A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun.
The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. It will be the last until 2044.
To mark the event, the Illinois Office of Tourism has launched its 2024 Illinois Solar Eclipse Guide, which includes the best places to view the eclipse, road trip ideas, and an ongoing list of events/festivals to plan the eclipse viewing experience.
Carbondale
Carbondale, known as being at the Crossroads of the Eclipse, is a small university town in southern Illinois.
At 1:59 pm CST, Carbondale will experience four minutes and nine seconds of totality, one of the longest durations for the eclipse across the USA.
The parts of southern Illinois beyond Carbondale that lie within the path and offer a vantage point of the eclipse and a flavour of the local area include :
Makanda
The historic Makanda Boardwalk dates back to the 1890s and offers galleries featuring quality handicrafts created by local artisans and a country store. In this area is the Giant City State Park and the Marberry Arboretum.
Garden of the Gods, Shawnee
National Forest Garden of the Gods is located in the Shawnee National Forest, an unspoiled wilderness.
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
The 11 award-winning wineries located along the 35-mile scenic drive in the Shawnee National Forest offer viewing opportunities where visitors can experience locally made and sourced wine, delicious meals and other fun activities.
Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass
Bald Knob Cross, in the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest and close to Carbondale, is one of the highest places in the area and offers an excellent vantage point.
Olney
The small-town of Olney offers a blend of family-friendly attractions including the City Park, Miller's Grove.
Golconda
The town of Golconda lies along the shores of the Ohio River and offers the Golconda Historical Tour and the Main Street shopping district.
Marion
Marion offers small-town charm with an historic downtown and the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
Starved Rock State Park, Utica
Starved Rock has seasonal waterfalls, bluffs and rugged canyons. Its hiking trails meander through towering trees and scenic overlooks along the Illinois River.
Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton
Pere Marquette State Park has nearly 8,000 acres on the Illinois River and is the largest state park in Illinois.
* Barry Johnston at barry@goshpr.co.uk
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