How southeastern SD businesses are joining in on the solar eclipse excitement

Vanessa Carlson Bender, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Updated ·8 min read
Delicate streamers in the sun's corona surround the totally eclipsed sun during the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse. Observers along a narrow track from Mexico to Maine should have a similar view on April 8, 2024.
Delicate streamers in the sun's corona surround the totally eclipsed sun during the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse. Observers along a narrow track from Mexico to Maine should have a similar view on April 8, 2024.

On April 8, people will look to the skies as a total solar eclipse casts its shadow over Mexico, the United States and Canada.

This rare astronomical event is the first of its kind in seven years and will be the last for the next 20. Fifteen U.S. states will get to watch the moon traverse directly in front of the sun to some extent. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Tim Masters, the event is predicted to last four minutes and 27 seconds during the afternoon.

In Sioux Falls, spectators will only see a partial totality of about 75%, said Matt Flesche, planetarium operator at the Washington Pavilion and senior Physics student at SDSU. Beginning around 12:43 p.m., maximum coverage will begin at about 1:56 p.m. and conclude around 3:09 p.m. The closest travel destination to experience totality is southeast Missouri.

More: NWS officials say Sioux Falls area could catch glimpse of solar eclipse only if it's sunny

While not directly in the path of totality, the city of Sioux Falls and neighboring areas are preparing for a glimpse of an extraordinary phenomenon and hoping for clear, sunny skies, given the last eclipse in August 2017 brought rain, preventing residents from being able to witness it.

If you’re looking for something you and your family can do to celebrate this year’s solar eclipse, Sioux Falls and other surrounding cities will be hosting a variety of related events and viewing parties.

Though not an exhaustive list, here are a few suggestions for local festivities to attend. Have something to add? Email vbender@gannett.com.

What's happening in Sioux Falls?

Exterior of the Sweetman Planetarium located at the Washington Pavilion in Downtown Sioux Falls.
Exterior of the Sweetman Planetarium located at the Washington Pavilion in Downtown Sioux Falls.

Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium

  • Event: “Totality” film showing

  • Times/Dates: 4 p.m. April 1-5.; noon and 4 p.m. April 6; 4 p.m. April 7.; 12:15 p.m. April 8

  • Location: 301 S. Main Ave.

  • Cost: $8 (Add museum admission for $5, members for $4.) You can purchase tickets online or at the Box Office in the first-floor lobby.

  • Details: A new, 25-minute planetarium showing about the history of eclipse watchers, how often they happen and how to safely view one.

  • More info: washingtonpavilion.org or call (605) 367-6000

Siouxland Libraries, Ronning Branch in the Story Room

  • Event: Kids Discover - Eclipse Class

  • Time/Date: 3:15-4 p.m. April 2

  • Location: 3100 E. 49th St.

  • Cost: Free but registration encouraged

  • Details: Participate in hands-on activities and experiments about eclipses. Solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last.

  • More info: siouxlandlib.org or call 605-367-8140

The downtown Siouxland Libraries location.
The downtown Siouxland Libraries location.

Downtown Library in the YS Program Room

  • Event: Kids Discover - Eclipse Make-N-Take

  • Time/Date: 2-4 p.m. April 6

  • Location: 200 N. Dakota Ave.

  • Cost: Free but registration encouraged

  • Details: Come learn about eclipses and make a craft. Solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last.

  • More info: siouxlandlib.org or call 605-367-8700

Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium

  • Event: Total Solar Eclipse Celebration

  • Time/Date: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 6

  • Location: 301 S. Main Ave.

  • Cost: $5 for regular museum admission, free for members.

  • Details: Arts and crafts for kids, including building your own eclipse viewer. A showing of the new planetarium film “Totality” is just $5 more when added to your museum admission.

  • More info: washintonpavilion.org or call (605) 367-6000

Siouxland Libraries, Prairie West Branch

  • Event: Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL)

  • Times/Dates: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 6 and 1-4 p.m. April 7

  • Location: 7630 W. 26th St.

  • Cost: Free

  • Details: Learn about the science of the solar eclipse through various independent activities. Solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last.

  • More info: siouxlandlib.org or call 605-978-6899

Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium

  • Event: Experience the Total Solar Eclipse!

  • Time/Date: Noon-3 p.m. April 8

  • Location: 301 S. Main Ave.

  • Cost: $8. Tickets are available to purchase ahead of time here. Eclipse glasses are $5 for two or $3 for one.

  • Details: At 12:15 p.m., the film "Totality" will be shown. A live total eclipse streaming event will start at 12:45 p.m. in the full-dome theater (complete visibility at 1:30 p.m.). Live presentations on how and why an eclipse occurs. Snacks such as gourmet ice cream, popcorn, candy and beverages will be available for purchase at Parlour.

  • More info: washintonpavilion.org or call (605) 367-6000

Severance Brewing at The Cascade in Downtown Sioux Falls.
Severance Brewing at The Cascade in Downtown Sioux Falls.

Severance Brewing

  • Event: Eclipse Viewing Party

  • Time/Date: 1-3 p.m. April 8

  • Location: The Cascade at Falls Park, 701 N. Phillips Ave. #110

  • Cost: Free

  • Details: Free eclipse glasses will be provided, as well as free BOGO Lunar Lagers (while supplies last). Come watch the eclipse out on the patio and front railing (weather permitting).

