Experience the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Steuben County, NY
From Telescopes and Space Shuttles to State Parks with Epic Viewing Spots to the “Official Wine of the Eclipse” the County has Eclipse-Seekers Covered
A Special Report from our friends at Explore Steuben
Click on the blue links to visit the websites
February 20, 2024 (Corning, NY) – The 2024 Solar Eclipse will pass directly over parts of Steuben County on April 8, 2024, putting this Finger Lakes destination directly in the path of totality. A county known for its innovation and open expanses, New York’s Steuben County is one of the best places to catch April 8th’s epic eclipse, and a fascinating destination for visits all year round!
From exploring space and innovation at the Corning Museum of Glass to sipping the “official wine of the 2024 Solar Eclipse,” to viewing the main event from expansive park greens, Steuben County is an inspiring destination to take in the wonder of the solar system. Just don’t forget to grab a pair of solar-safe glasses at one of the County’s free sunglass pickup locations.
Corning Museum of Glass: Space Innovations
Telescopes
The Corning Museum of Glass is the world’s largest museum entirely devoted to glass art and artifacts including the world’s largest telescope and a Space Shuttle glass exhibit. In 1928, famed astronomer George Ellery Hale enlisted the help of Corning Glass Works to build the world’s largest telescope to allow astronomers to view the skies as never before. In 1934, Corning attempted to create the world’s largest glass mirror, though an imperfection made the first attempt unsuccessful. Guests can now see the 200-inch Disk and the Hale Reflecting Telescope in the museum’s Innovation Gallery.
Space Shuttle Windows
Also in the museum’s Innovations Center, guests can learn about the science behind the glass needed for space shuttle windows. Corning has developed a special heat-resistant glass that can withstand the extreme heat generated upon re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere and today the museum’s hot glass shop provides behind-the-scenes views of hot glass in a furnace that’s over 2,100°.
After visiting the museum, visitors can stroll the small town of Corning, “America’s Crystal City,” where, in 1880, glassblowers helped Thomas Edison’s incandescent lamp find its way out into the world. Explore Corning’s historic district with over 100 boutiques, galleries, studios and restaurants to ponder the magic and mysteries of glass and Corning’s long-standing connection with the stars.
Visitors may also want to pay a visit to nearby Elmira to visit the National Soaring Museum to learn about astronaut Eileen Collins, a local aviator who became the first woman to pilot a space shuttle.
Toast the Eclipse with Eclipse Wine
Eclipse Wine at Heron Hill Winery
What would a visit to the Finger Lakes be without a visit to a winery? Before the main event, eclipse-gazers can enjoy wine from Hammondsport’s Heron Hill Winery on the west side of Keuka Lake. Raise a glass to the sky with a pour from the winery’s popular Eclipse series. Choose from an Eclipse red, white, or rosé and grab some eclipse merch from the “Official Wine of the 2024 Solar Eclipse”.
Open Spaces for Optimal Eclipse Viewing
Stony Brook State Park
Those still looking for a perfect Eclipse viewing spot will find plenty of open space in Western Steuben County. Located directly in the path of totality, Stony Brook State Park features a rugged gorge in the rolling hills of Danville. This under-the-radar state park is open from sunrise to sunset and will not offer any special events or amenities related to the eclipse, meaning fewer people and more options for a spacious viewing area. Visitors are welcome to take in the wide open spaces in the picnic and ball field areas and enjoy eclipse-gazing. Portable restrooms will be available during that time.
Letchworth State Park
Eclipse-seekers would be hard-pressed to find a viewing area more incredible than nearby Letchworth State Park in Castile. Dubbed “the Grand Canyon of the East ” the Genesee River flows through a magnificent gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs as high as 600 feet, surrounded by lush forests. Don’t miss the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park – it’s a wonderful attraction for the whole family!
The park will be open from sunrise to sunset and will not be offering any special events during the eclipse. However, since this popular park is the path of totality, a larger crowd is expected to view the eclipse from its epic viewing spots.
Visitors can visit Explore Steuben’s website for more ideas for a full Eclipse-related itinerary.
An unforgettable camping experience!
Bring the family to beautiful Finger Lakes region and relax in the outdoor wilderness along the shores of Keuka Lake. Set up camp in one of the rustic waterfront cabin rentals, hook up your RV at Camp Bell Campground or bring the kids and pitch a tent at Stony Brook State Park. The Finger Lakes region offers outdoor adventure for the whole family. Get ready to hike the Finger Lakes Trail or catch trophy bass while fishing in Keuka Lake. Spend your days enjoying the world-class Finger Lakes wineries or discovering Tiffany glass, and your nights camping in Corning under the stars that twinkle high above Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Reserve your Finger Lakes campsite today! Get your FREE TRAVEL GUIDE to help plan your trip!
About Explore Steuben
Explore Steuben is the destination marketing organization (DMO) of the Steuben County CVB. Explore Steuben champions Steuben County tourism, its rich history in innovation, aviation, and agriculture, and the Finger Lakes’ heritage of grape growing. Explore Steuben represents award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries along with world-class museums, a vibrant farm-to-table culinary scene, and charming small towns. Steuben County boasts miles of natural beauty featuring stunning waterfalls, expansive forests, vineyards, and its crown jewel: Keuka Lake, the only Finger Lake with a distinctive “Y” shape. The region delights locals and visitors alike with outdoor activities, wine, food, history, art, and culture.
For more information about Explore Steuben please visit corningfingerlakes.com or follow along on social media @ExploreSteuben.
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