Prime Spots for Eagle Watching in St. Louis

For families looking for new outdoor activities this winter, spotting bald eagles in the wild can be fun, socially distanced adventure. Each year, thousands of eagles migrate to the area. They come for the fish found in the cold waters of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The birds begin arriving in late December and stay until March, so there's plenty of time to do a little eagle watching. Below are some of the best places to see the eagles in the St. Louis region.

Eagle Watching

The Missouri Department of Conservation will not be hosting Eagle Days events this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department has recommended several prime perches that will offer a bird watchers a bird's eye view.

Get out early in the morning to see the eagles flying and fishing and don't forget bring binoculars or a spotting scope and dress warmly. Participants will be asked to maintain social distance from staff and other participants, and follow local mask madaes. Reservations are not required.

Nearby best places for winter eagle viewing

• Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270, off of Riverview Drive, St. Louis
• Lock & Dam 24 at Clarksville
• Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary east of West Alton.

For more eagle viewing locations and other exploring events, visit https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/events/eagle-days.

Audubon Center at Riverlands

Another great place to view eagles is the Audubon Center at Riverlands where visitors can watch eagles from the comfort of the center through its massive two-story circular bay windows overlooking the river. Spotting scopes for eagle viewing are at the center which is off a back water area of the Mississippi River across the bay from Ellis Island where eagles like to roost in the winter on a strip of trees.

And the Center has two great FREE events to help you see eagles.

Raptor Saturdays is offered from January 16, 23, 30, and February 6 and 13 from 10am-2pm. Visitors can learn about these amazing birds and enjoy time spent outdoors. Visitors can pre-order tickets for small group Raptor Meet & Greets, guided Swan & Eagle Walks, cozy up by the campfire with some s'mores, or do all three.

Eagle Sundays is another exciting opportunity to see our national bird in its own environs. The program is offered January 16, 24, 31 and February 7 and 14 from 10am-2pm. Visitors can learn about these amazing birds and enjoy time spent outdoors. Visitors can pre-order tickets for small group Eagle Meet & Greets, guided Swan & Eagle Walks, cozy up by the campfire with some s'mores, or do all three.

Audubon Center at Riverlands is at 301 Riverlands Way inside the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, MO. The center is just 30 minutes north of downtown St. Louis.