Eclipse Tourists Come to Southern Illinois

Patrick Schueck of Little Rock, Arkansas, brought his 10-year-old twin daughters to southern Illinois to see Monday's total solar eclipse.

The construction company president and his family set up at the Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass, which is a more than 100-foot high cross on top a 1,000-foot tall mound. Schueck called the eclipse "one of the most moving experiences" he's ever had. He said it was "as if the sun set and rose within about three minutes."

Nearby, the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois saw the longest stretch of darkness: 2 minutes and 44 seconds. Organizers at the cross site expected more than 700 people.

Schueck said the eclipse also was "an excellent opportunity to do something with my daughters that they'll remember for the rest of their lives."