If you’ve ever seen a solar eclipse before, you know there’s nothing quite like it.  Residents of Hamilton County, Indiana remember the awesome spectacle they witnessed just a few years ago when a partial eclipse was visible in the town. This year the county will get to witness something even greater: a total solar eclipse. 

Hamilton County is perfectly positioned to view the eclipse on Monday, April 8th, 2024. It’s been 819 years since our neck of the woods has seen a total solar eclipse, and we won’t see another one in the contiguous United States until August 23rd, 2044. That means that this upcoming eclipse is the only opportunity you’ll get for decades to witness uninhibited views of this gorgeous celestial phenomenon. 

If you’re interested in visiting Hamilton County to view the solar eclipse of 2024, there are plenty of out of this world opportunities to check out while you’re in town. We’ve compiled a list of the best hotel deals around, fun activities to check out while you’re in the area, and the coolest eclipse events to enjoy while you gaze toward the sky.

 

Where to Stay

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Where To Stay In Hamilton County

With the total solar eclipse of 2024 fast approaching, hotels are offering special discounts all across Hamilton County.  Here are a few deals you can nab if you’re looking for lodging:

Courtyard by Marriott in Noblesville

The Courtyard by Marriott in Noblesville Indianapolis is offering a special eclipse package that offers a discounted rate of $229 for April 7-9, 2024.  To receive the promotional rate, you’ll have to stay a minimum of two nights, though you can stay longer if you’d like to check out the city and enjoy the eclipse festivities. Cancellation is required no less than 72 hours before your stay.

Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel in Carmel

This hotel’s “Here Comes The Sun” package includes 2 bottles of Sun King beer, 2 pouches of Capri Sun, and 2 snack bags of SunChips to munch on during the eclipse. It also includes 4 pairs of protective eyewear to help you safely view the eclipse. Use the promotional code “11 P” to make the reservation either online or by calling 1-800-228-9290.

The hotel also has a “Love You To The Moon And Back” package that includes 2 bottles of Blue Moon beer, 2 moon pies, and 2 pairs of protective eyewear. Use the promotional code “ARN” to make the reservation either online or by calling 1-800-228-9290.

Sonesta Select in Carmel

The Sonesta Select offers a discounted rate that includes complimentary parking. You can enjoy the eclipse in luxury over a 2-night minimum stay at the gorgeous Sonesta Select using the promo code ECLIP.

 

Things to Do

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Things To Explore In Hamilton

Hamilton County is over the moon with stellar activities to explore before and after the eclipse! If you’re into art, you can make your very own eclipse prints at the Ignite Maker-in-Residence Studio in Fishers, Indiana. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 3rd or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on April 6th, anyone can stop by and use special stamps to make their very own eclipse print–for free! 

If you’re into fun and festivities at a real-life ranch, check out the eclipse celebrations at Woolly Yak Ranch & Winery. From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 6th, 7th, and 8th, you can browse through their artisan market, enjoy a variety of music, and meet live ranch animals like wooly yaks and KuneKune pigs. 

Eclipse Mural

The festivities don’t end after the eclipse is over. While you’re in town, be sure to pick up some eclipse souvenirs and grab a bite to eat at one of the county’s delicious restaurants. Enjoy an eclipse sundae at Alexander’s on the Square in Noblesville or get half-priced wings and pizza at Parks Place Pub in Fishers.

 

Eclipse Events

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Total Solar Eclipse Events

Events in Carmel

  1. Carmel Civic Square will be having festivities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and also offers an excellent viewing spot for the total solar eclipse.
  2. Cool Creek Park will be having an eclipse experience that includes live entertainment, tailgating, and speakers, as well as a free kid zone with crafts and activities.
  3. Carter Green is a great viewing location surrounded by awesome restaurants and shops. You can walk or bike around the area as you explore the day of the eclipse.

Events in Fishers

  1. Conner Prairie has festivities beginning at 10 a.m., offering you a chance to learn all about the Hoosier astronaut Mark Brown and other cool scientific facts. You can roam the expansive grounds and view the eclipse from here.
  2. King Jugg Brewing Company will be having an eclipse party where you can grab a pint and a bite to eat before or after the eclipse.

Events in Noblesville

  1. The Taylor Center of Natural History is hosting a Moon Market to celebrate the total solar eclipse of 2024. You can buy a bunch of fun celestial-themed souvenirs from a variety of vendors to celebrate the eclipse.
  2. Ruoff Music Center will be celebrating with live entertainment, food trucks, and even a beer garden.

Events in Westfield

  1. Grand Park Sports Campus will have food vendors, inflatables, Grand Universe experts, and a live band to entertain all day long.
  2. Cool Creek Park Nature Center has festivities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as you celebrate and watch the eclipse.

 

Safety Tips

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Safety Tips For Viewing An Eclipse

Safety is the number one most important thing when viewing a total solar eclipse. NASA guidelines offer the following tips for eye safety:

  • Don’t ever look directly at the sun, even if it is partly obscured.
  • Always use IDO-12312-2-approved safe solar viewing glasses when watching an eclipse. Here’s where you can buy them.
  • View the eclipse away from busy roads or intersections.
  • Keep pets safe and leashed–they can get eye damage too!
  • Keep an eye on kids to make sure they don’t remove glasses during the eclipse. It’s a good idea to have a practice session ahead of time to prepare. 

Remember, you won’t be able to witness this stellar phenomenon again until 2044, so make sure you don’t miss the 2024 total solar eclipse in Hamilton County!