Eclipse West Plains

12/31/2024

For those who were able to join us, you know how special it was! Best to all in 2025 and beyond. ❤️

2024, you were a good one! As we reflect on the year, our thoughts are drawn to those days leading up to April 8 for the total solar eclipse. All the planning and waiting and the event was finally here! And then, like a flash, it was gone. But the memories we have will last a lifetime.

10/09/2024

Our thanks to everyone who stopped by for the eclipse time capsule burial yesterday. It was a nice way to cap off "The Year of the Eclipse!" We also unveiled the community mural which was started at the Cosmic Carnival on April 6. Thanks to everyone who had a hand in completing the 5 ft. x 6 ft. canvas. ❤ We still have copies of the commemorative poster the mural is based on (along with postcards and stickers of it and the Zorn Building). Stop by the Welcome Center and get them for free. We're still celebrating!

(Watch the video recorded live yesterday. )

10/03/2024

Tuesday, October 8, marks six months since our very special gift from the heavens. We're going to commemorate the occasion by burying a time capsule and planting a dogwood tree. Join us as we wrap up the Year of the Eclipse!

Send a message to learn more

05/08/2024

It's been a month since the eclipse, and we are still in awe and grateful to all who journeyed to West Plains to share this special event. We're probably done posting on this page, so if you're not already a follower of Explore West Plains, we invite you to like us there to keep up to date on happenings in our corner of the Ozarks. Hold on to the memories, everyone. For our out-of-town guests, come back and see us some time!

(Photo by Gary Sanders of InFocus)

05/06/2024

We're winding down posts on Eclipse West Plains, but there may be a thing or two we'll share in the next few days, including this official video from NASA. They made recordings at various locations and from various perspectives, and there is some spectacular and interesting stuff, including great footage of totality. Around the 2:15 mark is a great section of crowd reaction, but there's a lot more to enjoy. You can skip ahead and find your favorite parts.

Watch live with us as a total solar eclipse moves across North America on April 8, 2024, traveling through Mexico, across the United States from Texas to Mai...

05/01/2024

We've really enjoyed hearing about the great experiences visitors had during the Eclipse West Plains: Party in the Path. As promised in our April 22 posts on Explore West Plains and Eclipse West Plains, we have held a drawing, and Linda Marchand has won the puzzle, “The Eclipse,” donated by Sandy McNevin. Thank you to all who shared their comments, to Sandy for the nice prize donation and to everyone who was a part of the festivities. ❤️

04/29/2024

MERCH MONDAY - Reminder that remaining Eclipse West Plains merchandise is clearance-priced at 50% off! Including that we sorted through our boxes (after having multiple merchandise locations for the eclipse) and discovered there a few large insulated tumblers and shot glasses left. Come get a bargain! Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, 2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd., M-F, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

04/24/2024

Here's a recap video of the Party in the Path. Such great moments and memories. We got a little teary-eyed watching it, thinking of all the people who worked together to make it such a success. Thank you, one and all for helping, attending and being a part of the total solar eclipse experience. Enjoy the video! A huge thank you to Cockrum Media for capturing out week!

Relive Eclipse West Plains: Party in the Path as West Plains, Missouri celebrated our celestial good fortune of being in the path of totality for the solar e...

04/22/2024

Two weeks ago today, we were getting ready to experience the total solar eclipse, a special and rare event. If you witnessed the event in the West Plains area, we'd like to hear your memories about the eclipse....give us a description, share your thoughts on seeing the sun disappear, tell us how you felt. Or tell us what your favorite event from the Party in the Path was. Everyone who comments will be entered in a drawing for eclipse items, including this jigsaw puzzle, “The Eclipse,” which was graciously donated by Sandy McNevin. ❤️

04/21/2024

It's hard to believe that tomorrow it will be two weeks since we experienced totality. Here are day-of photos of activities at the West Plains Civic Center, one of the official viewing sites. Once again, Gary Sanders of InFocus did a great job capturing the mood and the fun. We're happy that so many enjoyed 'partying in the path.' If you joined us from out of town, come back and see us again sometime!

04/19/2024

The dice run was one of the Party in the Path fundraising events to benefit local nonprofits. Sponsored by Colton's Steak House & Grill, the run raised money for Christmas for Kids and area veterans.

Once again, official Eclipse West Plains photographer Gary Sanders of InFocus did a great job of capturing the action and fun.

04/18/2024

More Child Advocacy Center, Inc. Balloon Glow images from the Party in the Path! Wasn't it a great event? 🎇❤️