The Eclipse Along the Lake in Lake County

Looking for an “experience” where you can tour unique and memorable attractions, parks, restaurants, and wineries and catch the peak Total Solar Eclipse all in one place? Look no further than the southern shores of Lake Erie and Lake County, Ohio. Located just 20 minutes east of downtown Cleveland, Lake County lies squarely in the “Path of Totality” and will offer a multitude of unique viewing experiences and play host to Eclipse-related events geared toward kids and adults alike.

Nearly everyone who has traveled to see a previous Total Solar Eclipse strongly recommends beating the crowds and arriving early as traffic on the day of the event is unpredictable and can prevent travelers from getting to their destination on time. For visitors looking to make this a multi-day trip where they can tour Lake County leading up to the eclipse, book your hotel rooms now before they’re sold out and get ready for an exciting and memorable trip as there’s plenty to do before, during and after the big event!

With several large events already on the calendar, and more popping up daily, there won’t be a shortage of options for viewing the eclipse in a memorable setting. One event that is already on the books is the Total Eclipse Wine Trail that will take visitors through Ohio Wine Country and the Grand River Valley. With 12 wineries participating, this unique promotion is a great way to tour the award-winning wineries here in Lake County. 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has numerous fun and educational opportunities that will be taking place at Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor. With over a mile of sandy beach along Lake Erie, fantastic views of the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse, and plenty of parking, this is going to be a great spot to visit leading up to and during the eclipse. 

Other venues opening their doors and welcoming guests for Eclipse-related events include the Holden Arboretum and the City of Mentor’s Civic Amphitheater. Holden Arboretum is one of the largest arboreta and botanical gardens in the United States, with over 3,600 acres to roam, providing plenty of room for folks to explore and watch the eclipse in total darkness. Mentor Civic Amphitheater will have many activities planned, is centrally located within Lake County and has ample parking for thousands of guests. 

Whether you’re looking to experience the total eclipse with thousands of fellow eclipse-watchers, or you’d rather catch this event in a more quiet, remote location, Lake County will have a perfect option for you and your crew. For the most current list of Eclipse-related happenings in Lake County, visit MyLakeOH.com/eclipse.