LINCOLN, Neb. (July 31, 2017)—Only 20 more days until one of the most exciting and rare celestial occurrences comes to Nebraska. We are highlighting some of the small towns in Nebraska that are celebrating the Total Solar Eclipse in big ways. These towns have unobstructed views of the sky with a lack of light pollution and tall buildings making them a great place to view the eclipse. Each town has been working hard to ensure that every visitor enjoys their time in Nebraska.
"Our small towns know how to put on big celebrations. They are proud of where they live and they can't wait to show visitors why they're the best place to view the eclipse. With open fields, lively town squares and friendly people, Nebraska's small towns are charming and accommodating," said John Ricks, Executive Director at the Nebraska Tourism Commission.
Check out some of the towns where you can view the solar eclipse. Go to our website to find even more towns putting on eclipse celebrations.
Aurora, NE
Where to watch: The Leadership Center
What to do: The Edgerton Explorit Center will be open Saturday and Sunday. This is a hands on learning center where people of all ages can experience the joy of scientific discovery and exploration. You should definitely check it out while you're in town.
Length of totality: 2 minutes 31 seconds
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Broken Bow, NE
Where to watch: Scenic Byway Barn
What to do: Broken Bow will host an entire weekend of fun activities including a golf tournament, food & crafts in the city square, a drive in movie and car show and guided tours at the Straight Arrow Bison Ranch.
Length of totality: 2 minutes 25 seconds
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Crete & Wilber, NE
Where to watch: Crete-The Armory and Armory Park, Wilber-Legion Ball Fields and Ice Skating Park
What to do: Crete and Wilbur are putting on a bunch of events that will keep people entertained all weekend. There will be a pancake feed, shopping tour, educational panel about the eclipse and a food fair all on Saturday. Sunday will be equally as exciting with a sand volleyball tournament, pork BBQ cook off and Polka in the Park.
Length of totality: Crete- 2 minutes 26 seconds. Wilber- 2 minutes 36 seconds
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Fairbury, NE
Where to watch: The intersection of Highway 15 and 136 (There will be parking across the street in the Ray's parking lot) or the beer garden at Side Trek Bar & Grill in nearby Harbine, NE.
What to do: Gregory Snow, a professor of physics at UNL, will speak about what causes solar and lunar eclipses. Totally Smoked will also be serving a BBQ lunch on Sunday.
Length of totality: 1 minute 58 seconds
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Falls City, NE
Where to watch: Stanton Lake Park or right downtown
What to do: People are encouraged to camp out at Stanton Lake Park where they will have an unobstructed view of the eclipse. There will also be a luncheon held right on the downtown cobblestone streets of Falls City. For $30 you will receive a pair of eclipse viewing glasses as well as a meal and experience you will never forget.
Length of totality: 2 minutes 37 seconds
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Ravenna, NE
Where to watch: Ravenna's baseball fields 1 & 2 and Cedar Hills Vineyard & Gardens
What to do: Ravenna and Kearney have teamed up to put on some amazing events. NASA astronaut Mike Fink will be in Ravenna on August 18 and 19 to speak about the eclipse. An eclipse float parade will travel through the town and there will be an eclipse craft outing.
Length of totality: 2 minutes 35 seconds
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Seward, NE
Where to watch: Seward Memorial Library, Red Path Gallery, Junto Winery and more.
What to do: Seward will have a Celestial Art Show along with Eclipse talks. There will be yoga and an art show right before the eclipse begins. Seward is a town that knows how to celebrate big so make sure to join them in celebrating this once in a lifetime event.
Length of totality: 1 minute 35 seconds
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Stapleton, NE
Where to watch: Logan Co. Fairgrounds
What to do: Stapleton is going big with their weekend long celebration of the eclipse. They will have a rodeo on Friday which will include steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding and more. Saturday will have a craft fair and flea market, a parade, and activities for all ages. The craft fair and flea market will continue to Sunday where there will also be local entertainment and music. Derryl Barr will have an eclipse presentation at the Fairgrounds along with star gazing.
Length of totality: 2 minutes 33 seconds.
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For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at VisitNebraska.com. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our Visit Nebraska Facebook page, on Twitter, on Pinterest, on Instagram and on YouTube.
The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to VisitNebraska.com.
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