While many of the units of the National Park System that are in the path of this month's solar eclipse will find visitors practically elbow-to-elbow, those who head to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail will have plenty of room to watch the astronomical event. That's because all sites along the 3,700-mile trail will experience a partial eclipse and many sites in Missouri and Illinois will see a total eclipse. No matter where you visit along the trail, you're likely to be treated to an excellent viewing experience.
Today's Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is the product of many diverse groups: federal, tribal, state and local agencies, and public and private organizations. These groups work together at more than 150 locations to provide opportunities for visitors to experience and learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and its many stories.
Here are some events happening along the trail during the solar eclipse on August 21:
Capital Eclipse, All day, Jefferson City, Missouri
Join the crowd for great entertainment, art and astronomy in Jefferson City, the state capitol of Missouri. There will be an eclectic offering of both paid and free events, ranging from a giant drum circle to concerts to lectures by a real-life astronaut. Events include Eclipse Gravel Ride, Total Eclipse of the Katy Trail Bike Ride; Carnival, Master Gardeners Garden Tours; Crop Circle Corn Maze; Scholastic Education Series - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Eastside Business Association Viewing & BBQ at Riverside Park 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Eclipse Festival, north Jefferson City, Missouri State Capitol events; 399th Army Band Orchestra; NASA Traveling Exhibit, State Capitol 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; NASA TV live broadcast; 1:14 p.m. TOTAL ECLIPSE
Total Eclipse in Missouri State Parks
The state of Missouri invites you to celebrate the 2017 total eclipse on August 21 in a state park or historic site. It’s been nearly 150 years since Missourians experienced a total solar eclipse — the last time was Aug. 7, 1869. Make your plans to view this exciting event in a state park or historic site. There are 42 locations in the state park system where you can see the total eclipse.
Solar Eclipse Day, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m., Remington Nature Center, St. Joseph, Missouri
Spend some time as you wait for the eclipse in the Remington Nature Center. There will be an educational solar display featured in August and kids can participate in an indoor sun scavenger hunt! The nature center gift shop will have Solar Eclipse merchandise including custom designed magnets, T-shirts, and other fun items.
The nature center will be open extended hours on Solar Eclipse Day, Monday, August 21, from 7 a.m. - noon and 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Admission will be $3 for adults, $2 for seniors (60+), $1 for children 4-15 and free for those 3 and under. Indoor restrooms will be available for paid guests. Outdoor port-a-pots will be available in the parking lot eclipse viewing area for the general public.
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge Solar Eclipse Watch Party, 11:40 a.m.-2:34 p.m., Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, Mound City, Missouri
Grab the best seat in the house and watch the 2017 solar eclipse as it passes through between 11:40 a.m.- 2:34 p.m. (total eclipse starts at 1:07 p.m.). Learn about “Creatures of the Night” that are here at the refuge.
A Partial Eclipse Adventure in the Wetlands, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue, Nebraska
Participants will watch the partial eclipse, 99 percent coverage, as mirrored over the marsh. As part of a citizen science project, the group will collect data on plant and animal reactions to the lessening daylight.
Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Omaha, Nebraska
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters Visitor Center will have hands-on activities for all ages. Come learn about the eclipse and get your free viewing glasses.
Eclipse with Brock “The Comet” Burney, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Niobrara State Park, Niobrara, Nebraska
This viewing event takes place at Eagle View Lodge. Watch the partial solar eclipse and NASA Mega cast of Total Solar Eclipse live from Carbondale, Illinois. Viewing glasses will be available.
Solar Eclipse Viewing, 10:25 a.m.- 1:04 p.m., Fort Peck Interpretive Center, Fort Peck, Montana
Stop by the Fort Peck Interpretive Center to view the eclipse. Viewing glasses will be available. Children can also create an indirect viewer if they want to arrive early. According to the NASA Total Solar Eclipse website, the August 21 eclipse is expected to begin in Fort Peck at 10:25 a.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring at 11:43 a.m., ending at 1:04 pm.
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