​On your marks. Get set. GO! ... to Lavern Gibson Champion Cross Country Course ...
 
As summertime comes to a close, Terre Haute has entered one of the most exciting times of year in the Wabash Valley: cross-country season!
 
Terre Haute, accurately nicknamed Cross Country Town USA, expects to welcome over 60,000 visitors this fall alone for the cross-country season.
 
The renowned LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course will be the site of many exciting events throughout the 2023-24 season.
 
September is a jam-packed month on the course, starting the first weekend with the DIII Invitational and the Hometown Savings Bank State Preview. If you’re more of a night owl, plan to be at the starting line at 8 p.m. on September 29 for the Twilight College Division night race along with the Nike XC Town Twilight race on September 30 at 6 p.m.
 
Enjoy the autumn season in Terre Haute while watching the IHSAA Sectional and State Finals Championships in October, and don’t miss the Nike Cross Regional Midwest Championships on November 12.
 
Known as one of the best courses in the nation, LaVern Gibson has been the home of a number of significant cross-country events since its creation in the summer of 1995. The NCAA Championship took place at the course eight consecutive years from 2004 to 2011, and again in 2013, 2014 and 2016. In fact, Indiana State University has hosted the NCAA Women’s Cross-Country Championships more times than any other school.
 
Cross country is more than just a sport here in the Wabash Valley - it’s a way of life. This exciting sport showcases the athletes’ hard work and dedication while also bringing the community together.
 
“You know, when you see someone pour their heart and soul into anything, you respect it. Through the years, I've really come to love that about cross country,” said Patterson. “And it doesn't matter if they're the first-place finisher or the last place, they're still giving it everything they have."
 
We can’t wait to see you in Terre Haute cheering on your favorite teams this season, not only at LaVern but at all the sports and recreation spots that Terre Haute has to offer.
 
To see a compiled list of all sports and recreation offerings in Terre Haute, visit www.terrehaute.com/sports.html and for more information on cross county events, visit www.laverngibson.com.

​From the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau: Welcome to the brand new students and their loved ones. Thanks for choosing to explore the City of Terre Haute for the next four years. And to our returning students, welcome back! This fall 2023 semester will be the best one yet.

Terre Haute proudly houses four higher education institutions: Indiana State University (ISU), Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), Ivy Tech Community College, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. These educational institutions make up the highly astounding College Town USA.

• ISU, in the heart of downtown Terre Haute, has over 100 undergraduate majors and 70+ online programs, focusing on educational, personal and professional success. In June 2023, the ISU baseball team made it to the NCAA Regionals!
• SMWC, a Catholic Liberal Arts College founded in 1840, is exceptional for education and sports but has also become a well-known venue for Terre Haute. SMWC is known for its beautiful campus as well as its business and family events.
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, a private university is a nationally recognized, top-ranked school in the U.S. consistently, especially for its undergraduate engineering program.
• Ivy Tech Community College focuses on serving surrounding communities, but the Terre Haute campus provides unique offerings in College Town USA, like equipping you with home-grown skills and strong connections.

Terre Haute is a hub for independent, young adults in college. Local restaurants and unique events make up College Town USA. Students often explore the city and study off campus at Java Haute and Federal Coffee + Fine Foods. If your tired of microwaving ramen every night, Scout’s Pizzeria is a local hot spot as well. The Terminal Public House is a local restaurant, perfect for loved ones looking for dinner spots when visiting!

Not so much of a foodie? That is a-okay because we have countless activities throughout the city. Each university offers a calendar online, highlighting big city-wide events each year. When heading off-campus, visit one of Terre Haute’s local nature spots, like Deming Park, to catch some fresh air or even a peaceful study spot. Deming Park also offers a frisbee golf course, where you could start an intramural team!

Got a green thumb? Visit The Pickery. If you’re seeking an adventurous change of pace, visit Griffin Bike Park. More of a cinematic mastermind? The best spot in town to watch a good movie is The Moon Lite Drive-In. It shows new movies all the time.

Don’t take our word for it, hear from a current ISU student, Julia Pomfret:


With move in coming up and family weekend occurring this fall, just know, this is just hitting the surface on your epic guide to College Town USA. Check out See You In Terre Haute for lodging, playing and planning.

