Eclipse events planned at Fort Laramie NHS

Fort Laramie National Historic Site will host special events August 18-21, 2017, leading up to the Great American Eclipse.

Throughout the weekend visitors will encounter many of the characters and stories associated with the rich history of the Fort as All Signs Point to Fort Laramie. The stories shared during this weekend-long living history encampment event will reflect the diverse cultural identity of the many who have set foot in and around the Fort.

On August 21, join Fort Laramie as the 2017 Great American Eclipse path of totality passes directly overhead. The Fort has been the setting of many historic events and this is your chance to become a part of the Fort’s story. Witness this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event in a setting that captures the imagination of generations past, present, and future.

The park grounds will open at sunrise—approximately 6:15 a.m.—and visitors will want to arrive early. Upon arrival, visitors will be directed to a designated parking area for the event. Once parked, visitors are free to tour the historic buildings, stop in the Visitor Center/Bookstore, and stake out a spot to view the eclipse. The eclipse will begin at Fort Laramie NHS at 10:24 am and end at 1:13 pm. Maximum totality will be at 11:47 am and will last 2 minutes, 11 seconds.

Here are some things to consider, as planning ahead will help make the experience uniquely yours and more enjoyable:

• Protect your eyes.

• Bring your eclipse glasses (the park will also have approximately 3500 pairs to share with visitors as well). DO NOT look at the sun without your viewing glasses. The eclipse will be amazing, but it’s not worth damaging your eyesight.

• Get there early; a satellite parking area is available, but the parking process may take 10-15 minutes.

• Bring snacks, water, and maybe a picnic lunch. Having a few amenities will help make waiting for the big event enjoyable.

• A reminder that a County-wide fire ban is in effect and no camp/cooking fires will be allowed.

• Smoking is prohibited on the park grounds.

• No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the park grounds and will be strictly enforced.

• Fort Laramie NHS will limit visitation to 5,000 people, which has been determined to be the resource carrying capacity for the eclipse event. Please join with the NPS staff in fulfilling its primary responsibility of preserving and protecting the park’s irreplaceable resources for this and future generations. Do your part by being a good steward.

Admission to the park and all events is free, so bring the family. For more information on the 2017 eclipse events at Fort Laramie NHS, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/fola or call the park at 307-837-2221. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.