Below St. Louis, Missouri
to the Kentucky/Tennessee Border
The following are sites in the area where you should can spot "baseballs." Please note that the number of bald eagles in this area, with the exception of the Kaskaskia River Lock and Dam, the Sainte Genevieve-Modoc Ferry do not compare with the number of bald eagles that can be seen north of St. Louis. If your intention is to spend a day watching bald eagles then greatriverroad.com suggests that you visit the Northern or Central areas. However, visitors in the area may want to take a detour, see some nature, and possibly a bald eagle. Reelfoot Lake is the exception to this observation as many eagles winter here and Reelfoot Lake State Park offers tours and a number of eagle programs. The sites in the area are listed in approximate geographic order following the Mississippi River from north to south. See the Southern Region area map for an overall view of eagle watching locations.
Sainte Genevieve-Modoc Ferry
Sainte Genevieve County, Missouri
Bald eagles frequent the area near the Sainte Genevieve- Modoc Ferry landing because the ferry churns up the water making fishing easier for the eagles and the ferry is just north of the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam which provides good habitat and feeding opportunities..
For more information on the Sainte Genevieve-Modoc Ferry.
Kaskaskia River Recreation Area
Randolph County, Illinois
The area surrounding the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam has been converted into a recreation area for public enjoyment. The office at the Lock and Dam has a small visitor’s center which provides interpretive information about the Kaskaskia River Project as well as information on area attractions. The Confluence Heritage Area at the site is managed as natural area and is located at the confluence of the Kaskaskia And Mississippi Rivers. Located at the confluence is an amphitheater using native limestone stone as seating where an annual Eagle Trek is held in February as well as other special events are held.
For more information on Kaskaskia River Recreation Area.Trail of Tears State Park
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
There are bald eagle nests located in Trail of Tears State Park. Visitors to the park may have a chance to see bald eagles soaring over the Mississippi River from the observation deck situated on the top of a bluff overlooking the river.
For more information on Trail of Tears State Park.
Cape Girardeau River Bank
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
There have been spotting of bald eagles along the river bank at Cape Girardeau. The Old Bridge Overlook includes a viewing scope that provides a commanding view of the Mississippi River and there is access to the River Campus Trail.
For more information on the Old Bridge Overlook.
Horseshoe Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
Alexander County, Illinois
One of the better spots for seeing bald eagles in southeastern Illinois is Horseshoe Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area. There are two roads that skirt this oxbow lake and eagles have been known to roost in the fields near the lake. The area is also known for its migrating geese population.
For more information on the Horseshoe Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area.
Donaldson Point Conservation Area
New Madrid County, Missouri
Donaldson Point Conservation Area consists of 5,785 acres and provides about seven miles of river frontage along the Mississippi River. There about 60 acres of ponds that are open to the public. There are no designated hiking trails but access roads provide good hiking for opportunities to view wildlife. The area is good for birding with a good variety of species present throughout the area and bald eagles have been spotted here.
For more information on the Donaldson Point Conservation Area.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Lake County, Tennessee
Reelfoot Lake State Park is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee and consists of 280 acres broken into 10 different areas that are situated along the shoreline. The lake is Tennessee’s largest natural lake and was created by the New Madrid earthquakes. The lake harbors almost every kind of shore and wading bird including the golden and American bald eagles. During the winter months experienced park naturalists lead daily bald eagle and waterfowl bus and van tours.
For more information on the Reelfoot Lake State Park.
Reelfoot Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Obion County, Tennessee
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge provides visitors with access to the natural beauty and activities of Tennessee’s largest natural lake. The refuge is best known for its eagles, waterfowl, and migratory birds. Other highlights of the refuge include a visitor center, an auto tour, hiking trails, and several observation decks.
For more information on the Reelfoot Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
