Oklahoma’s state parks were hit by the recent solar eclipse, drawing huge crowds of spectators. Families in McCurtain County turned the event into a vacation and a valuable science lesson. Beavers Bend State Park was a popular spot for viewing, with many people gathered outside the lodge to witness the celestial event. The Oklahoma Tourism Department and Highway Patrol were on hand at the park in case of any emergencies.
Many families had been in Idabel, Broken Bow, and Hochatown areas since Friday, turning the eclipse into a three-day getaway. Some families even took off work and pulled their kids out of school to be together for this special moment. Adam Dyes from Stillwater was one such family who drove four hours to experience totality together and educate their children about science.
Dyes prepared his kids for the event by teaching them about it, so they were more excited when they saw phenomena like Bailey’s Beads and the Diamond Ring. The darkness that fell during totality also surprised them, adding to the excitement of the experience. While some families chose to head home after the eclipse, others extended their stay by booking accommodations for several more days to continue their vacation.
