Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Solar Eclipse Program "Outside the Box"

Location of Southwest Virginia Museum in Virginia

Where

Southwest Virginia Museum, 10 West First St. N., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Museum Side Yard

When

April 8, 2024. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

On April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will sweep across North America.

Observers within its path of totality a 115-mile-wide strip where the moon will completely obscure the sun. Some will experience brief, total darkness in mid-afternoon. Those outside of the path will experience a partial eclipse, with a portion of the sun remaining visible.

Park Rangers and volunteers will offer an “Outside of the Box’ solar eclipse program on the lawn of the 101 train-car, overlooking beautiful downtown Big Stone Gap, where we'll have a clear view of the sky and a front row seat to science in the making. A brief presentation about the science and cultural significance of a solar eclipse will be presented as well as learning the impacts that an eclipse can have on societies, as well as on our natural resources. After the presentation participants will be shown how to construct their own viewing boxes to safely watch this amazing spectacle. Participants can stay after the presentation to watch this once in a life time event if they chose to.

Park Rangers will be hosting outreach programs in local schools the week prior to the eclipse.

This program is free, but registration is required. Please call the park for more information or to register for this program.

Children

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 276-523-1322
Email Address: SWVAMuseum@dcr.virginia.gov