​That being said, welcome back to College Town USA students, family and friends!

​If you’ve visited Terre Haute, you may have heard of the city referred to as the Crossroads of America- but do you know how Terre Haute earned this famous nickname?
 
In 1926, the original National Highway System was implemented connecting states and improving transportation throughout the country. U.S. Highway 40 opened travel westward, and U.S. 41, a main north-south highway, are both major roads that cross through Terre Haute and provide a straightforward route for road trippers. The intersection at Seventh Street and Wabash Street in downtown Terre Haute, named the official “crossroads” in the city, gave Terre Haute its beloved nickname. Today, the intersection remains a central location in Terre Haute surrounded by many local shops, businesses and restaurants.
 
Terre Haute serves as a major hub for tourism, healthcare, education, eating, shopping and manufacturing. In addition to the Crossroads of America, Terre Haute is often called the Heart of the Midwest, as seven major cities in Indiana and surrounding states are only a road trip away.
 
This has been an exciting year so far in the Crossroads of America! The first half of 2023 saw the opening of many new businesses and restaurants in Terre Haute, including the grand opening of The Terminal Public House restaurant and a new indoor skateboard and scooter park.
 
Terre Haute was the host for many exciting sporting events in the spring and early summer. In May, the city welcomed athletes from the Missouri Valley Conference for the MVC Baseball Championships. The Middle School Track and Field State Championships were also hosted in Terre Haute earlier this summer. For the first time since 1986, the Indiana State Sycamores stepped up to the plate and became the NCAA Baseball Regional champions in June!
 
Terre Haute found a place in the spotlight when the city was featured on the cover of the 2023 Indiana Travel Guide. Produced by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, this publication provides information about events and travel resources around the state. Terre Haute’s own Griffin Bike Park is highlighted on the cover. We extend a special thanks to Visit Indiana for the feature!
 
The coming months bring even more to look forward to in the Wabash Valley.
 
Keep an eye out for a new cinema experience coming soon to Terre Haute. In February, the Indiana Theater, a local landmark donated to the Capital Improvement Board by a local businessman. As this project continues to take shape, we look forward to this exciting entertainment addition in our city.
 
The 130-year-old Hulman Building is also getting a facelift this year. The former home of Clabber Girl will now operate as a co-working and multi-use office space for business professionals. Named The Station, the Hulman building will serve as a hub in Terre Haute’s ever-evolving vibrant downtown.
 
Stay up to date with all the activity happening in Terre Haute by visiting See You In Terre Haute’s events page. There’s always so much to see and do here in the Crossroads of America, and the summertime is a perfect opportunity to get outside and explore this city we call home!
 
Source: Indiana Historical Bureau

We’re gearing up for the Fourth of July here in Terre Haute, Indiana, and we couldn’t be more excited! Independence Day is a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones and enjoy the many festivities our city has to offer.
 
Americans across the nation look forward to this highly anticipated holiday each year to watch fireworks, eat good food and show off their patriotic spirit. The Fourth of July offers a chance to bask in the relaxation that comes with a day off work while also taking advantage of exciting summer activities.
 
Kick off Independence Day celebrations early with a Retro Movie Night at the Moon Lite Drive-In Theater! Top Gun, which explores the U.S. Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, will be playing on June 27, and like all Tuesday Retro Movie Nights this summer, admission is completely free.
 
Don’t miss the Wabash Activity Center’s Firecracker Bingo Night and dinner on Friday, June 30th. Play twenty games of patriotic bingo for a chance to win prizes donated by local Terre Haute businesses, and in true Fourth of July fashion, enjoy a hamburger or hotdog fresh off the grill along with chips, dessert, tea and lemonade. Tickets for the event are $30, and games begin at 5:00 p.m.
 
Firework festivities will take place on July 4th at Fairbanks Park. Starting at 6 p.m., experience the tastes of Terre Haute’s many food trucks and purchase luminous glow products sold by the Terre Haute Parks Department. The celebration will begin at the amphitheater with the Terre Haute Community Band at 8 p.m. And of course, stick around for the main event! At approximately 10 p.m., fireworks will fly across the Wabash Valley sky.
 
