$650 a night for a shipping container Airbnb? IL and MO eclipse trip prices on the rise

The April 8 solar eclipse has a path of totality that will grace the metro-east, southern Illinois and southeastern Missouri, but you may want to plan your trip soon.

Metro-east eclipse fans can attend a variety of events in the coming weeks, including gatherings in Belleville, Waterloo, Mascoutah, Scott Air Force Base and more. You can use the Night Sky Network’s online calendar to find solar eclipse-related events near you.

Nearly 200,000 people watched the 2017 total solar eclipse in southern Illinois, Daniel Thomas, deputy director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism, said in a March 8 press release, and officials recommend people plan ahead for this April’s event. Carbondale will see almost twice as long a period of totality this year compared to 2017.

“The solar eclipse is an incredible opportunity for Illinois to welcome visitors from across the Midwest and beyond, allowing them to discover the natural beauty of southern Illinois,” Thomas said. “We recommend visitors arrive early to enjoy the weekend leading up to the eclipse and ... experience the many new hotel options in the area including the many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, ziplining and embrace a real change of pace during this rare event.”

Illinois officials also recommend people allow plenty of extra time when traveling from St. Louis, Chicago and other cities as traffic congestion is expected.

Short-term rental website Airbnb reported a 1,000% increase in searches for bookings in the path of totality in the U.S., and the nearest destinations to Belleville are no exception.

Here’s what to know about day trips from Belleville to see the solar eclipse, including the length of totality in each spot and what you can expect to pay for lodging. Hotel and Airbnb pricing and availability is current as of March 11.

Carbondale, Illinois

About 81 miles from Belleville

4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality

No rooms are available at the Holiday Inn locations in Carbondale, Murphysboro or Marion for April 7 to 9. Many other local hotels are fully booked for these dates, including the Super 8 by Wyndham Carbondale, Home2 Suites by Hilton Carbondale, Hampton Inn and others.

There are some Airbnb rentals available as of March 11, but you can expect to pay more than usual due to high demand for the eclipse events happening in Carbondale. For April 7 to 9, you can rent a cottage that hosts up to six guests for $500 per night (plus fees), a two-bedroom “economy apartment” in Murphysboro for $728 a night before fees or a two-bedroom home in Marion for $1,000 a night plus fees.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host a stadium event where attendees can see the total solar eclipse, as well as a video stream of other sites along the path of totality. Tickets can be purchased online for $25 for nonstudents and parking is $35.

“We are glad to offer four days of festivities, education and research leading up to the eclipse, and we are proud to partner with NASA EDGE and Adler Planetarium on Eclipse Day for an unforgettable experience at Saluki Stadium,” SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane said in the March 8 press release. “This is an exciting time for SIU Carbondale and the community.”

Red Bud, Illinois

About 22 miles from Belleville

3 minutes and 50 seconds of totality

Many metro-east hotels near Red Bud are fully booked for April 8 and the weekend before, including the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Sparta, Boekhoff Guest Suites in Red Bud, Best Western Chester Hotel and others.

Red Bud Country Inn has a few openings listed on Airbnb from April 7 to 9, with prices ranging from $190 to $257 per night before fees and taxes.

Red Bud Library will host a solar eclipse educational event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 3, and those who attend will receive free eclipse glasses.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

About 166 miles from Belleville

4 minutes and 6 seconds of totality

Similarly to other locations in the path of totality, pickings are slim as far as available hotels in Cape Girardeau for dates on and around April 8. You won’t find available rooms at the Drury Plaza Hotel Cape Girardeau Conference Center, Courtyard Cape Girardeau Downtown or Pear Tree Inn Cape Girardeau West.

Airbnb has some availability in Cape Girardeau from April 7 to 9, including a two-bedroom home for $1,800 per night before fees and taxes, a three-bedroom home for $1,485 per night plus fees and taxes and a one-bedroom for $1,000 per night before fees and taxes.

Poplar Bluff, Missouri

About 100 miles from Belleville

4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality

The Drury Inn & Suites Poplar Bluff and Fairfield Inn & Suites Poplar Bluff are booked up, but some local hotels and Airbnbs still have availability as of March 11, including:

• Hampton Inn Poplar Bluff has a room with two queen beds available for $780 per night.

• Holiday Inn Poplar Bluff has one room left at $672 and one for $677 per night.

• A shipping container Airbnb that hosts up to six guests for $650 per night before taxes and fees.

• A two-bedroom Airbnb home for $1,210 per night before taxes and fees.

Another option for those traveling to see the total solar eclipse is camping at more than 30 state parks and other nature sites in Illinois. You can check campsite availability online or by calling 866-716-6550.