Your Guide to Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock | 2026 Plan Your Visit
- starvedrockhikers
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Witness majestic eagles soaring high in the sky in one of the most unforgettable winter experiences in Illinois.
Each winter, nature lovers, photographers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts gather at Starved Rock State Park for one of the most anticipated events of the season: Eagle Watch Weekend. This year, the tradition continues on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25, 2026, with two full days of education, exploration, and awe across multiple locations throughout Starved Rock Country.
Did you know Illinois ranks second, just behind Alaska, for winter bald eagle viewing? As eagles migrate south and gather along the Illinois River, Starved Rock becomes one of the best places in the Midwest to observe them in the wild.
Admission is free to all events and exhibits, making this a family-friendly weekend for all ages. Bundle up, bring your binoculars, and prepare for an experience you’ll remember long after winter fades.
Discover Birds of Prey Up Close
One of the highlights of Eagle Watch Weekend is the live Birds of Prey programs, hosted across four locations:
Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center
Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
Utica Village Hall Gym and Welcome Center
This year’s presenters include some of the most respected raptor organizations in the region:
Stillman Nature Center
Hoo Haven
Wings and Talons
World Bird Sanctuary
Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab
These programs feature live raptors and expert interpreters who share the stories, behaviors, adaptations, and conservation efforts surrounding these powerful birds. From bald eagles and hawks to owls and falcons, this is one of the rare opportunities to see these animals up close while learning directly from those who care for them.
Experience Bald Eagles in Their Element
Winter along the Illinois River is prime eagle-watching season, and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center is a fantastic place to view them. Throughout the weekend, members of the Starved Rock Audubon Society will be stationed there with professional viewing scopes and will help visitors locate eagles while answering questions about behavior, migration, and habitat.
For those who enjoy a deeper dive, this year’s event also features special interpretive programs:
History of Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary
These talks offer both historical and creative perspectives on the significance of bald eagles in the region.
Winter Guided Hikes at Starved Rock Lodge
For those who want a more immersive outdoor experience, Starved Rock Lodge is offering guided winter hikes both days at 10:00 am. Participants will learn about bald eagle behavior, winter ecology, and why the Illinois River corridor is such an important habitat.
Tickets are $20 per person and include:
A souvenir drawstring backpack
Granola bar and water
Voucher for coffee or hot chocolate at the Starved Rock Café
Reservations are required and can be made by calling (815) 220-7386 or visiting starvedrocklodge.com.
Support Starved Rock Foundation
All Eagle Watch Weekend activities are free to attend, but donations to the Starved Rock Foundation are always encouraged. The Foundation helps fund presenters, programs, supplies, and educational experiences that make weekends like this possible.
Starved Rock Hikers is proud to continue supporting the Foundation and the park. Learn about the Foundation here.
Special Eagle Watch Weekend Promotion
On January 24 and 25, with the purchase of any item from the LeRocher Gift Shop inside the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, you will receive a free Starved Rock Hikers Bald Eagle Postcard while supplies last.
If you are unable to attend in person, our postcards and full collection of products are available year-round on our website with shipping available. Click here to browse online.
Make It a Weekend Getaway
Eagle Watch Weekend is the perfect excuse to turn your visit into a winter escape. A few nearby lodging options include:
Heritage Harbor in Ottawa, offering peaceful riverfront cottages
Grand Bear Resort, a great option for families
The Bickerman Building Airbnb in downtown Utica above Bruce and Ollie’s
Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, located right inside the park
Before heading home, stop by the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center in Utica, just steps from Mill Street. Snap a photo with the giant eagle statue and explore local shops and businesses that make this small town special.
Why Winter is Special in Starved Rock Country
Winter transforms the canyons into a quiet, frozen landscape. Waterfalls become sculptures of ice. Trails soften under fresh snowfall. Wildlife becomes easier to spot. Add the thrill of bald eagles soaring overhead and perched along the riverbanks, and it becomes clear why this is one of the most beloved weekends of the year.
Eagle Watch Weekend is more than an event. It is a reminder of how lucky we are to experience nature this close, this vividly, and this accessibly.
Schedule of Events Overview
Events take place from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday across all locations. Programming includes:
Live Birds of Prey Programs
Children’s owl pellet dissections
Nature hikes
Kids craft programs
Interpretive talks
Educational exhibits in the Great Hall of Starved Rock Lodge
Viewing scopes with Starved Rock Audubon
A full schedule by location is available through the park and participating venues.
Trolley Shuttle Information
Trolleys will run continuously between the four event sites both days from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Unlimited ride wristbands are $5 per person per day. Tickets can be purchased with cash on the trolley or by credit card through the Starved Rock Lodge Activities Department.
Plan Ahead for Winter Conditions
Winter hiking and wildlife viewing can be incredibly rewarding, but preparation matters. Dress in layers, wear traction when trails are icy, bring water, and allow extra time for travel.
If you are looking for more guidance, explore our winter hiking tips and wildlife trail talk blog articles to help you make the most of your visit.
We hope to see you out on the trails, along the river, and inside the programs this January.
Tag us in your photos and use #starvedrockhikers when sharing your Eagle Watch Weekend experience. We will also continue sharing updates in our Hikers Facebook group. Click here to join for free.
See you on the trails.
