Total Eclipse of the Parks

Have you heard the news? Portage County is in the path of totality for the Solar Eclipse, which means we will experience a total eclipse of the parks on April 8, 2024! Emergency Management Agencies are predicting a significant surge in visitors to our area to view this historic event. Local residents may choose to view the eclipse from the comfort of their homes, but the park district is offering a few eclipse program opportunities.

The Portage Park District is hosting a Solar Eclipse Prep program on Saturday, April 6 to share information about this astronomical event and teach participants how to safely view the eclipse.

On the day of the eclipse, park naturalists plan to host first-come first-served guided hikes to view the eclipse at Trail Lake Park and Morgan Park. Unlike our normal programs, we are not taking registrations for these hikes, since we cannot guarantee parking space for registrants.  

Our neighbors in the City of Kent are hosting a weekend-long Eclipse Festival.

If you plan to visit any of your Portage Parks, please be respectful and aware of parking space limitations. To help you plan, the list below shows parking capacity at each of the parks.

Dix Park - 30 cars
Morgan Park - 30 cars
Seneca Ponds Park - 10 cars
Shaw Woods Park - 30 cars
Towner’s Woods Park - 40 cars
Trail Lake Park - 75 cars

Cheers to a safe and spectacular historical event!
Visit the Portage Park District Foundation's new online store to purchase a special edition eclipse t-shirt while supplies last!