Illinois e-News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 8, 2026

Media contact: [email protected] 

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites families, wildlife watchers and nature lovers to experience eagle-watching events across the state this winter.

The best time to see the majestic bald eagle in Illinois is during the winter when the raptors seek open water areas for fishing. Certain Illinois state parks and locations, including Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County and the Illinois State Museum’s Dickson Mounds Museum in Fulton County, host eagle-watching programs during this period.

“Illinoisans can take advantage of numerous opportunities this winter to catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring over our scenic waterways and river bluffs. Learning more about our national bird is especially relevant this year as the United States prepares to commemorate its founding 250 years ago,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Illinois is an excellent place to observe eagles. Bundle up, grab some binoculars and head outdoors for the awe-inspiring sight of our beloved and respected national symbol.”

Visitors can enjoy the following eagle-watching events:

Jersey County 

Jan. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the Pere Marquette State Park Lodge and Conference Center near Grafton to learn all about eagles. This crowd-favorite festival will feature hands-on educational activities, vendors, opportunities to view eagles and more.

LaSalle County

Jan. 24-25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy guided hikes, programs, activities and exhibits at four locations in Starved Rock Country: Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center, Starved Rock Lodge, Utica Village Hall Gym and Illinois Waterway Visitors. Go online for more details.

Jersey County

Jan. 30, Feb. 2, Feb. 3, Feb. 4, Feb. 18, Feb. 19, Feb. 20, Feb. 25, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, March 6

Pere Marquette State Park near Grafton will welcome visitors for its annual Bald Eagle Days program in January, February and early March. Learn how to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what eagles eat, why they spend winter months in Illinois and more. Programs will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the park’s visitors center. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 618-786-3323, ext. 1. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.  

Fulton and Mason counties

Feb. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit the Illinois State Museum’s Dickson Mounds Museum and other sites throughout Fulton and Mason counties for the region’s annual Fulton-Mason Eagle Day. Activities include live raptor programs, hands-on activities, wildlife viewing opportunities, hikes and more. In addition to the museum, activities will take place at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve wetland observatory, the Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon, the Lewistown Visitors Center, Havana Riverfront Park and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.

West Alton, Missouri

Feb. 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri, will host its annual Bald Eagle Days on Saturday, Feb. 7. The event features an eagle presentation, a life-sized bald eagle replica nest, educational tables, food and drinks. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is a partner in hosting the event with the Missouri Department of Conservation and others.

Flock to the Rock

Whiteside County

Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit Rock Falls for a day of eagle watching. Kick off the morning at the lower dam of the Rock River to watch eagles soaring over the waterway, then visit the Rock Falls American Legion, 712 Fourth Ave., for speakers, live demonstrations and nature-focused activities, including wildlife photography, a professional ice carver and more.