A Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible Above Illinois This Spring
By Linze Rice|Published January 12, 2024
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
For the first time since 2017, the United States will be in the path of a total solar eclipse — and Illinois is lucky enough to be among the states with amazing visibility. I was bummed to have missed the last one, so this year I’m dedicated to being fully prepared to see the planetary phenomenon (especially since another one won’t come around for at least another 20 years). Here’s everything you need to know about the Illinois solar eclipse 2024:
Details of the solar eclipse: timing, where you can see the eclipse, etc.
2-3 Tips for the best viewing experience.
Dark Sky Parks or other destinations to visit for best visibility.
On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will occur — nearly blotting out the sun entirely.
The rare celestial event won't be visible throughout the entire state, but Southern Illinois will have a front-row seat in the heart of the action. Depending on where you are within the zone, you'll be able to witness the special occurrence for between about 2-4 minutes starting at about 2 p.m.
One important aspect of viewing the eclipse is proper eye safety, as the sun is too bright to look at directly for any amount of time. You can easily find paper "eclipse glasses" online, or make a pinhole projector solar viewer with materials you likely have at home. Sunglasses won't cut it.
According to experts, the charming small town of Carbondale is the best place in Illinois to view the 2024 solar eclipse. It's expected to last the longest there at about 4 minutes and 9 seconds.
Southern Illinois University, located in Carbondale, is set to host the Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival beginning at 1:59 p.m. Central Time. The gorgeous campus will be a prime viewing spot for the special event and will also include a craft fair and science vendors.
Groups of three can rent a residence hall room for 5 days/4 nights between April 5-9 for $750 at the university, or you can check availability at a number of hotels in the area, including this top-rated Hampton Inn.
Another place near Carbondale where solar eclipse viewing is the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in the Shawnee National Forest region. With one-of-a-kind rock formations and trails that lead to bluffs with breathtaking views, this is one of the highest points in Illinois with an unobstructed view of the sky.
In the nearby hippie town of Makanda, you can stay in this adorable and updated A-frame. If it were me, I would probably stay here for 3-5 days so I could soak up as much as this picturesque region as possible.
