Pere Marquette State Park Visitors Center
13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, Illinois
618-786-3323 ext 1

Every winter Pere Marquette State Park and the surrounding area plays host to to our national bird, the Bald Eagle. A Park Site Interpretive Program Coordinator will be presenting informative programs about these magnificent creatures. Visitors will learn to distinguish between immature and mature eagles, what they eat, why they winter in the area and more. Each program begins at 8:30 am at the Park’s Visitor Center. There will be a lecture and a short video presentation followed by an observational drive. Be sure to dress warmly and have a full tank of gas. Binoculars are highly recommended but not essential as the Park brings along a spotting scope. These programs are very popular and reservations are required, which can be made by calling 618-786-3323 ext 1. If you are among the first to sign up for any given day, you have the option of riding in the Park’s van with the staff. Bald Eagle's aren't the only birds to be seen on these trips. Participants might spot the Great Blue Heron, Canadian Geese, Wild Turkeys and the Pileated Woodpecker, making this a recommended trip for birders.

Reservations begin November 15th.

Click here for more on Bald Eagles in the area

2022 - 2023 Dates

December Dates
Friday, December 23, 2022

January Dates
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Thursday, January 19, 2023

February Dates
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Friday, February 3, 2023
Monday, February 6, 2023
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Friday, February 24, 2023

March Dates
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Thursday, March 9, 2023