Get your tickets early! There has been a great amount of interest shown in our “spot on” location for the best viewing of this rare eclipse. We’re working with the Solar Eclipse Committee and other area businesses on planning this incredible event, but suffice it to say that Bald Knob Cross will be a very popular spot for viewing this phenomenon.

We are thankful to be working with the Egyptian Board of Realtors on this project.

Gates will open at 10 AM. Please plan on arriving by 12 Noon to experience the Partial Eclipse beginning around 12:40 PM CDT, and the Maximum Eclipse around 2:00 PM CDT.

PLEASE NOTE: When purchasing tickets, you will pick:

1. The TYPE of ticket (Serious or Casual Viewer)
2. The SIZE of T-shirt(s) for each ticket you purchase

Serious Viewers
(Eclipse Viewers with Telescopes/Cameras)

Tickets:  $250 per person 

Additional persons in same vehicle $50; limit 5 extra persons

Package includes:

• Eclipse tickets
• Parking pass for one vehicle
• 10 x 10 reserved lawn area – see image to the right
• 360 eclipse viewing
• Eclipse glasses
• T-shirt with Bald Knob/Eclipse logo
• Assistance with transporting equipment
• Food available on-site for purchase
• Non-alcoholic beverages on site for purchase

Casual Viewers (Eclipse Viewers without Equipment)

Tickets: $50 per person
Children under 15 years of age are $5 each (a T-shirt is not included with the $5 tickets).

Package includes:

• Eclipse tickets
• 360 eclipse viewing
• Eclipse glasses
• T-shirt with Bald Knob/Eclipse logo
• Food available on-site for purchase
• Non-alcoholic beverages on site for purchase
• NOTE: A parking pass can be added to the cart when you register for $5 per car or can be purchased at the gate for $5 per car. For groups, please consider carpooling.

Before you purchase your ticket(s), please read our FAQ’s:

No refunds on tickets purchased for any reason. All ticket sales are final. We are unable to issue refunds on tickets purchased for any reason. The purchase of tickets for the event constitutes your acceptance of the posted no-refund policy.

Q:  Can I bring an additional person with me?
A:  For the “Casual Viewer” tickets, each ticket is sold separately. You can purchase up to five (5) “Casual Viewers” tickets per order. If you need more, please submit a separate order.  For the “Serious Viewer” tickets, you may purchase your ticket at $250, and no more than five (5) additional tickets for friends/family to ride in the same vehicle with you, for $50 each.  If you have more than 6 people, you will need to purchase an additional Serious Viewer ticket for $250, which will also give you an additional 10×10 spot on the grounds, or individual Casual Viewers tickets.

Q: When will I get my tickets, T-shirt and other items?
A: We will be mailing packages out approximately 30 days before the event.

Q:  Will our cell phones work on the day of the eclipse?
A:  We have been advised that due to the number of people expected to be in southern Illinois on this day, cell towers may be overloaded, so it’s possible that cell phone service may be limited.  We will have ham radio operators on site for emergency communication.

Q:  For the “Serious Viewer” tickets, will electricity be provided?
A:  No, if you need power, you will need to bring your own battery pack.  Please do not bring generators, due to the noise issue.

Q:  If I purchase a “Serious Viewer” ticket, how will I know where my location will be?
A:  You will be assigned a number for a 10×10 area in the prime viewing area near the cross, and each section of ground will be numbered to correspond with the numbers in the ticket packages. In the registration process, you can select which side of the cross you would like to be located: Hope (West), Faith (South) and Peace (South East). See this video for an overhead visual of location choices.

Q:  Will there be medical personnel on-site?
A:  Yes, there will be emergency supplies and staff available should you need them.

Q: Can I bring a lawn chair?
A: Yes,  Feel free to bring a towel, blanket or lawn chair to sit on.

Q:  Are the premises handicapped accessible?
A:  The entire terrain at Bald Knob Cross is a hillside, so complete accessibility is challenging.  However, there is handicapped parking and level paving at the Welcome Center, handicapped restrooms inside the Welcome Center, and a handicapped porta-potty outside.  We will also have volunteers available to provide assistance when needed. We will have golf carts and shuttles to help transport people around the grounds.

Q:  Can I bring an open tent for shade?
A:  Unfortunately, no, we cannot allow tents of any size, because it will block the view of the eclipse for others.

Q: What happens if I cannot attend?
A: At this point, tickets are not refundable, but you can transfer them to another person.

Q: What is your refund policy?
A: All sales are final and we cannot issue full or partial refunds.

Q: Can I bring a cooler with my own food and drinks?
A: Yes, Additionally, food and drinks will be available for sale on the premises.  Do not bring anything in glass bottles.

Q: Can I bring my own alcoholic beverages?
A: No.  Alcohol is not permitted on the premises at any time.

Q: Can I bring my pet, like a dog?
A: No.  With many people and expensive camera equipment, we can’t risk what pets may do. In addition, dogs may react to the total blackout by barking and howling.

Q: Are tickets refundable?
A. All tickets must be paid for in advance and are non-refundable.
Refund policy: By purchasing a ticket, you agree to our cancellations and refund policy on tickets purchased for any reason, including but not limited to weather conditions, health matters/restrictions, changes in travel plans, unanticipated travel, or other reasons. As with any major outdoor event, April 8th, 2024, Solar Eclipse can be cancelled due to force majeure or safety concerns. Force Majeure is defined as an act of God or act that is beyond the control of the event organizers. It often occurs due to adverse weather conditions or due to the occurrence of a natural disaster. In this case, the event may be cancelled altogether. No refunds will be issued.

Additional questions?  Contact info@baldknobcross.com or 618-713-8516.

Tickets will be mailed to the address you indicate along with your 10×10 lawn area number (for Serious viewers). Ticket(s) must be presented for admittance. 

Ticket delivery via mail: Domestic, $7/order; International, $15/order.