Indoors

• Welcoming friendly and knowledgeable Audubon staff and volunteers
• Engaging exhibits on birds, rivers, and the Mississippi flyway, other wildlife and river ecology
• A panoramic view of Ellis Bay, the Mississippi River and historic downtown Alton
• Premium spotting scopes for amazing close-up views of eagles, swans, herons, egrets and more!
• A warm welcoming setting for viewing wintering Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans
• Movies including the 12-minute “Spectacle of Birds”
• Special exhibits, events and presentations, and activities throughout the year including Eagle Fest and Birds of Winter
• Clean public restrooms

Outdoors

• 8.5 miles of trails* winding through the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary for viewing birds and other wildlife, hiking, photography, walking your dog, and enjoying the outdoors!
• Ellis Island trail on the Mississippi River with parking access and trail
• Ellis Bay for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing and fishing
• Picnic areas
• An Avian Observatory designed by Washington University School of Architecture specifically for intimate views of water birds and other wildlife on Heron Pond
• A scenic overlook on Ellis Bay
• Stunning views of the Mississippi River from our wrap-around deck set with rocking chairs made from recycled materials
• Native plant garden
• COMING SOON: Riverlands Greenhouse, Accessibility Kayak Launch, Accessible Bird Viewing Structure at Heron Pond

* Some trails are closed from October 15 - April 15 for bird refuge