August Eclipse Means High Tourism Expectations

The stars are aligning for a larger than normal tourist season, thanks to a stellar event that will be best visible in much of Wyoming in August.

A total solar eclipse will be visible Mon., Aug. 21 across a large section of the US, but Wyoming’s weather and position in the eclipse path means that a major influx of visitors to the state is expected.

The eclipse path will cross directly over the entirety of the Wind River Indian Reservation, and Jackie Dorothy of the Wind River Casino says the event means a great deal to the native population.

Dorothy says the Wind River casino has big plans for the week of the eclipse. Events at the Reservation will include storytellers, tours, presentations on the science of the eclipse and other activities that will be free and open to the public. Dorothy says that activities will begin the Thursday before the event, going through the day after.

Dorothy points out that their lodging is already booked out for the week of the event, although they are working on opening more camping spots for both tents and RVs.

Lodging in other communities that are in the path of totality are also filled already. Because of this, visitors are seeking lodging in communities outside the main path of the eclipse. Cody is already seeing overflow bookings, although we’re just north of the main path.