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Grand Teton sees record burst of visitors during eclipse

In this Aug. 28, 2016, file photo, visitors watch the morning sun illuminate the Grand Tetons, partially obscured by smoke from nearby wildfires, as seen from within the Great Room at the Jackson Lake Lodge, in Grand Teton National Park, north of Jackson Hole, Wyo. (Brennan Linsley / Associated Press)
By Bob Moen Associated Press

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Monday’s total solar eclipse turned out to be a record-breaking event for Grand Teton National Park.

Park spokeswoman Denise Germann says the weekend before the eclipse and the day of the eclipse resulted in the “busiest weekend in the history of the park.”

Park traffic data collection indicates that there was about a 40 percent increase in park visits compared to the previous record visitation on the same days in 2015 and 2016.

For the first time in park history, all backcountry permits were issued for three days straight.

State tourism director Diane Shober says the event impacted the entire state although it’s not yet known how many people came for the event.

Still, Shober said the event was highly successful and benefited Wyoming in many ways.