9 places where you can view the solar eclipse in and around St. Louis

A solar eclipse will grace our skies on Monday, April 8, at about 2 p.m., depending on your location. St. Louis will experience near-totality, but a short drive south will allow you to see the celestial event in totality. Having made the trek to see totality during the last solar eclipse in summer 2017, I’d recommend getting out of the city to enjoy the full experience, but there are some pretty neat events that will see near-totality too.

Since this falls on a Monday, you’ll want to put in those PTO requests sooner than later if you want to make a day of it. Most importantly, don’t forget you’ll need special glasses to view the cosmic wonder safely. Some of the following spots will be giving them away, but you can buy some online or at many retailers around town as well.

Bold Spoon Creamery and Farm
This farm-to-table ice cream company is in the path of totality. Pack a lunch (but no beverages or dessert as those are available for purchase) and a picnic blanket or chairs and head to this beautiful farm to experience the amazing view of totality. Just be sure to arrive by noon as entry closes at 12:10 p.m. to ensure no headlights interfere with the celestial view. Eclipse glasses will not be provided, so don’t forget to bring your own. Tickets available online.
$12 per car. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Bold Spoon Creamery, 2570 Watson Road, Park Hills, boldspooncreamery.com

Jackson, Missouri
Jackson is also in the path of totality and is hosting events at three separate spots: Brookside Park, Jackson Civic Center and uptown Jackson. There will be food available for purchase, along with live music, at each of the locations.
Free admission. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., multiple locations, jacksonmo.org

Old Town Cape Block Party
Not only is this a free celebration, they’ll also be handing out free eclipse viewing glasses. This family-friendly event features a variety of food vendors selling their wares, as well as live music by Spacers, a yoga session, face painting, corn hole, a chalk zone for children and other activities.
Free admission. Noon to 3 p.m., Cape Riverfront Market, 35 S. Spanish St., Cape Girardeau, Facebook: Solar Eclipse Block Party

If you can’t make it all the way to the path of totality, but still want to make a day of it, here are a few closer spots hosting eclipse parties.

Eckert’s Farm
This viewing party takes place on Eckert’s 600-acre farm in Belleville. Entry is free, but there is a fee for some activities. Food and drink are available for purchase from Eckert’s Country Restaurant and the Cider Shed. The Skylark Brothers Band performs live music from noon to 3 p.m. You can even participate in oracle card readings and other fun activities.
Free admission. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, eckerts.com

Defiance Ridge Vineyards
The first 100 attendees will receive complimentary eclipse glasses, so get there early or bring your own. Purchase food and drink from the regular food menu. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free admission. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 2711 S. Missouri 94, Defiance, 636.798.2288, defianceridgevineyards.com

Herald Square
Head to Collinsville, Illinois, for this free party hosted by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau featuring free eclipse glasses and entertainment, plus food and drink available for purchase. Entertainment includes a fire performer and lawn games, as well as activities for the kids. Stop by Old Herald Brewery & Distillery next door for food and drinks, and don’t miss Uptown Scoops, which is featuring a special flavor of frozen custard called Moon Pie.
Free admission. Noon to 3 p.m., 115 E. Clay St., Collinsville, riversandroutes.com

Hermann Farm
View the eclipse from the highest point in Hermann as a tractor-driven tram drives guests out to the point every 15 minutes. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and viewing glasses. No need to pack a picnic – food and drinks are available for purchase. Tickets available online. 
$10. 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 526 E. First St., Hermann, Facebook: Hermann Farm Solar Eclipse Viewing

Moonrise Hotel 
Where better to enjoy a galactic event than rooftop at the Moonrise Hotel with its massive revolving man-made moon? This ticketed event includes special viewing glasses. Food and celestial-themed cocktails will be available for purchase. Tickets available online.
$10. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 6177 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, moonrisehotel.com

Wild Sun Winery & Brewery
This ticketed event features multiple patio spaces and plenty of open lawn area for you to spread out with your crew. Tickets include live music, viewing glasses and a tasting of Eclipse, a vintage port dessert wine aged in French oak barrels. The full food and drink menus are available for purchase, along with mimosas. Call for reservations.
$10. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4830 Pioneer Road, Hillsboro, 636.797.8686, Facebook: Wild Sun Winery & Brewery’s Eclipse Viewing Party