As always, prioritize safety if putting on your own fireworks show. Fireworks are not allowed within the Terre Haute city limits. Be sure to use high-quality fireworks, create a safe distance between onlookers and launch pads and count down before and after every lighting. If you’re looking for a more subtle celebration that’s just as fun, hand-held sparklers are a great alternative to large fireworks.
 
No matter how you choose to celebrate Independence Day, be safe, eat good food and cherish time spent with family and friends. Have a Fourth of July event to share? Use #SeeYouInTerreHaute on social media!
 
Sources: Haute Happenings, terrehaute.in.gov

Visiting the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course to cheer on your team? Hopping into town for the Blackberry Smoke concert at The Mill? Or traveling to the Terre Haute Convention Center for work?
 
Terre Haute draws in visitors for various purposes, personal and professional, but no matter the reason for your travels, we want to ensure you have a relaxing stay. Often referred to as Terradise, your summer vacation here in Terre Haute should feel as if you are at your home away from home. There is a wide array of offerings from hotels downtown that allow you to collect up hotel points, to campgrounds during a family road trip hunting for the best hiking trails, and even brand-new Airbnb stays that make you feel a true, local ambiance.
 
There are 20 hotels offered in the City of Terre Haute: Candlewood Suites, Comfort Suites University Area, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndam, Drury Inn & Suites, Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites Terre Haute, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn Terre Haute, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Terre Haute, Holiday Inn Terre Haute, Home 2 Suites by Hilton, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndam Terre Haute, Pear Tree Inn Terre Haute, Quality Inn Terre Haute University Area, Red Carpet Inn, Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn University Area, SpringHill Suites Terre Haute, Super 8 by Wyndam Terre Haute and Travelodge by Wyndam Terre Haute. Each hotel offers its own unique location with an array of things to do.
 
But if you crave living like a local and are interested in staying at one Terre Haute's Airbnb properties, check out a few featured destinations when planning your visit.

• The bright and airy 4-bed luxury lakehouse is a destination getaway perfect for your family, friends or business retreat. With new furniture, appliances, and décor this retreat is a great staycation. Nearby Attractions: Queen of Terre Haute Casino (coming soon), Griffin Bike Park, Fowler Park, Laverne Gibson Cross Country Course, Rose Hulman, Indiana State University, and The Mill Concert Venue.
• Peaceful Pines offers comfort and relaxation at the cornerstone of this eight-acre landscape with a traditional log cabin and quaint guest cabin located on a pond. The log cabin has an open concept, a loft and updated amenities including a wraparound deck, screened-in porch, round hot tub and more. A one-of-a-kind guest house compliments the traditional log cabin for your crew or additional guests.

​Discover more Airbnb Listings in Terre Haute at the tip of your fingers.
 
Seeking out the ideal summer road trip with the family: camping, hiking, swimming and gathering around the campfire at dusk? You can have it all at various campgrounds around the area at Fowler Park, Hawthorn Park, Prairie Creek Park and the official Terre Haute Campground.

If you’re staying on the east side, you’ll be right near some of Terre Haute’s best parks and trails! Or maybe you’re staying in a more centralized location. If you’re on the south side, you’ll be next to some of Terre Haute’s best shopping and dining experiences. You really can’t go wrong staying at any hotel in Terradise.
​
To see a compiled list of lodging options and availability when planning your visit check out, See You In Terre Haute Lodging.

In September of 2021, the Terre Haute Convention Center was well underway and approaching just over 6 months until it’s opening day. The exterior had taken shape allowing the community to imagine the finished structure with newfound awe. During this same month as construction continued, many gathered outside of the soon-to-be convention center for the announcement and celebration of the first confirmed event the convention center had solidified – the 47th Annual Convention of the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana.

Not only was it the first event confirmed, but it was confirmed over a year and half into the future and slated for the summer of 2023. At the time, that event seemed far off. However, we all know that time passes as it always does … and here we are … wrapping up that long-awaited and highly celebrated event that marked the start to something great.

Late last month the community welcomed over 200 firefighters to Terre Haute for the convention, hosted by Terre Haute Firefighters Local 758.  As the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana travels the state to different locations each year, local unions have the opportunity to bid on hosting the event in their own communities. Local 758 advocated for Terre Haute to host the conference in the community’s new state-of-the-art convention center. Each year, Locals aim to create an experience that surpasses all past conventions, and Terre Haute may have succeeded.

