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Why Russellville, Arkansas is the Place to be for the Upcoming Eclipse

The April 8, 2024, eclipse is on the minds of many Americans—especially those who are in the path of totality. If you would like some basic information about eclipses, or if you’re wondering why everyone is making such a big deal about this one, you can check out our previous post. This post, however, concentrates on why Russellville, Arkansas is one of the best places to be during the April 8 eclipse.

 

One of the things that makes this eclipse special to the residents of central Arkansas is that we are in the path of totality. Of course, the length of totality varies depending on your exact location when viewing the eclipse—as does the exact time of the eclipse—but Russellville, Arkansas is in the central path, which means that area will experience the longest duration of darkness in the state! Russellville was even rated by Astronomy.com as a top-10 location nationwide for viewing the April 8th, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse (Eclipse Russellville) and eclipse event organizers have tons of activities planned for the days prior to the eclipse. “Due to the length of the eclipse totality in Russellville, NASA is planning to host part of the agency’s live television broadcast from the city, as well as conduct several scientific presentations and public outreach events for visitors” (NASA). That’s right: NASA will be here for the eclipse!


On our 150-acre farm, Eclipse at the Point will experience a whopping four minutes and 15.9 seconds of darkness! We are offering primitive camping spots for both tent and RV campers, as well as day passes for those wanting to view the eclipse in a rural setting. While our venue offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained while you're waiting for the main event, within a short drive, you'll find lots of activities for nature lovers and non-nature lovers alike. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, floating the river, spelunking, learning about some of the area's historical significance, or just sampling some of Arkansas' local wines, you can find what interests you nearby.  Here are some of the most popular spots in the area.


  • Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary: 22 miles

186 acres of wetlands and low woods provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Nearly six miles of trails wind through the sanctuary providing a multitude of recreational opportunities such as walking, jogging, nature photography, and nature study. Get more information here.

  • Mt. Nebo State Park: 28 miles

Situated in the Arkansas River Valley just 45 minutes from Arkansas Wine Country, this state park sits atop the 1,350-foot Mount Nebo. Mount Nebo State Park is a certified Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Site. Get more information here. Experienced hang gliders can take advantage of two launch sites on the 1,350-foot Mount Nebo for a one-of-a-kind experience over Arkansas River Valley. You must check in at the Visitor Center and show your certification. 

  • Lake Dardanelle State Park: 28 miles

This park is located in two areas on Lake Dardanelle, a 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. The main site is in Russellville where you’ll find a fishing pier, swimming beach, boardwalk, trail, and visitor center with five aquariums. Lake Dardanelle State Park is a certified Trail of Tears National Historic Site. Get more information here.

  • Petit Jean State Park: 38 miles

The natural beauty and ancient geology of the legendary Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas’s first state park and with it our state park system. Hiking trails lead through forests and meadows, over canyons, and along streams and the mountainside. See where nature formed sheer bluffs, the spectacular 95-foot Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows, and such distinctive features as Bear Cave, the Grotto, Natural Bridge, and other formations like carpet rocks and turtle rocks. Get more information here.

  • Ozark-St. Francis National Forests: 23 miles

As one of America's most scenic and picturesque areas, the Ozark-St. Francis provides a lot of the "natural" in the Natural State of Arkansas. The Forests' rugged scenic beauty offers a wide variety of year-round recreational opportunities! Whether you are a hiker, kayaker, horseback rider, hunter, fisherman, or anything in between, the Ozark-St Francis National Forests provide new adventures around every bend. Get more information here.

Managed by the U.S. Forestry Service, Big Piney Creek flows for 70.8 miles and runs through Pope, Johnson, and Newton counties. The distinctive scenery of Big Piney Creek is characterized by its sandstone bluffs, waterfalls, still pools and stands of oak, hickory and pine. Principal recreation activities in the corridor include canoeing, swimming and fishing. The river is very popular for canoeing, with Class I to III rapids. For boat and equipment rental and shuttle service, click here.

  • Blanchard Springs Caverns: 91 miles

If you don't mind traveling a little farther, you can explore one of the most spectacular and carefully developed caves found anywhere.  Visitors enter a "living" cave where glistening formations like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones are still changing.  These crystalline formations are the result of minerals deposited by dripping water.  Forest Service interpreters guide all tours. For more information about this natural wonder, check out the Blanchard Springs Caverns website.

  • Wineries

While Arkansas is not best known for its wine, we have several great wineries that oenophiles will appreciate. You can find a Complete Guide to Arkansas Wineries and Wine Trails here, and Yelp offers The Best 10 Wineries near Russellville, Arkansas.

  • Waterfalls

Finally, fall in love with some of The Natural State’s most beautiful waterfalls. There are more than 200 year-round waterfalls that flow throughout the state—even more if you count the seasonal and unmarked falls—ranging from towering horsetails to glittering cascades. Let Southern Living introduce you to 17 of our most beautiful waterfalls. Visit the Arkansas tourism website to find even more stunning waterfalls.


Located less than 10 miles north of I-40 and within minutes of nearby Russellville, Eclipse at the Point is the ideal place for you to enjoy the April 8 eclipse. Here, you will be able to view the eclipse in a rural setting away from the crowds and enjoy some of the activities we have planned for your visit. We encourage you, however, to consider reserving your spot for a few days prior to the event so you can take in some of the local beauty and attractions central Arkansas has to offer. We look forward to seeing you there.





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