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Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Jan. 18-19
Visitors are invited to view eagles through spotting scopes staffed by trained volunteers at any time during Eagle Days on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Jan. 18 and 19. On both days the World Bird Sanctuary will be presenting an educational program featuring a live eagle every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. This free event also features a hands-on exhibit of local birds presented by St. Louis Audubon, a full-size replica of an eagle’s nest, and warming tent activities including children’s art courtesy of The Green Center on Saturday.
During the winter, the Mississippi River hosts one of North America’s largest concentrations of bald eagles; they are drawn to areas of open water in search of fish, their preferred food. The Chain of Rocks rapids to the south of the Bridge create open waters which are ideal fishing waters for eagles. This is a unique opportunity to watch them fish, ride ice floes, and soar overhead to roost in nearby trees.
Visitors will also enjoy Lewis and Clark living history demonstrations at both Bridge entrances. The Missouri Bridge entrance will feature re-enactors from the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, Missouri. Visitors can see how Lewis and Clark and their crew lived, cooked, and traveled more than 200 years ago. Demonstrations will also include a flag raising at 10 a.m. and lowering at 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The Illinois side will feature re-enactors from the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, Illinois.
Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes (eagle viewing occurs at the center of the Bridge, a half-mile walk from each Bridge entrance), and leave their pets at home. Hot food and drink will be available on site for purchase.
To get to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge from St. Louis: Take I-270 east toward Illinois. Exit at Riverview Drive exit and turn right. Turn left into the entrance of the Confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Park/Missouri Bridge. Parking at the Missouri Bridge entrance costs $5. (See below for free parking information.)
Free parking is available at two satellite lots in Missouri, the St. Louis Welcome Center at Riverview and I-270 and North Riverfront Park, off of Riverview south of the waterworks. A free shuttle will be available from both locations. Free parking is also available at the Illinois Bridge entrance.
Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is produced through a partnership of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and is sponsored by Trailnet.