Attendees explored various aspects of Terre Haute including spending an afternoon at a 28-team golf outing and an evening at a community block party where the public was invited to attend and mingle with the firefighters. Local brewery Afterburner even created a special label for one of their beers in recognition of the convention! Overall, the four-day convention allowed our community to shine and welcome new faces.

Early next week, Terre Haute has the honor of hosting the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police Conference where the community will once again have the opportunity to welcome our public safety officials to the community with our best foot forward.

Looking back on that September day in 2021, many things were in motion. The announcement of the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana conference the paved way to a road of success for the long-awaited Terre Haute Convention Center. It was a monumental day that represented many great things to come on the corners of 8th and Wabash. Today, we get to witness what once started as a vision come full circle.

Here's to more great events to come and sharing the best of this community.  

Summertime in Terre Haute means exploring the great outdoors, relaxing poolside or packing up your cooler and blanket for an outdoor concert. Whether you are looking for adrenaline-pumping experiences or a relaxing day by the pool, Terre Haute has something for all ages and interests.
 
Soaking in the warm weather at the Deming Park Pool is just one of the many ways to make a splash in the Crossroads of America this year. For college students staying around town for the summer, visitors traveling in for a bit to sightsee and visit family and even residents who call this community home – Terre Haute’s development and weather are heating up quickly, so follow along to see all the Haute to-do’s this summer.
 
The summertime is exciting for ample reasons, but most often it is so much easier to become more active when you have good weather to enjoy while breaking a sweat. From watching your child’s tournaments at soccer fields, picking up a game at the pickleball courts with your best friend or playing 18 holes at the golf course, we guarantee you will be visiting one of the many See You In Terre Haute sports and recreation recommendations below:

• LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course
• Vigo County Youth Soccer Association
• Griffin Bike Park
• Hulman Links Golf Course of Terre Haute
• Wabash Valley Dragway
• Riley Recreation League Baseball Fields

 
These sports and recreation options are just a small sample of all the local offerings. To see a compiled list of all sports and recreation options, visit the See You In Terre Haute Sports page.
 
When it comes to getting into the swing of summertime, remember to stay cool and hydrated.
If you prefer to make a splash this summer, Terre Haute offers plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the pool at Deming Park Pool, Terre Haute Campground and Vigo County YMCA Pool. You can also hit the beach for an all-day extravaganza with your loved ones at Fowler Park Beach and Lazy L Lake And Campground.
 
The best medicine to cure too much sun is some good, old-fashioned air conditioning. Go visit some of the top-tier museums in the country, offered right here in Terre Haute. They are unique, accessible and ever-changing with new exhibits. See You In Terre Haute offers a list of all Terre Haute Museums, here.
 
To keep with the sports theme, did you know Terre Haute offers an Indiana Association Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Museum? The historic Swope Art Museum has been open since 1942 and strives to exhibit local, unique artists. Also, exploring all three floors of the Terre Haute Children's Museum offers fun learning for everyone, even the “big kids.” Most famously, the Vigo County History Center, has been called one of the best museums in Indiana by local historians.
 
For live music lovers, The Mill is a hot spot in the summer, so if you’re looking for pre-planned events this summer, check out the latest See You In Terre Blog, “See You in Terre Haute at The Mill.” Looking for more ideas? Check out 25 Free Things To Do In Terre Haute.
 
Stay up to date as more summer events, both outside and indoors, continue to be released on See You In Terre Haute Events. There is a lot to look forward to this year, and Terre Haute is the perfect vacation for visitors and staycation for residents. See You In Terre Haute this summer!

It’s heating up and summer is quickly approaching, which means concert season is upon Terre Haute. The Mill Event Center and Amphitheater (the Mill) is the perfect destination for residents and visitors of all ages to experience big-time shows in a small city.
 
The Mill was created when Tim Drake saw a historic piece of land for sale and envisioned it as the perfect landscape for entertainment in an optimal location: the Crossroads of America. Drake, with the help of the community, worked diligently to optimize this location for live entertainment and develop a venue that can bring people from and beyond the Wabash Valley together.

Located just East of the Wabash River in Terre Haute, Ind., the Mill sits on a sprawling 65+ acre property, striving to bring premier music and entertainment to the Wabash Valley while providing opportunities to give back to the local, ever-changing community.
 
