News Release

Eclipse Viewing Guidelines and Limited Access

A closeup view of the 2017 total solar eclipse.

NASA

News Release Date: March 28, 2024

Contact: Cynthia Dorminey, 830-868-7128 ext. 232

Johnson City, Texas – On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will be crossing from Mexico into Texas and heading northeast toward Maine and Canada. It has been dubbed the Great North American 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Rangers at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park anticipate the days of April 6, 7, and 8 could be some of the busiest in park history. Visitors to the park during this time frame need to plan ahead by following some key guidelines, and understand that access to the park will be limited by available parking. Complete eclipse viewing information can be found by visiting https://www.nps.gov/lyjo/eclipse2024.htm
 

• Visitation at LBJ Ranch will be on a first come first serve basis. The entrance gate will open at 9:00 am. Parking will be limited to the paved airstrip. No reservations will be taken, and once parking has reached capacity, access to the LBJ Ranch will be restricted.  Please be courteous with park staff.
• Expect heavy congestion on local highways. Consider viewing the eclipse from where you are staying and avoid traveling. Allow ample time to arrive at your destination if you choose to venture out. Please be patient and courteous while driving.
• Have food and vehicle fuel for the day. There are no food or fuel services at the LBJ Ranch and very limited options in the surrounding area. Fuel up before heading to the park. Pack a picnic lunch and snacks. Help preserve the beauty of the historic LBJ Ranch by planning to pack out what you pack in.
• Bring a water bottle. Water refill stations will be available.
• Pack sunscreen, a hat and eclipse viewing glasses. Hopefully April 8 will be a sunny day! Sunburns don’t make good souvenirs. Don’t look at the sun without proper eye protection on!
• Bring outdoor seating. Lawn chairs or picnic blankets will make eclipse viewing more enjoyable.
• Eclipse parking. Parking will be limited to the airstrip. Avoid using oversized vehicles, or vehicles with trailers as parking for those will be extremely limited. Carpooling is highly encouraged!
• No roadside parking will be allowed.
• Portable toilets will be located along the LBJ Ranch airstrip.

The partial phase of the eclipse will begin at approximately 12:15 pm (CDT). The total phase of the eclipse will occur at approximately 1:30 pm. Though totality lasts just a brief 4 minutes 14 seconds, visitors should come prepared for the full day.

Limited programs highlighting President Johnson’s legacy and impact on the space race are planned for Saturday, April 6 and Sunday April 7. Eclipse Junior Ranger books will be available while they last. Programs will take place at both the LBJ Ranch and at the park’s neighbor and partner, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. Please visit the park’s website for more information.

The national park visitor center in Johnson City will be closed on April 8 so that staff and visitors can enjoy the eclipse from the LBJ Ranch.