Join the eagles at their favorite winter destination!
“During winter months, bald eagles are widely scattered throughout much of the continental United States. Substantial numbers may be found along the Upper Mississippi River and its larger tributaries. ”
Eagle watching events and opportunities are abundant here in the Midwest January – March. Your perfect winter adventure can be found along the Mississippi River in Missouri and Illinois.
Pere Marquette is one of our favorite state parks and a great place for a cozy winter adventure with a variety of accommodations including a lodge, private cabins and RV and primitive camping. They have special pricing during the off season and during the week and a special eagle package good Sunday – Thursday. And they are the perfect spot to start your eagle watching adventure with special eagle programs throughout January, February and March. Plus check out everything else this park has to offer – hiking, horseback riding, biking and rock climbing.
From Pere Marquette head southeast along the Mississippi River for plenty more eagle viewing opportunities and winter adventures. Bring your binoculars!
“One half mile upriver from the Brussels Ferry is Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge at Gilbert Lake. The trees out in the field often have eagles perched there. A three mile hiking trail connects with Pere Marquette State Park. Ride across the Brussels Ferry into Calhoun County and follow the signs to Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge at Swan Lake. The Visitor’s Center has scopes for viewing eagles. Eagles are active near the Brussels Ferry, where they enjoy perching in the tall cottonwood trees lining the river banks.”
“Walk the Grafton Riverfront to view eagles perched in the trees and soaring over the river. Take time to stroll through the Village of Elsah, watching for eagles soaring over the river. Just a short drive off the Great River Road, the Treehouse Wildlife Center offers up close views of bald eagles every day of the week. Get a close-up view of the eagles and the river at the Piasa Harbor that’s situated between Grafton and Alton. Clifton Terrace is a great spot to pull off the road. This parking area right along the riverfront offers great views of eagles. “
“Head on over to the Missouri side to visit the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary & The Audubon Center at Riverlands. Designated as a National Audubon Society Important Birding Area, eagles can be seen in the Ellis Bay refuge. Use the indoor spotting scopes and learn more about the migration. Watch eagles fishing for an easy catch at the National Great Rivers Museum/Melvin Price Locks & Dam. The museum offers indoor spotting scopes. Birding opportunities are plentiful at the Mississippi River and Missouri River confluence – visit the Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park. “
“View eagles in their natural winter habitat from the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Eagles enjoy congregating at Horseshoe Lake State Park; take a walk around the lake and count the number of eagles using the lake for their winter home. “
Stop by the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau to pick up your eagle guide that includes a map of the Eagle Watching Hot Spots listed above! Visit their website for more eagle watching programs and events.
Finally, we highly recommend a “float along the wintery waters of the Mississippi River on a winter canoe trip with Big Muddy Adventures. Bundle up for this outdoor escape that offers unparalleled views of the river and surrounding landscapes.”
Sparkle Adventures offers custom adventure planning services for your perfect adventure. We do the planning; you have the fun! Check out our adventure planning services and pricing at www.sparkle-adventures.com and get your next adventure started today.
