Natalie Phelps Finnie, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said, "This rare celestial event is expected to bring thousands of visitors to our great state to view the eclipse."

(WAND) - Illinois is preparing for the twice-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse.

On April 8, southern Illinois will be in the solar eclipse path of totality for the second time since 2017.

The eclipse will pass through 13 states altogether. This won't happen again in the U.S. until 2044.

Nasa Eclipse Map 2024

The path of totality and partial contours crossing the U.S. for the 2024 total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, 2024. Visualizations by Michala Garrison, NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

Natalie Phelps Finnie, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said, "This rare celestial event is expected to bring thousands of visitors to our great state to view the eclipse."

More than 30 Illinois state parks, recreation areas and wildlife areas are in the path of totality, and dozens more sites lie just outside the path and will offer equally stunning, though slightly shorter, views of the natural phenomenon.

State Senator Dale Fowler recommended people, "Go to some other areas, visit our state parks, go on our website and see all the state parks we have. It's truly phenomenal. We are so blessed to live in some of the most gorgeous country right here in southern Illinois ... I can't wait to see the results of all the development and opportunity we have right here in southern Illinois."

Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director for the Illinois Office of Tourism, said that in 2017, nearly 200,000 people witnessed the solar eclipse in southern Illinois, generating a visitor spending impact estimated between $15 million and $18 million.

"We are planning for an absolutely astronomical — pun intended — tourism experience in the region," Thomas said. "I'm happy to report that hotel rooms are still available."

Illinois State Police are warning that during the 2017 eclipse, traffic leaving the area was extremely heavy due to long delays. Police recommend people plan ahead to enjoy the eclipse and let traffic clear.

Click here to find out where you can pick up WAND solar eclipse glasses

Peak totality will last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, twice as long as the total solar eclipse in 2017.

WAND News will be broadcasting live from Marshall, Ill. and Southern Illinois University Carbondale to give you the best look at the eclipse from the comfort of your own home.

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