This Monday, the St. Louis region will experience its first total eclipse of the sun since 1442, and the moon will completely cover the sun. But Mother Nature will put on more than a show in the sky. Some of the most dramatic effects of the eclipse will be evident in subtle changes in animal behavior. Dairy cows have been observed to head for their barns, and birds are said to either nest or become more active and crickets will begin to chirp. One report from National Geographic advises eclipse-watchers that orb-weaving spiders may destroy their webs. The eclipse will also cause a significant thermal shift—the temperature will drop about ten to fifteen degrees.
So where is the best place to be during this amazing natural phenomenon?
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In the great outdoors, of course. Experience the Great American Eclipse at a state park, on a hiking trail, or as part of a camping trip. Check out these organized events going on in the region, or choose your own adventure for a once-in-a-lifetime eclipse experience. The next total eclipse won’t happen in St. Louis until 2505.
Ring Of Fire at Meramec State Park
Make an outdoor adventure of the eclipse weekend with a hike at Meramec State Park in Sullivan, Missouri, followed by the eclipse viewing event at the large Meramec River canoe launch area. Campsites are no longer available, but the public is welcome to “Ring of Fire”—the opportunity to see the sun’s halo-like corona, or its outer atmosphere. Events take place at the Meramec River canoe launch area. This “Ring of Fire” will last for 2 minutes and 32 seconds with its peak around 1:17 p.m. Viewing will require proper safe solar sunglasses/viewers. Items will be available on the day of the event for $1. 115 Meramec Park, Sullivan.
Reserve a private campsite in Hillsboro, MO
See the total eclipse for 2 minutes and 36 seconds (only four seconds away from the maximum totality time) in the peace and quiet of nature. Guaranteeing private camp spots and RV slots, the Solar Eclipse Camping and Viewing offers a traffic-free and hassle-free experience to take in the darkening of the sky, with the perks of a natural setting to take in dropping temps and wildlife behavioral changes. Campsites cost $45 per night; day passes cost $10 per person. Fort Hill Ramrods, 9401 Goldman, Hillsboro. Reserve your spot online or call 314-488-7928.
Whispering Eclipse at Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve
Plan to park it at Ste. Genevieve’s Hawn State Park for a full weekend of celebratory activities. (A limited number of campsites are available, but don’t let that stop you from making a day trip!) Hawn State Park and Friends of Hawn Association are putting on Whispering Eclipse, a free event that kicks off with a performance from the bluesy folk bank Riverside Wanderers at the outdoor amphitheater. On Sunday, enjoy an informational program about the eclipse, and explore the park’s beautiful hiking trails. You’ll want a lawn chair, cool drinks, and a shady spot to be ready for the eclipse, which begins at 11:50 a.m. and reaches totality at 1:17 p.m. 12096 Park, Ste. Genevieve, 573-883-3603.
Celebrate The Total Eclipse at Babler Memorial State Park
It’s an open house at Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood. Participate in a human sundial (10 a.m.–noon), gain some knowledge at the All American Eclipse Program, and enjoy nature’s main event from 1:16–1:18 p.m. The festivities carry on until 3 p.m. Eclipse viewers will be on sale at the park for $1. 800 Guy Park Drive, Wildwood, 636-458-3813.
Play in a park along the total eclipse path
This Missouri state parks system offers 42 parks where you can view the total eclipse, but spots are going fast. For those wanting to camp out, check out this handy guide for making a reservation at a Missouri State Park in the path of totality. Folks in the St. Louis region will want to head to Jefferson Barracks, Lone Elk Park, or Castlewood State Park. Road warriors willing to brave the traffic should make the trip to St. Clair or Festus for an increased viewing time.
Looking for even more eclipse events? NASA has created an interactive map of events going on in observation of the total eclipse.
