The Annual Alton Audubon Eagle Ice Fest offers people of all ages and backgrounds exceptional opportunities to experience amazing raptors in the wild at Riverlands and indoors through live Bald Eagle presentations while enjoying time spent outdoors. Visitors are welcome to participate in free and fee-based activities.  Learn more below about pre-ordering tickets for Eagle Meet & Greets, Guided Bird Hikes, and cozy-ups by the campfire with S'mores, or do them all!

Eagle Ice Fest Activities (Free) 

Take a leisurely walk along our trails to enjoy guided activities from various partner organizations. Enjoy educational eagle activities, Build a Bald Eagle's Nest, create eagle themed crafts, test your eagle knowledge, Meet Eric the Eagle, meet local vendors like Cope Grass Farms, where you can learn about conservation ranching, and enjoy some delicious food from Dam-it Joes BBQ. 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! 

Eagle Meet & Greet Sessions ($10) 

Meet an 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 Eagle 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 activities from various partner organizations. 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 ($10) 

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. 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! Binoculars will be provided to participants. Sessions: 10a, 11a, 1p 

S'mores (Donation) 

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