News Release

Thousands enjoyed eclipse along Ozark Riverways

This wonderful day was made possible with our partners at Mark Twain National Forest and many others.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 12, 2024

Contact: Dena Matteson, [phone]

VAN BUREN, Mo - After months of preparation, visitors to Ozark National Scenic Riverways enjoyed a spectacular total eclipse!

The park’s “Zark Side of the Moon” event saw over 4,500 visitors at Big Spring, where they got a perfect view of the total eclipse! Alley Spring had the next largest gathering, with around 1,100 visitors. Clear skies and warm weather made for a lovely day: those present got to see the sun’s corona, which is only visible during totality!

The eclipse peaked just before 2 pm, showing off 4 glorious minutes of totality at Big Spring. While the length of totality increased further south, visitors enjoyed the day no matter where they were in the park.

Some folks witnessed the eclipse from the ridgelines of the Ozark Mountains. Some observed from their campsites or places of business. Thousands of others watched along the Current and Jacks Fork rivers – a stunning backdrop for an amazing day.

Now, while the eclipse was visible in most areas south of Pulltite, the “Zark Side of the Moon” event offered even more: free activities, booths, eclipse glasses, and a special appearance by the Smokey Bear Balloon!

Smokey’s appearance started Saturday morning, where his balloon first took flight. About two dozen people got rides on the balloon before gusting winds forced the crew to set it down. Saturday evening, winds finally calmed enough for Smokey to make another appearance, this time putting on a spectacular night glow for about an hour for over 300 visitors. Sunday morning also saw Smokey rather quickly deflated for the safety of the crew and visitors, though dedicated fans showed up for the chance to see him anyway. In all, over 550 visitors visited Big Spring on Saturday and Sunday to experience the Smokey Bear Balloon.  

However, on the morning of the eclipse, our team made up for lost time: the balloon flew for 3 hours, treating over 300 visitors to free rides! Conditions could not have been better. Alongside the balloon, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl greeted visitors and educated them on caring for public lands.

Also popular was the Junior Eclipse Explorer program, a self-guided activity in which kids (and their parents) learned about how eclipses work. Hundreds of kids earned their badges, and just in time: the next total eclipse in the Ozarks won’t be until the year 2343!

Throughout the rest of the day, attendees enjoyed booths and activities. Giant eclipse glasses, a solar system walk, telescopes, photo ops, fun activities with shadows, and more were available. Also, each of our partner organizations hosted a booth for education and enjoyment. See the list of partners below!

With the eclipse behind us, we’d like to thank concessioners, visitors, local businesses, partners, our many hardworking and dedicated volunteers, and park staff for an incredible weekend. Together, these groups elevated our event from “great” to “incredible!” Our partners included Mark Twain National Forest, Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon, Ozark Riverways Foundation, Carter County Health Center, Missouri Department of Conservation, DarkSky Missouri, Ozark Trail Association, and Eastern National.

Now, Ozark National Scenic Riverways looks forward to seeing everyone in the 2024 season! Another summer of natural wonder awaits. For summer planning and park information, visit our website at nps.gov/ozar or call [phone]. You can also follow us at facebook.com/ozarkriverways or on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves 134 miles of the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.  Learn more at www.nps.gov/ozar.  Find us on Facebook @ozarkriverways and on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.