Solar Eclipse Activities and Viewing Areas Information

Bastrop is not in the path of totality but we will still have a totally fun time experiencing a partial eclipse!

For Bastrop the Partial Eclipse begins at 12:17pm. The maximum eclipse, which is the deepest point of the eclipse, with the sun at its most hidden, will be at 1:37pm. The partial eclipse ends at 2:58pm.
Bastrop will have a 99% magnitude which means we are not in the total eclipse pathway and at maximum coverage, the sun will still be slightly visible. Because of this, Eclipse glasses will need to be worn the entire time when looking towards the sun at the eclipse. 

Location: Refectory Building at Bastrop State Park   
Open from: 12:30pm to 2:30pm 

Drop in anytime between 12:30 and 2:30pm to learn about the solar eclipse! Explore eclipse shadows and temperature changes, enjoy some eclipse inspired arts and crafts like eclipse critter masks and UV bead bracelets. Join in and become a citizen scientist through several different scientific projects! Grab some data sheets and observe what happens during the eclipse in nature that surrounds you! All ages welcome. This event is rain or shine. Free eclipse glasses available while supplies last.

This program is free after park entrance day use fee has been paid. Day use entrance fee is $5 per adult, 13 years of age and older. Children 12 years  of age and under are free. 

Three Main Viewing Areas around the park for Day Use visitors and campers who have a shaded site:

For all areas, please bring a folding chair or picnic blanket to sit on. 

* The Playfield near the Historic Golf Shelter parking area is a perfect open spot to bring your folding chairs or picnic blanket and enjoy the partial eclipse.
* The large field behind the Historic Refectory is also a great open spot to view the eclipse.
* Lake Mina has mowed grassy areas and picnic tables around the lake. It is a big open area to view the partial eclipse. It is a 3/4 quarter walk on the paved Lake Mina Loop trail to the lake. You MUST park at either Historic Golf Shelter parking lots or Refectory parking lot or walk from other day use areas. Parking at Headquarters to access the lake or along the sides of the roads are not allowed. 

Overnight Camping in parking lots and day use areas are not allowed. 

Parking along the side any park roadway or off pavement is not allowed. 

No public consumption of alcohol is allowed in the park.