 best places in the country to see the eclipse!
For those planning to “get mooned” in the Dayton & Montgomery County area, the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau (Dayton CVB) has created a special solar eclipse website at www.dayton-eclipse.com. It offers a variety of resources for out-of-town visitors and local residents, including information about the FREE Solar Eclipse Day at Dayton’s primary viewing location, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™.
“As one of the Ohio destinations in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we expect a significant influx of visitors to Montgomery County and surrounding areas,” said Dayton CVB President and CEO Jacquelyn Powell.
Powell continued, “The Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau’s eclipse website serves as a ‘one-stop shop’ for those seeking information about viewing the eclipse here. It’s the first total solar eclipse in Ohio since 1806, the last one the continental U.S. will experience until 2044, and the last one Ohio will experience until 2099.”
The website includes general information about viewing the eclipse, including planning and safety tips, a listing of local eclipse viewing events, as well as other area events and activities happening in conjunction with the eclipse, searchable listings of Montgomery County hotels and restaurants, information about hotels offering special eclipse packages, and information about area attractions. The site will be continuously updated in the weeks leading up to the eclipse.
“With the eclipse occurring on a Monday, our hope is that out-of-town visitors will come early and stay after the eclipse, to experience everything that Dayton has to offer,” Powell said. “We expect the eclipse to have an increased economic impact for the region.”
Through March 9, visitors to the Dayton CVB’s eclipse website can also enter to win a Dayton Eclipse Get-Away package, including a two-night stay at the Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North on April 7 & 8, plus a Dayton Solar Eclipse Gift Basket.
The site includes information about eclipse activities at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™, which will serve as the area’s primary viewing location for the eclipse on April 8.
“As Dayton’s largest attraction, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is an ideal location for an eclipse viewing event,” Powell said. “It offers ample free parking and open green space to accommodate visitors, as well as access to a world-class museum, encompassing 19 indoor acres, that will be open to visitors the day of the eclipse.”
Planned happenings at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include: hands-on educational activities for families; rocket launches presented by the Wright Stuff Rocketeers; a hot-air balloon glow from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; live-streams of NASA’s eclipse coverage; eclipse presentations; and a free 30-minute Air Force Band of Flight concert following the eclipse. Food trucks will be on-site throughout the day, and the museum galleries, including the new Dinosaurs in Motion exhibit, will be open to visitors until 6 p.m. In preparation for the eclipse, the museum will also offer in-person and live-stream eclipse-themed educational classes scheduled throughout March. Detailed information about the museum’s eclipse activities can be found atnationalmuseum.af.mil/Upcoming/Eclipse.
Other Dayton-area eclipse viewing events to be held on April 8 include:
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery: Planetarium shows, solar observing, science lab demos and more
- Sunwatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park: A ticketed, day-long event at the historic site
- Aullwood Audubon Farm: Eclipse viewing and art-making activities with local artist Chris Rowlands
- Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park: Free watch parties at the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, Wright Memorial and Huffman Prairie Flying Field
- Woodland Historic Cemetery and Arboretum: Ticketed event with eclipse viewing, food trucks and more
- National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) sites: Various viewing events at NAHA aviation sites through Dayton and the Miami Valley
Visit the CVB’s eclipse site for more information about these and other events. Montgomery County attractions and businesses holding eclipse-related events can go to the CVB websiteto submit those events for inclusion in the calendar.
“The Dayton Convention & Visitors bureau looks forward to welcoming many first-time visitors to the Dayton area for a safe and fun experience on April 8,” Powell said. “With thousands of visitors expected in the region for the total solar eclipse, we encourage both local residents and those coming into the area to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel, and be patient and welcoming.”
As Dayton and Montgomery County’s destination marketing organization, the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau collaboratively leads and advocates for the development of the region’s visitor economy, which contributes to a thriving community, a diverse tax base and lifestyle amenities for everyone to enjoy.
