Solar Eclipse 2024
On April 8th 2024, Wells County will be in the path of complete totality for this historic event!
Lodging is expected to book up in advance so be sure to reserve your hotel or campground stay in Wells County today!
Totality 3:08 p.m. -3:11 p.m.
Partial 1:53 p.m.- 4:24 p.m.
On April 8th 2024 a total solar eclipse will occur across Mexico, Northern America, and Canada. Indiana and more specifically Wells County will fall in the path of total eclipse for approximately 3-4 minutes of coverage. This means that there will be complete darkness at a time of day which is usually full of sunlight.
If you plan on travelling in be sure to come prepared with a full tank of gas, extra water, snacks, protective eyewear, medications, and patience if the traffic gets busy before and after the eclipse.
Total Eclipse of The Park -Markle Fish & Game Park | 10:00a.m. -4:00 p.m.
100 Park Drive, MARKLE, Indiana 46770
located just off of I-69 and SR 3
Food available for purchase (Concessions, The Pickle of Markle, WTFish food truck), music, restrooms & free parking available.
Acoustic entertainment at The Pickle of Markle and Markle Exit 286 Antiques
Markle Health & Rehab | 2- 4p.m.
170 N Tracy St Markle, IN 46770
Bounce house, music, limited supply of glasses, hot dog/chips/water and ice -cream. Bathrooms are available. More details to come.
Wells County Public Library (Main Branch) Limited to 150
200 W. Washington St. Bluffton
Wells County Public Library (Ossian Branch) Limited to 70
207 N. Jefferson St. Ossian
2-4 p.m.
A total solar eclipse occurs on a given spot on the planet only once every 375 years, so you definitely won’t want to miss this special event!
The total solar eclipse should be visible in our area starting around 3:06 pm. Participants of this program will get a safety briefing and can enjoy some solar-themed refreshments before we will all go outside to view the eclipse. Each participant that registers will receive a pair of glasses to view the eclipse safely. Registration required.
Wells County Events:
Paddlefish Solar Project has graciously donated many free solar sunglasses to enjoy the sights. Enjoy music, food, and create lasting memories as we come together to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon. Made by Mamaw Embroidery will be offering some cool stuff to remember the day. Meet us on the hill at Archbold Wilson Park for an afternoon filled with magic and wonder. See you there!
Ouabache State Park is Eclipse ready!
Glasses are available for sale in the park office, which is open Monday- Friday from 8:30-4:00.
Cost is $3 per pair or 4 for $10.
Located on 4930 E. State Road 201 in Bluffton
Ouabache State Park, pronounced O-bah-chee, is located along the Wabash River near Bluffton. Originally operated as Wells County State Forest and Game Preserve in the early 1930s, the park was once considered the “Greatest Wildlife Laboratory in the United States” for its raising of pheasant, quail, raccoon, and rabbit. Through the efforts of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and the WPA (Works Progress Administration), the area was developed for wildlife management, forestry demonstration, and recreation.
Visit the recently restored fire watch tower, hike around the 20 acre buffalo exhibit, and hike the trails!
Eclipse in Indiana
Create a plan and communicate it with your employees (Make sure you have plenty of food and water for them and prepare for their safety). Plans could include information such as:
If you will be closed or open - if open, special hours
Plan for employee's travel time to be increased - allow plenty of time to get there
Reduced communication possibilities - the influx of people will put a strain on cell towers and internet connections
Card readers may not work or may be slow, be sure to have cash on hand for transactions
How you will deal with people in your parking lot and/or property, even if you are not there
Consider using a private security company if you plan to rent out your large area for parking spaces to assist with parking issues and flow of traffic
Also consider renting portable restrooms
Plan for deliveries to your establishment - consider ordering for early delivery
Do not plan to do any routine maintenance or visits that week
Expect delayed response times for emergency services
Make sure to fill up fuel for any vehicles prior
For delivery companies - delivery times will be increased and make sure your customers are aware
Look into getting cell tower boosters or wi-fi hotspot generators