News Release

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park prepares for a busy eclipse weekend

Photo courtesy of American Astronomical Society / Rick Fienberg

News Release Date: April 4, 2024

Contact: Cynthia Dorminey, 830-868-7128 x 232

Johnson City, Texas – 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 on those days can expect some changes to normal park operations and should understand that access to the park will be limited at times by available parking. The national park is comprised of two visitor areas separated by 14 miles: Johnson City and the LBJ Ranch.If visiting on the days of Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7:

• In Johnson City the national park visitor center will be open, however there will be no tours of President Johnson’s Boyhood Home. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds of the Boyhood Home and the Johnson Settlement where the president’s grandparents lived.
• A modified driving tour route at the LBJ Ranch will allow visits to President Johnson’s Reconstructed Birthplace and the Family Cemetery. Free driving permits and directions are available at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site on Highway 290. The Junction School, where the president attended at age four, and the ranch Showbarn will be closed. The Texas White House Complex remains closed as rehabilitation work continues.

The altered route will take drivers to the LBJ Ranch airstrip where programs are planned to highlight President Johnson’s impact on space exploration and educate about solar eclipses. Complete program information can be found by visiting www.nps.gov/lyjo/eclipse2024.

If visiting on Monday, April 8, the day of the eclipse:

• The visitor center exhibits and Boyhood Home in Johnson City will be closed. The visitor center restrooms will be open for those enjoying the eclipse in Johnson City.
• The modified driving tour route at the LBJ Ranch will be in effect with eclipse viewing taking place from the airstrip.

For all three days, visitation at the 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 roadside parking will be allowed.

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.