During the summer of 2022, The Mill hosted iconic performers like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jake Owen and Jon Pardi. Regardless of your go-to music genre to listen to while driving with the windows down and the volume up, The Mill has it all: a picturesque environment, unified company and most importantly, great music for the whole family.
 
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (by The Beach Boys) to kick back, relax and have all the iconic shows coming to The Mill at the tip of your fingers? Good thing See You In Terre Haute has all the highly valued shows coming to the Mill this summer, featuring pop icons like Vanilla Ice, the Beach Boys and even the legendary Pat Benatar.
 
See below for more information:
 

• June 2 - I Love the 90's Tour ft. Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Color Me Badd, Tone Loc and Young MC
• June 4 - The Beach Boys
• June 24 - Gary Allan
• June 30 - Blackberry Smoke
• July 22 - Ted Nugent
• July 28 - WINGER & Firehouse ft. Jack Russell's Great White and Steelheart 
• August 17 - Get the Led Out
• August 20 - Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

 
New shows will continue to roll out frequently, so be sure to stay updated on your favorite music icons visiting the Mill in Terre Haute, and rock the Wabash Valley this summer! 
 
To see a compiled list of all entertainment and performing arts options available when visiting Terre Haute this summer, visit See You In Terre Haute and follow along on social media for updates.

This year, Earth Day will take place on Saturday, April 22. History states that Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 as an educational day for environmental issues to maximize the number of students that could be reached on university campuses. To gain national attention, environmental public awareness began with pollution. Today, the holiday is a global celebration that’s sometimes extended into Earth Week, a full seven days of events focused on green living and confronting the current climate crisis. As an educational hub, Terre Haute is the perfect location to celebrate Earth Day.
 
When seeking out immersive events to attend with the whole family, Terre Haute will keep you busy all day on April 22. There is a Clean Up Ryves Day & Community Cook-Out at the Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church from 9-11:30 a.m. that is open to all!
 
And after, you can experience the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice Earth Day Festival at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College returning to the community from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The festival offers attractions for attendees of all ages: mini-workshops and demonstrations, educational displays, children’s games and activities educating about the Earth, food trucks, a bake sale and more.
 
If you prefer a relaxed day with no plans, there are plenty of parks to visit in Terre Haute too:

• Collett Park is located on the corner of 7th & Maple Ave and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
• Deming Park, the largest in Terre Haute, is located on the east side of the city at Fruitridge and Ohio Blvd. 
• Dewey Point Trailhead & Wabashiki State Fish & Wildlife Area is located at 110 E National Ave.
• Dobbs Memorial Park uniquely offers a Nature Center and a Native American Museum with an heirloom garden. It is located on the East Side of Terre Haute at 5170 E Poplar St.
• Fairbanks Park is located on the banks of the Wabash River at 1st and Oak St. and is home to events and festivals throughout the year.
• Fowler Park is located at 3000 E Oregon Church Rd.
• George and Ida Smith Park is located at 3792 S Hotel St.
• Griffin Bike Park, featured on the cover of the 2023 Indiana Travel Guide, is located at 10700 Bono Rd.
• Hawthorn Park & J.I. Case Wetland Wildlife Refuge is located at 6067 E Old Maple Ave.
• Lee Fields Park is located at 2430 Bentine Ln.
• Markle Mill Park is located at 4905 N Mill Dam Rd.
• Prairie Creek Park is located at 3230 W French Dr.
• South 7th Street Park is located at 830 S 7th St.

 
To see a compiled list of all attractions, especially parks and recreation, offered in Terre Haute, visit See You In Terre Haute.
 
Every day is Earth Day, so the celebrations are continuing. In less than a year, on April 8, 2024, Terre Haute will experience one of the greatest natural phenomena that can occur, a total solar eclipse. This year’s Earth Day provides just a taste of the celebratory natural phenomenon offered here in Terre Haute.
 
On Earth Day, April 22, the weather should be beautiful with clear skies and around 60°, so whether you’re attending a festival or having a leisure walk in the park, get outside and take advantage of our beautiful Earth with the wonderful community here in Terre Haute.
 
To view more events going on in Terre Haute the weekend of Earth Day, April 22, visit the See You In Terre Haute event calendar.

