Best places in central Ohio to see solar eclipse

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – For the first time since 1806, Ohio will be in the direct path of a total solar eclipse, and like the 2017 eclipse, which touched parts of the state, there will be better places than others to view the event.

The eclipse will happen on April 8, and to get the best view of the event, there are a few options in Ohio.

According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the site in the state to see the eclipse for the greatest length of time will be Avon Lake, Lorain County. However, if you can’t (or don’t want to) drive that far, there are plenty of options in central Ohio.

While downtown Columbus isn’t expected to be in the path of totality -- where the moon blocks 100% of the sun -- traveling just a few miles north will put eclipse viewers where they want to be. (In contrast, Ohioans outside of the path will see the moon block out more than 90% of the sun).

The width of the eclipse’s totality path is expected to be about 124 miles wide, meaning places between Dublin and Toledo will be in the path. In central Ohio, the path will be along a southwestern to northeastern line running from Hilliard through Worthington and Westerville on the path's southern edge.

According to the Ohio EMA, the sites nearest to Downtown to see the full eclipse are:

• Scioto Run Park
• Rush Run Nature Preserve
• Clover Groff Nature Area
• Hilliard Municipal Park
• Sharon Woods Metro Park
• Alum Creek Park North
• Heritage Park
• Mingo Park
• Delaware County Fairgrounds
• Oakhurst Park

For a complete list of public spaces to watch the eclipse, click here.

Of course, it’s not necessary to go to a public place to see the eclipse. As long as the weather cooperates and you’re outside in the path of totality sometime between 3:07 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. on April 8, you can experience the total eclipse (with the proper viewing materials, of course).

And if you don’t want to travel outside of Columbus city limits (or are south of the city), you will be able to see a partial solar eclipse, as will people in 49 other states. However, it may be worth the drive: the next total solar eclipse in the lower 48 United States won’t happen until August of 2044.