Illinois is one of the best places in the entire country to spot bald eagles.
Each winter, around 3,000 of these majestic birds fly to Illinois to make it their temporary home. They settle in among the cliffs and trees in at least 27 counties around the state.
While the eagles hunt for fish in the cold waters of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, you can scan the skies for glimpses of an American mascot in the wild.
Where to See Bald Eagles in Illinois
Eagles flock to Illinois for its friendly habitats, especially the open water often found around river locks and dams in winter.
Alton
The Beall Mansion Bed-and-Breakfast Inn offers eagle getaway packages, pairing cozy stays with opportunities to explore eagle watching along the Mississippi River.
Galena
For eagle watching along with luxury, spas, skiing and more—stay at either Chestnut Mountain Resort or Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa.
Gladstone
Along the Mississippi River, the sky is full of eagles at Lock and Dam 18. Typically, the largest numbers of adult sightings are in January.
Grafton
If you’d rather sit back and relax while in nature, then a guided two-hour shuttled tour with Grafton Eagle Tours is perfect for you and your party. Or attend the Grafton Eagle Meet & Greet on January 25th.
Jonesboro
The Union County Refuge is a popular spot for bald eagle watching for good reason— visitors can take wildlife photography off the main road, which runs down the middle of the wildlife refuge.
Oglesby
Both Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks attract large eagle populations in winter, thanks to the nearby Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary on the Illinois River.
Quincy
Celebrate the return of our country’s bird and honor Native American traditions through sacred ceremonies and dances at Great River Eagle Days.
Savanna
The Mississippi Palisades near Savanna offers dramatic views of eagles soaring over the river and perching along the bluffs, with trails and scenic overlooks for optimal viewing.
See Eagles in Illinois State Parks & Forests
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Pere Marquette State Park
Discover Illinois' premier eagle-watching destination at Pere Marquette. Its winter programs will guide you to the prime viewing spots along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. From the park’s scenic bluffs, you can watch eagles soaring overhead or perched near the water’s edge.
Pere Marquette State Park -
Starved Rock State Park
Eagle watching at Starved Rock is a real thrill. Explore trails with views of the Illinois River and Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary, where eagles gather in winter. The park's guided tours will show you the best observation points for catching those majestic birds in action.
Starved Rock State Park -
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Mississippi Palisades gives you a great chance to take in the beauty of bald eagles in flight. Hike to river outlooks where eagles often hunt or roost during winter. While spotting eagles alongside the Mississippi River is the highlight, the stunning vistas and quiet trails are real treats, too.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Eagle watching season in Illinois
Bald eagles flock to Illinois rivers from December through March, with peak viewing in January and February. The Mississippi and Illinois Rivers draw the largest numbers, especially near lock and dam systems where waters stay unfrozen. The best time of day to see eagles in Illinois? Try dawn, when you're likely to catch dozens of eagles diving for fish to enjoy for breakfast. Late afternoon before sunset is also a great option.
Eagle Watching Events in Illinois
Whether you are a seasoned eagle-watching pro or are ready to try it for the first time, there are many events to help you catch these birds in action during the optimal viewing months of January and February.
Great River Eagle Days (Quincy)
The event honors Native American traditions surrounding bald eagles with a variety of sacred ceremonies and entertainment. Native American food and crafts and educational activities for children. Eagles will be present for viewing at the Locks.
Great River Eagle Days
Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair (Rock Island)
Learn about Bald Eagles, visit booths, and see live prey demonstrations during this annual event that celebrates the American Bald Eagle and its return to the Quad Cities along the Mississippi River.
Bald Eagle Days
Alton-Audubon Eagle Ice Festival (Alton)
Celebrate the beginning of the eagle-watching season with this free, family-friendly event at the Alton Visitor Center. Participate in a range of eagle and ice-themed activities, including Ice Putt Putt Golf and up-close encounters with live bald eag
Eagle Ice Festival
Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock
This two-day, family-friendly event in Starved Rock Country celebrates the American Bald Eagle in Illinois. It offers many programs, activities and exhibits occurring simultaneously at four locations.
Eagle Watch Weekend
Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette State Park
The site interpreters at Pere Marquette State Park will teach you all there is to know about bald eagles in Illinois: how to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what they eat, why they visit here in the winter, and more!
Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette State Park
Kaskaskia Eagle Fest
Towards the end of the season, the US Army Corps of Engineers support the eagle-watching cause with the aid of spotting scopes. There's also a wildlife presentation, tours of Lock and Dam, and food from local vendors.
Kaskaskia Eagle Fest
Eagle Watching Getaway Packages in Illinois
At Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, the "Eagle Package" offers cozy accommodations, dinner, breakfast, and drink vouchers during peak eagle-watching months.
For a touch of luxury, The BEALL Mansion in Alton provides a "Winter Eagle Watching Getaway," complete with a two-night stay, an eagle-themed souvenir, and an Eagle Watcher Passport.
While Starved Rock Lodge doesn’t offer special packages, it does combine on-site lodging with guided trolley tours to the best eagle-watching spots.
Road Trip: Birds of Winter Paradise
Crisp air and crisp views
3 Days 89 Miles
Can't choose from all the great eagle-watching opportunities? Follow our winter bird-watching road trip along the Missisippi. Take a breath of fresh air, and be one with nature along Southern Great Rivers Country.
Discover Winter in Illinois
Walkin' in a middle wonderland
Eagle-watching is only one of the many adventures to enjoy during winter in Illinois. Discover how to make the very most of the season in the Middle of Everything.