let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI
ExperiencesEvents

America’s Next Great Total Eclipse Will Be Visible Above Missouri In 2024 And We’re Already Planning Our Trip

Southeast Missouri will experience a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, with several state parks offering prime viewing spots.

Published Apr 17, 2021

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Some epic events only come around once in a lifetime. We might score a second chance – if we’re really lucky. One of those events – a total solar eclipse – is set to take place above Missouri in 2024. While we’re a few years out from the big event, you might want to start making plans now. Otherwise, you won’t get the chance again, at least in Missouri, during our lifetime.

Mark your calendar for Monday April 8, 2024, and cross your fingers for clear skies. That’s when the next total solar eclipse is expected to be seen from the southeastern corner of Missouri, from south of St. Louis and into Illinois.

Map showing a trajectory or path across North America, with markers and labels indicating development purposes.
Eclipse map courtesy of Fred Espenak, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, from eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov.

Although the last total solar eclipse in 2017 was visible in Missouri, the next one over Missouri won’t occur until July 16, 2178. However, if you miss the total solar eclipse in 2024, you won’t be completely out of luck.

Map showing the path of a solar eclipse, with lines indicating the greatest eclipse and sub-solar point over the Pacific.
Eclipse map courtesy of Fred Espenak, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, from eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov.

The United States won’t experience another total solar eclipse, after 2024, until August 23, 2044, and it will only be visible from a small section of Montana and North Dakota.

Bright sun shining in a clear blue sky, with rays radiating outward and a hint of tree silhouettes at the bottom.
Flickr/Evan Lovely

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes the sun, causing darkness, and its length typically varies from event to event. The total solar eclipse of 2024 is expected to last four minutes and 28 seconds.

Bright sun partially obscured by clouds against a blue sky, with silhouettes of trees in the foreground.
Flickr/Mark Hillary

Areas in the path of the total eclipse will experience total darkness during that time. Several Texas cities, including San Antonio and Waco, will be the first to experience the eclipse in the United States.

A partial solar eclipse with a crescent shape visible against a black sky.
Flickr/Greg Scales

The total eclipse, which will pass through such states as Oklahoma and New York, will also travel up to Vermont, ending in Maine.

A crescent moon glowing against a dark sky, showcasing its bright, golden hue.
Flickr/Dave Brossard

Even if you’re in an area of Missouri that will not see the total solar eclipse, you will still get the chance to experience a partial solar eclipse.

A solar eclipse with a darkened sun surrounded by a glowing corona and rays of light extending outward.
Flickr/NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Head over to the official solar eclipse website of NASA for more information.

A solar eclipse with a darkened sun surrounded by a glowing halo of light against a black sky.
Flickr/NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Keep track of the countdown to the 2024 total solar eclipse on timeanddate.com.

Do you plan to check out the Great Total Solar Eclipse above Missouri in 2024? Let us know in the comments! Since we have a bit of time until 2024, how does a night – or more – of star gazing at River of Life Farm in Dora sound?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Trips & Routes

The 6 Best Outdoorsy Towns to Explore in Colorado

From the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park to the wildflower fields of Crested Butte, these are the most impressive outdoorsy towns, both from a scenery and recreation stance.

by Rebecca Norris
on Jun 20
Breckenridge, Colorado, Main Street at sunset.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

6 Waterfront Montana Rentals So Stunning They Don’t Feel Real

From Flathead Lake's glassy shoreline to hidden bays in Polson and Big Arm, these waterfront cabins offer peaceful lake access, mountain-framed views, and the kind of stillness that makes every sunrise feel unreal.

by Kate Orlando
on Jun 20
A fiery sunset over a private dock at a Montana lake.
Nature

The Best Kept Summer Secret in Illinois Is This Sailing Lake With Quiet Beaches

This hidden summer spot in Illinois is perfect for cooling off, with scenic views and a one-of-a-kind swimming experience.

by Stephanie Frias
on Jun 20
A golden sand beach between a rocky shorline and a forested cove at Carlyle Lake, the best lake in Illinois for shallow swimming.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The 5 Best Outdoorsy Towns to Explore in Massachusetts

Discover the small towns where breathtaking landscapes, local charm, and unforgettable outdoor recreation go hand in hand.

by Kim Falchek
on Jun 20
A woman with a walking stick stands on a rock and looks out atop Monument Mountain in Great Barrington, MA.
Nature
National & State Parks

Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Buescher State Park

Smithville is a small town near Buescher State Park that offers comfortable lodging and a nostalgic vibe you'll fall in love with.

by Katie Lawrence
on Jun 20
Colorful historic storefronts in Smithville, Texas, showcasing vintage brick architecture, awnings, boutiques, and locally owned businesses along the downtown streetscape.