CARBONDALE, Ill. — The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse is on Monday, April 8, and Carbondale, Illinois, is one of the prime spots to watch in the United States.
Carbondale is in the path of totality and will have a total of four minutes and eight seconds of totality in the eclipse.
The city and surrounding area have prepared for the event and will provide several different events and viewing areas for the eclipse.
Here's where you can watch in Carbondale:
Blue Sky Vineyard
On April 8, Blue Sky Vineyard will be open from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with live music and food for guests.
No reservations are available, space will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests may bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Parking is free.
Find more information here.
Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is expected to be a popular destination for people to view the total solar eclipse on April 8.
All of the viewing areas will be first-come, first-served at Cedar Lake:
- Popular Camp Beach will be open to visitors and restrooms will be available. No swimming or alcohol will be allowed. No boat access is allowed from the beach. Admission is free.
- Carbondale Boat Launch will open for guests at 9 a.m. No overnight parking is allowed and restrooms will be available for guests on site.
- Saddle Dam is located at the end of Cedar Road and will be open for guests to view the eclipse.
- Other general access points, also known as trailheads, are available. No overnight parking and camping is allowed.
Alto Vineyards
Just south of Carbondale in Alto Pass, Illinois, the Alto Vineyards will host a 2024 Cosmic Crossroad Eclipse event for guests to enjoy.
The vineyard will offer a unique outdoor space with a variety of entertainment, food, education and local artisans and artists.
Click here for more information.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
The entire Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge will fall under the path of totality for the eclipse. There are no organized public events happening, but guests may still view the eclipse from several recreation areas.
Several areas will have restrooms and food available.
Click here for a full list of parking spots and where you can watch.
Evergreen Park
The City of Carbondale will offer a pop-up campground at Evergreen Park for the eclipse on Monday.
The location offers accessible bathrooms, fishing, picnics and a playground. Evergreen Park does not offer portable water or electricity, its website said.
Admission fees range depending on the side of the vehicle and parking space.
Click here for more information.
Feather Hills Vineyard & Winery
The southern Illinois vineyard and winery will host an eclipse watch party on April 8 with food, drinks and live music.
View the event here.
Honker Hill Winery
Join Honker Hill Winery for an eclipse watch party with music and food for guests to enjoy!
The winery will be open from noon to 4:30 p.m. with music, food trucks and a large parking lot for the perfect view.
Want more information? Click here.
Owl Creek Vineyard
The vineyard in southern Illinois will host a first-come, first-served eclipse party from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Eclipse merchandise, drinks and food will also be available.
Guests are asked to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. No camping/RV camping is available.
Additional information can be found here.
Peachbarn Winery & Café
Located in Alto Pass, Illinois, the winery and café will be in the path of totality on April 8.
Peachbarn Winery & Café will offer reserved parking, certified eclipse viewing glasses, a lunch buffet and non-alcoholic drinks, merchandise, live music and more.
Guests are also to bring their lawn chairs and blankets.
Click here to purchase your tickets.
Shawnee National Forest
The national forest in southern Illinois is within the path of totality! While Shawnee is covered in forests, there are open areas to view the eclipse.
Camping in the Shawnee National Forest is available on several developed campgrounds. All camping is first-come, first-served, and most have a fee.
There is also dispersed camping across most of the forest. There is no fee for primitive camping in general forest areas.
Click here for an interactive map of camping grounds in Shawnee National Forest.
Shawnee National Forest asks visitors to plan ahead and prepare for their visit. They expect large crowds, delays and traffic backups in the area.
Click here for more information, FAQs and outdoor safety at the national forest.
SIU Carbondale
The university has partnered with NASA to host a variety of events and activities from April 5-8 for the eclipse.
SIU Carbondale will host events throughout the weekend including presentations, a 5K, entertainment and an art fair.
All the events lead up the Eclipse Day at Saluki Stadium on April 8 for a guided, fun-filled total solar eclipse experience. Tickets are required for the event on Monday.
Click here for additional information on events and a schedule at SIU Carbondale.
Starview Vineyards
A free celebration will be held at Starview Vineyards from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Breakfast and mimosas will be available for purchase, along with regular food and drinks on the menu. Entertainment will also be happening throughout the day,
Find more information here.
Von Jakob Vineyard
The Von Jakob Vineyard will be a great spot to watch the eclipse on April 8. The vineyard will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with music performed by Cody Galloway.
Information can be found here.
Missed a place hosting an eclipse event? Send us an email.
