Each winter, eagles migrate to areas near St. Louis between January and early March, as rivers freeze in northern states and the majestic birds of prey look for new water sources. The nice part about eagle-watching near the city: Most of the sites are located nearby, near Alton and Grafton, Illinois, making for an enjoyable day trip. Here’s what to know before you go.
Upcoming Events
On January 3 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., the Alton Eagle Ice Festival 2026 at the FLOCK Food Truck Park (210 Ridge, Alton) hosts a meet-and-greet with a bald eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary, as well as tours, talks, kids’ activities, and more.
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On January 18, Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center has its Bald Eagle Festival and Live Bird Show featuring the World Bird Sanctuary’s Masters of the Sky live bird show with owls, falcons, hawks, and eagles. The festival, with vendors, drink specials and live music runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Masters of the Sky shows are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Get tickets at the front desk an hour before each show. They’re $10, and they sell out fast.
Throughout the month, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau and the World Bird Sanctuary will host additional Eagle Meet and Greet events on Saturdays: January 3 at the Alton Eagle Ice Festival at Flock Food Truck Park, January 17 at the Alton Visitor Center, and January 10 and February 7 at the Grafton Visitor Center. Each will be from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
And the Audubon Center at Riverlands hosts Eagle Saturdays on January 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. with Eagle Meet & Greets, guided swan and eagle walks, and s’mores. On February 7, the Center hosts Eagle Days with MDC in concert with the Missouri Department of Conservation. From 9 a.m.–2 p.m, visitors can spot eagles through scopes during guided hikes, see a bald eagle up close, and snap a photo inside a life-size eagle nest replica. There will also be educational tables and food trucks on hand.
Where to Go
Beyond the aforementioned events, a number of places offer prime perches to spots eagles, whether on your own or during a tour.
Audubon Center at Riverlands: The center works to connect people to the wildlife around the Mississippi River and Great Rivers confluence. It’s open from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. While you’re there, be sure to check out the modern Heron Pond Avian Observatory. 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton.
National Great River Museum: The museum offers free public tours of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, a great place to spot eagles fishing for an easy catch. Tours are available daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. 1 Locks and Dam Way, Alton.
Great River Road: On the scenic route between Grafton and Alton, keep your eyes peeled—you might see eagles perched in trees or flying overhead.
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge: There are several trails for hiking at this stop. Some are less than a mile in length, and others range from three to eight miles. No matter the length, all trails list birding and wildlife watching as activities. 364 Wildlife Conservation, Brussels.
Alton Visitor Center: On Saturdays in January and on February 7 & 14, there are 90-minute shuttle tours that begin and end at the Alton Visitor Center. Each tour accommodates 15 passengers, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tours begin at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $22.50 200 Piasa, Alton.
Pere Marquette Visitor Center: In addition to Pere Marquette State Park’s numerous hiking trails, the park near Grafton also offers eagle-watching tours from mid-December through early March. The tours begin at 8:30 a.m., and reservations are required by calling 618-786-3323.
Eagle-Watching Tips
Hoping to see a bald eagle in its natural habitat? Chances are pretty good you can with a little luck and by following a few expert tips below.
Between January and early March, when rivers are frozen in northern states, eagles migrate to areas near St. Louis to look for new water sources. Most of these sites are located nearby, around Alton and Grafton, Illinois, and make for an enjoyable day trip. Here’s what to know before you go.
1. Do your research.
Visit the Great Rivers and Routes website, where you can find viewing routes, see an updated eagle count for each spot, and download the Eagle Watcher’s passport. World Bird Sanctuary executive director and CFO Roger Holloway also advises studying a guidebook’s birds of prey section. “They may be soaring pretty high up, so just memorizing what that shape is like can help you confirm the identity.”
2. Pack binoculars, and scan like a pro. Holloway says binoculars enhance the experience of finding eagles. What should you look for? “From far away, dark specks,” he says. “Zero in, and see if you can get a count.” Adults will look like the patriotic picture you have in your mind. Juveniles won’t yet have the distinctive white head or tail, or the fully yellow beak.
3. Be patient. “Spotting eagles requires patience,” says Holloway. “Sometimes people hear about it and think there’s going to be huge swarms of eagles.” Sometimes that’s true, he adds, but in many cases, it takes a little work.
4. Study the eagles’ behavior. If you spot eagles in the wild, what are they likely to be doing? “Arguing, fighting, yelling, whining!” Holloway says. “The eagles can be loud. They are territorial. When you see a cluster of them in the trees or circling around over the water, it’s not like they want to be together—they’re not a flock bird. But when the winter comes around, this is where they have food available, so they’ll tolerate each other.”
5. Don’t overlook opportunities. Arielle Niemeyer, the director of marketing and events at Pere Marquette, says the ride to the area might provide a good preview. “When people are driving to the festival, they can look out their window and see an eagle,” she says. Her top spot? “Every time I see the first eagle of the year, it’s by the ferry.”
6. Appreciate other waterfowl. Be ready to pivot and be wowed by other birds. Many interesting waterfowl will be on the scene, such as ducks, geese, swans, and even pelicans, Holloway says. Short-eared owls, which can be active during the day, may also be around.