On April 8th 2024 Terre Haute will be in the line of totality for the Eclipse. The last solar eclipse in Indiana was 819 years ago!
 
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon’s shadow is cast upon the Earth. There are two parts to this shadow – an outer shadow that covers a wide region creating a partial eclipse, and a much smaller central shadow that creates the total eclipse. As the Earth rotates, the central shadow creates a thin path known as the path of totality. Terre Haute is located within the path of totality, meaning our community along with visitors will experience nature’s most amazing spectacle – a total eclipse of the Sun! Often the total eclipse is the single largest event to occur within a region, attracting major crowds and media interest on a scale never previously experienced.
 
For the past year, a community-wide committee has been working on plans to capture the essence of the eclipse. They have been working diligently to plan events for residents and visitors to the Wabash Valley. These events include:
 
Friday, April 5 – First Friday at The Swope
Make plans to stop by The Swope for a hands-on art opportunity surrounding the upcoming Eclipse.
 
April 6, 2024 - Music of the Heavens with the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra  
Celebrating Terre Haute’s total solar eclipse in April 2024, the THSO joins the community’s A Total Eclipse of the Haute collaborative event. The symphony will perform a wide variety of musical styles including selections from The Planets by Gustav Holst, John Williams favorites like E.T. and Star Wars, music from Apollo 13 by James Horner, the X-Files theme, and much more heavenly music. Integrated video projections will take us out of this world!  
 
April 5 to 7 – A Total Eclipse of the Haute: The Exhibit at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum
This exhibit features lots of hands-on activities to spark interest in the eclipse and educate the general public about the significance of the eclipse in 2024. In the exhibit, children can play with shadows, explore the lunar landscape, watch a short video about the 2017 eclipse, and, learn about the distance between the Sun and the Moon and their relationship to Earth. There will also be the chance to dress up like an Astronaut. In addition, there are labels with “Parent Notes” to help parents better understand how their child comprehends these ideas.
 
Monday, April 8 – Community Viewing Parties
Working in collaboration with the Terre Haute City Parks, Vigo County Parks Department, The Swope Art Museum, Arts Illiana, Community School of the Arts, Riverscape, Purdue Extension, the Terre Haute Children’s Museum and the Vigo County Public Library, five area parks are being considered for Community Viewing Parties the day of the eclipse. These will be wonderful locations to spend the day, learn about the science of the eclipse, enjoy some art surrounding this once-in-a-lifetime experience and spend time with family and friends.
 
Monday, April 8 – Central Christian Church
Central Christian Church will be hosting a solar festival on April 8. Gates will open at 11 am. There will be food vendors and scientific children’s activities. They are also excited to offer karaoke with a celestial theme. The price is $20/vehicle. Reservations are required and non-refundable.
 
Other events are being planned for the weekend including an event at The Mill, a downtown festival and a fly-in at the Terre Haute Regional Airport. As event details become more concrete, iinformation will be available on the CVB website. In the meantime, on April 8, 2023, make sure you go outside at 3 p.m. to see where the sun is located to give you an idea of where the Eclipse will be.
 
If you remember, the 2017 partial solar eclipse also occurred in Wabash Valley. This 2024 event will be totally different.  99% coverage is not the same as 100%. According to the American Astronomical Society, the Sun's corona, a crown of light surrounding the sun, is always there, but we usually can’t see it because the sun's bright light drowns it out. When the Moon covers the Sun, the corona is definitely the main attraction. It is sculpted into streamers and loops by the Sun’s powerful magnetic field and shines with a light seen nowhere else. It is hauntingly beautiful and, without doubt, one of the most awesome sights in all of nature, but there’s so much more to the experience.
 
At the beginning and end of totality, the thin middle layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, the chromosphere, blazes in an arc of ruby red. The sky darkens to a deep twilight blue, with yellow, orange, and pink sunrise/sunset colors on the horizon in all directions. Bright stars and planets shine forth, and the air temperature drops noticeably. Birds and farm animals, thinking dusk has settled, return to their nests and barns, and bats come out to feed. 

​It is an experience that should not be missed. It is an event that will happen whether or not we prepare for it. So individuals, businesses, educational organizations, and the community should put this on their calendars and plan to view this rare and phenomenal event.