Meet the Eagles

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 eagles. Ice sculptors create majestic works of frozen art as part of the event. Afterward, thaw out at Alton’s National Great Rivers Museum. The museum’s exhibits include a life-size replica of a towboat pilothouse where guests try steering a barge and an aquarium where guests can see Jurassic Fish such as the longnose gar. 

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Eagle Watch, Marion

Six pairs of eagles and their offspring call this 44,000-acre refuge home. Guided tours take visitors to the eagle nests and through areas of high eagle-traffic, making it a great place to ensure a spotting. A short drive from the refuge, make like an eagle and dive (into a pool) at the HUB Recreation Center, which also includes a gymnasium, waterslide and lazy river in Marion. Guests can purchase an all-day pass to utilize the whole facility.

Pere Marquette State Park Bald Eagle Days, Grafton

A scenic observational drive up the bluffs of this riverfront park provides opportunities for you to view the wintering birds yourself. Informational programs teach visitors how to distinguish the difference between immature and mature eagles, what eagles eat, and why they spend the winter months in this area. Admission is free, but reservations are required. While in Grafton, keep the winter fun going with a stop at the Loading Dock Ice Rink.  The Loading Dock is the area’s only waterfront entertainment destination and is located 10 minutes from Pere Marquette State Park.

Bald Eagle Watch Weekend, Oglesby

For only $1 per person, a trolley shuttles passengers between the Starved Rock Lodge, the Starved Rock Visitor Center and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, which all house various eagle programs, activities and exhibits. Join the Starved Rock State Park naturalist for a guided eagle viewing tour. Stay overnight at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, which offers rustic hotel rooms and log cabins in the woods. 

Great River Eagle Days, Quincy

Immerse yourself in Native American tradition and cultures at this annual event at the Oakley Lindsay Center. See Aztec dances by the Omeyocan Dance Company while perusing Native American vendors and food booths (try the Indian Fry Bread). A traditional Blessing of the Eagle Ceremony also takes place. Experience more culture and history at the Quincy Museum in the historic Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion. The first floor is restored for tours, while the second and third floors include exhibits on dinosaurs, World War I and plenty of other topics. 

Fulton-Mason Eagle Day

Activities include live raptor programs, hands-on activities and crafts for kids, and bird watching in various locations in Lewistown and Havana, Illinois. The event is FREE and for all ages.. 

Lake Shelbyville Eagle Day, Shelbyville

This all-day event at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center features programs for people of all ages. At an eagle meet-and-greet, visitors can ask a handler questions about eagles and get their picture taken with the birds. In the evening, enjoy a movie at Boarman’s Roxy Theater. After being closed for 37 years, the theater reopened in 2003 thanks to a local revitalization effort. Pose for a selfie in front of the vintage-style marquee, a reconstruction of the original.