Here's why traffic and parking problems are expected in Luna Pier for the eclipse

LUNA PIER — The Luna Pier police force and Mayor Jim Gardner are grateful for the attention Monday’s solar eclipse is bringing to their city, but they are concerned about the increased traffic and anticipate parking problems on Monday.

The Luna Pier Road bridge is closed for construction, which has resulted in detours. Parking in the city also is limited.

“With the bridge being out, there is limited access in and out of the city,” said Luna Pier Police Chief Jim VanDeraa.

Luna Pier is the only Michigan city that will be in the path of totality for Monday’s eclipse, though other parts of southeastern Monroe County, including the Erie State Game Area, also will experience the totality of the eclipse. Totality in Luna Pier will be brief. VanDeraa and Gardner recommend people travel south to experience a longer stretch of darkness and more accessible areas.

“Luna Pier will only experience between 11 to 19 seconds of 100% totality, depending on which article you read,” VanDeraa said. “Any area south of Luna Pier (including Toledo) also is in the path of 100% totality.”

VanDeraa said ever since Luna Pier has been in the news, many people have planned eclipse trips to the city.

“We do not have any idea how many people are planning to come to Luna Pier. City hall is fielding several calls a day from people wanting to come, but there are so many variables, especially with the weather,” VanDeraa said. “The news has been giving Luna Pier great press, and we are glad to have it, as we are experiencing a resurgence in business and interest in our town. Luna Pier is a great town and welcomes guests and visitors. We are not advising people not to come here and visit. We are advising people that April 8 may not be the best day for you to make your visit due to the heavy influx of traffic and the limited parking. We do not want to leave a bad impression on anyone. Come later in the summer and enjoy the beach and the pier which we are named for, when we have a new bridge.”

Previous Coverage: Excitement for 2024 solar eclipse has been building for years in Luna Pier

VanDeraa said parking will be the biggest concern Monday.

“Parking is really the biggest issue Luna Pier has when it comes to special events,” he said. “We have a couple of open fields that are used for our annual Freedom Festival in July, but those fields are too wet at this time to drive and park on.”

Where to park in Luna Pier

“The best places to park are in the city lots near our beach and lighthouse, but there are only 40 or so spaces and will be gone early. We have limited street parking on Luna Pier Road and Harold Drive,” VanDeraa said. “The city's boat launch is the largest parking area in the city and in the path of the 100% totality. It is on the south end of Harold Drive. There are a few private parking lots which may or may not be open to parking, based on each owner. The strip mall, the Beef Jerky Outlet, has approximately 100 spaces. The owner has said he will open it up, but may charge for parking. That lot can be reached off of Evans Drive.”

Don’t park here

“The places to refrain from parking are on any of the number streets. These streets run east and west and are where most of the homes are located. These streets are only 12-15 feet wide, and any stopped or parked vehicle will cause an impediment,” VanDeraa said. “It also goes without saying that parking within any city park is forbidden. The department asks visitors not to park in residential yards or in the bike lane on Harold Drive. We ask that you use common sense and knowledge of parking laws to avoid issues.”

Where to gather in Luna Pier

“People can gather in any public park lot and anywhere that is public land, such as Memorial Park, First Street Park, Seventh Street and Water Tower Park. The boat launch will be open and available for gathering,” VanDeraa said.

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Harborside Assisted Living Center, 10701 Valleywood Ave., is hosting a viewing party with food trucks.

“They do have a large field they may let people park in, but their paved lot is not very big,” VanDeraa said.

Public safety

VanDeraa and Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough are planning extra patrols in expected large gathering places.

“Luna Pier, Sterling State Park and all the beach communities along Lake Erie in Monroe County,” Goodnough said.

For people who must drive during the phenomenon, Goodnough advises, “pay attention to the road, and not the eclipse. Just be aware of your surroundings and traffic.”

“My first tip would be to not be driving,” VanDeraa said. “Stop in a safe parking area and watch the show with the proper eyewear or filter. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and how often can we actually say that? If you must drive, my tips would be to have your headlights on. Do not look at the eclipse while you are driving. Do not stop on roadway to watch; find a safe place to park and enjoy it. Be extra alert, as other drivers around you may not be following these tips.”

VanDeraa also recommends patience and awareness for all of Monday's eclipse activities.

“Not being in a hurry will be the best way to stay the safest,” he said. “With traffic and parking issues, tempers always seem to flare, so keeping a cool head and avoiding getting upset will keep you out of a simple incident that gets out of hand. As always, be aware of your surroundings and keep track of people in your party and your property.”

— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Where to park in Luna Pier for eclipse viewing