Our Annual Alton Audubon Eagle Ice Fest will offer several opportunities for you and your loved ones to learn about the amazing raptors at Riverlands and enjoy time spent outdoors. Visitors are invited to enjoy free outdoor activities along or trails and can pre-order tickets for small group Raptor Meet & Greets, Guided Bird Hikes, cozy up by the campfire with some s'mores or do them all! Find out from the descriptions below.

Eagle Ice Fest Activites (Free)

Take a leisurely walk along our trails to enjoy guided activities from our partners at The Army Corps of Engineers, St. Charles Co Parks and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Enjoy educational eagle activities, Build a Bald Eagle's Nest, create tree cookies crafts, test your eagle skills at the Wheel of Knowledge, Meet Eric the Eagle, and discover the amazing work being done on the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. 

Then view overwintering eagles, trumpeter swans, and other waterfowl that call the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary their winter home! Our trails will also feature self-guided learning stations, a trail-side storybook walk, and more!

Raptor Meet & Greet Sessions

Meet a live Eagle, up close and presented by Wild Bird Sanctuary! Visitors will learn all about amazing raptor adaptations, their conservation history, and fun facts. Question and answer opportunities will follow and visitors will leave with a renewed passion for our nation's symbol. Sessions: 10a, 11a, 1p, 2p

After your raptor meet and greet session, take time to roast mallows and enjoy a fireside s'more. Then a leisurely walk along our trails to enjoy guided activites from our partners at The Army Corps of Engineers, St. Charles Co Parks and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Then view overwintering eagles, trumpeter swans, and other waterfowl that call the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary their winter home! Our trails will also feature self-guided learning stations, a trail-side storybook walk, and more!

Guided Bird Hikes

Join Audubon staff for a guided Bird Hike around Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary! Visitors will meet at the Audubon Center at Riverlands for a leisurely hike on paved trails to view our overwintering birds. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable clothing and footwear for the outdoors. These guided hikes are a great way to view and learn more about our winter visitors, Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans, improve your bird ID skills, immerse in nature, and meet other bird and nature enthusiasts! Discover, learn and have fun with us! Sessions: 10a, 11a, 1p

S'mores

Enjoy a warm roasted smore and warm up next to a campfire while embracing all of winter's splendor!