Get your solar glasses ready. On April 8, the moon will pass between the sun and the Earth, causing the skies to darken like night as a solar eclipse travels across the United States and Mexico. Totality is expected to last around four minutes in the cities and towns that are perfectly situated on the path. Those viewing from St. Louis will see a partial eclipse, with some amount of sky darkening. Good news for those wanting the full experience: The path of totality isn’t far from St. Louis. Here are several places that would make a great long weekend. (Tip: Book early. Accommodations in towns on the path of totality are expected to fill up quickly.)
Hot Springs, Arkansas
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Total eclipse: 1:49 p.m. CST
Experience one natural phenomenon while enjoying another. Hot Springs National Park is one of two national parks in the U.S. on the path of totality. There have only been two recorded eclipses in Arkansas, in 1834 and 1918, and the next won’t occur until 2045. Besides viewing the eclipse, visitors can hike, soak in thermal waters, and enjoy all of the quaint town’s attractions.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Total eclipse: 1:58 p.m. CST
Cape Girardeau is considered one of the best viewing spots in Missouri, as it’s in the center of the totality path. Southeast Missouri State University will be hosting activities, both celebratory and educational, for students and the general public. And look for more options in nearby Sikeston and beyond.
Carbondale, Illinois
Total eclipse: 1:59 p.m. CST
This small town in Southern Illinois was on the totality path in 2017, though the four-minute-and-nine-second viewing time in 2024 is nearly twice as long as the previous eclipse. Southern Illinois University has an eclipse dorm room reservation package for the weekend, and SIU’s Touch of Nature offers an educational package that includes lodging, activities, and meals.
Vincennes, Indiana
Total eclipse: 3:02 p.m. EST
Celebrate all weekend long at the Dark Side of the Wabash in downtown Vincennes. There will be live music, activities for kids, and food trucks. On the metaphysical side, you’ll find tarot card readings, crystal vendors, and performances, and Saturday night brings a Solar Eclipse Glow 5K race. Hotels, camping sites, and bed and breakfasts are available at vincenneseclipse.com.
Total eclipse: 1:57 p.m. CST
The two-day festival, dubbed “Blinded by the Light,” is full of family-friendly activities, including a craft fair, musical acts, and onsite food trucks. There will also be historical tours of the courthouse and the Abbey, Xtreme bingo, and eclipse-themed educational activities. Kids can jump in the bounce house, play yard games, and get their faces painted. On Sunday night, there’s an outdoor family movie. The film: ET.
Total eclipse: 2 p.m. CST
The last celebration for a solar eclipse at Astral Valley was so popular, they decided to throw another one. This year, there’s a lineup of bluegrass artists, a large group meditation, and rock climbing. The four-day festival doubles as a camping trip, and the owner recommends packing accordingly. Read more here.
Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, Illinois
Total eclipse: 2:01 p.m. CST
Blue Sky Vineyard hosted an event for the eclipse in 2017, when the location was NASA’s point of longest duration. The event was a hit, so the winery decided to have another celebration and is in the path of totality again. There will be musical acts all weekend, and the vineyards are open to all, though space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Effingham, Illinois
Total eclipse: 2:03 p.m. CST
A number of businesses throughout Effingham are hosting watch parties, so you have several options. The popular farm-to-table Firefly Grill is hosting a party that includes a buffet, viewing glasses, and a free drink. The Tuscan Hills Winery event is free of charge, and there will be food and drink specials. A tailgate is taking place at Effingham Performance Arts Center with food, beverages, and viewing glasses; tickets, which are nonrefundable, include parking.
Bloomington, Indiana
Total eclipse: 3:04 p.m. EDT
Butler Winery is hosting a Drinkin’ in the Dark party. There will be live music and a special wine that was made for the rare event. Celestial Sips & Solar Eclipse will take place at Oliver Winery. There are plenty of other viewing spots in the city, including Fowler Pumpkin Patch, Lake Lemon, Memorial Stadium at Indiana University, and Monroe Lake at the Paynetown State Recreation Area.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Total eclipse: 3:06 p.m. EST
For a truly unique experience, head to Indiana, where you can view the eclipse from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. NASA experts will be in attendance to answer questions and offer insight into this rare phenomenon. A $15 admission ticket includes parking and a pair of limited-edition solar eclipse glasses.
