Indiana hosted more than 3.5 million visitors for the April 8 solar eclipse, according to a study released by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation on Monday.
The study found the eclipse generated $148.5 million in net new value to the state economy, driven by a 41.1% increase in overall visitor spending.
Eclipse tourism also resulted in nearly $45 million in tax collections.
According to the study, 60 of 92 Indiana counties could view totality from everywhere or specific areas only. The next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States will be in 2044, and the next one visible in Indiana will be in 2099.
Of visitors who traveled 50 miles or more to view the eclipse in Indiana, most came from within the state, including 58,260 from Bloomington. Indianapolis and Chicago were the two largest cities of origin for visitors, and Bloomington was the fifth largest.
The study did not indicate, however, how many visitors traveled to Bloomington.
An April 15 estimate from the Bloomington Parks and Recreation department estimated 13,173 people, including both visitors and Bloomington locals, watched the eclipse from eight of the city’s parks.
Bloomington Police Lieutenant Lucas Tate told the Indiana Daily Student in April the traffic and emergency calls were lighter than BPD expected.
Although officials estimated prior to April 8 that Bloomington would see 200-300,000 visitors for the eclipse, the park attendance and low emergency calls seem to indicate the actual number was lower. Visit Bloomington Executive Director Mike McAfee told Indiana Public Media in April he estimated the city had around 50,000 visitors.
Despite the lower-than-anticipated numbers, some local businesses still reported record sales.