  • More info: Facebook event page, severancebeer.com/events or call (605) 271-5480

Brookings

Wooden Legs Brewing in Brookings, SD
Wooden Legs Brewing in Brookings, SD

Wooden Leg Brewing Co. taproom

  • Event: Solar Eclipse Paint & Sip

  • Time/Date: 7:30-9 p.m. April 3. Arrive early to grab your included drink from the bar!

  • Location: 309 5th St. #100

  • Cost: $3

  • Details: As part of the Brookings Arts Council Class series, SDSU instructor of Studio Arts Erik Ritter will lead a fun paint & sip class at Wooden Legs Brewing Co. No experience necessary. Supplies will be provided.

  • More info: visitbrookingsssd.com or call (605) 692-2337

The Nook

  • Event: A Solar Eclipse Night with Dr. Judy Vaondruska

  • Times/Date: 5:30-6:30 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. April 2

  • Location: 314 Main Ave., Suite 3

  • Cost: Free but must RSVP as space is limited

  • Details: Physics Professor, Dr. Judy Vondruska of SDSU will have a presentation with fun facts, safety tips and hands-on activities. Karma's Korn will be on site for COSMIC popcorn and drinks for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring an empty cereal box to create their own viewer. Each participant will receive a free set of certified safe viewing glasses. The Nook will have extra viewing glasses available for purchase.

  • More info: Facebook event page or call 605-697-5838

SDSU Campus, Dakotronics Engineering Hall

  • Event: Eclipse Viewing and Modeling Event

  • Time/Date: 1:30-2:30 p.m. April 8

  • Location: 1250 8th St.

  • Cost: Free

  • Details: The Phys 216 students (Physical Science for Early Childhood) will be in front of the Daktronics Engineering Hall viewing and modeling the eclipse.

  • More info: Contact Physics Professor Larry Browning at (605) 688-4548 or larry.browning@sdstate.edu

SDSU Campus, University Student Union

  • Event: Eclipse Viewing Party

  • Time/Date: 12:30-3 p.m. April 8

  • Location: 1421 Student Union Ln.

  • Cost: Free

  • Details: Physics and astronomy students at SDSU will be hosting a viewing party near the west entrance to the student union.

  • More info: Contact Physics instructor, Dr. Judy Vondruska at (605) 688-5859 or judy.vondruska@sdstate.edu

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Vermillion

Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library in the Kozak Room

  • Event: Solar Eclipse Presentation Q&A

  • Time/Date: 6-7 p.m. April 3

  • Location: 18 Church St.

  • Cost: Free

  • Details: Solar eclipse presentation and Q&A with NASA Partner Ambassador, Geoffrey Gray-Lobe.

  • More info: Facebook event page, vermillionpubliclibrary.org or call (605) 677-7060

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USD Campus, near the Muenster University Center and “Legacy” statue

  • Event: Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

  • Time/Date: 1:30-2:30 p.m. April 8

  • Location: 414 E. Clark St.

  • Cost: Free

  • Details: The University of South Dakota Physics Department will host a solar eclipse viewing party in collaboration with NASA. The event will include telescope viewing, demonstration materials, a live broadcast of the eclipse and interaction with the physics faculty and graduate students. Free eclipse safety glasses and snacks will be provided.

  • More info: Contact Dr. Joel Sander at (605) 658-6828 or call (877) 269-6837

Sioux City, IA

Viewers during a previous solar eclipse at the Sioux City Public Museum inn Sioux City, IA.
Viewers during a previous solar eclipse at the Sioux City Public Museum inn Sioux City, IA.

Sioux City Public Museum at the Museum Plaza

  • Event: Solar Eclipse Watch Party

  • Time/Date: 12:30-3:00 p.m.

  • Location: 607 4th St.

  • Cost: Free

  • Details: Come view the partial solar eclipse at the Museum Plaza. Attendees may borrow free safety glasses, as well as bring blankets, lawn chairs and lunch.

  • More info: siouxcitymuseum.org or call (712) 279-6174

St. Paul, MN

Bell Museum - University of Minnesota

  • Event: 2024 Eclipse Celebration

  • Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 8

  • Location: 2088 Larpenteur Ave. W.

  • Cost: Museum and Planetarium Combo - $21 for adults; $18 for adults 65+; $16 ages 3-21; ages 0-2 years is free. UMN students can visit both places for $5 with a student ID. Bell Members are free. Attendees can also just visit the museum or planetarium for regular admission costs. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, over the phone at (612) 626-9660 or in person on the day of the event. Limited edition eclipse safety glasses are available for purchase at the Curiosity Shop for $3 for one pair or $5 for 2 pairs. Parking is available for $6 off Larpenteur Ave. Pay stations only accept credit cards. All outdoor activities are free.

  • Details: Come view the partial eclipse at the museum! There will also be a variety of solar-focused activities, a livestream of the eclipse, a new eclipse flipbook pattern and expert astronomy staff to answer questions.

  • More info: Facebook event page, bellmuseum.umn.edu or call (612) 626-9660

Bell Museum Planetarium in St. Paul, MN
Bell Museum Planetarium in St. Paul, MN

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: 15 solar eclipse events happening in southeastern South Dakota