Bald eagles return to the Mississippi River each winter. Here are some of the best places to watch them around Dubuque, Iowa, this upcoming season.
If you’ve ever wanted to see a bald eagle in the wild—and you’re right to want to, because they’re pretty majestic—you should head to Dubuque in the wintertime.
Each year, bald eagles migrate south to the Mississippi River, where open water provides an important food source when temperatures freeze waterways farther north. The locks and dams along the river can be especially attractive to eagles because turbulence below the dams creates open water, giving them more access to fish. The landscape surrounding the river also offers habitats for nesting.
That makes the Dubuque area along the river a popular destination for eagle watchers during the colder months. You don’t have to be an experienced birder to enjoy it, either. Just bring some binoculars if you have them and be ready to spot the powerful bird of prey (and listen for it calling out).
If you’re wondering what’s so special about spotting this creature in the wild, let us enlighten you: The bald eagle is not only a national emblem, but it’s also the second-largest bird of prey in America and the only eagle unique to North America.
Ready to check them out IRL? Here are a few places near Dubuque where you can catch a glimpse of eagles this winter.
Lock and Dam 11
Again, locks and dams along the mighty Mississippi are prime territory for spotting eagles. In Dubuque, Lock and Dam 11 is the best place to start.
Located at 3000 Lock & Dam Road (aptly named!), the day-use facility has an outdoor observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River, along with restrooms and a picnic area.
During the winter, watch the open water around the dam. Eagles can often be seen perched in trees along the river, sitting on ice, or flying over the water as they look for fish. You may see one eagle. You may see several.
Eagle Point Park
For a different perspective, head up the bluff to Eagle Point Park. The park sits high above the Mississippi River, offering sweeping, stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see into Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
And, yes, the park’s name is fitting. From the overlook, you can look down toward Lock and Dam 11 and scan the river and trees for bald eagles. Bring binoculars if you have them, and don’t forget to look up, too. You may spot an eagle soaring above the river.
Of course, there’s no guarantee the eagles will cooperate. On some visits, they may be nowhere to be found, though you might spot some turkey vultures! That’s part of the excitement of eagle watching, though. You never quite know when one will appear—or what else you’ll see along the Mississippi in winter.
Eagle Point Park also has picnic and barbecue areas, so it’s easy to combine a little eagle watching with a tasty, homemade lunch. To make the most of your visit, stop by the Riverfront Pavilion, the oldest in the park. The riverwalk there is one of the park’s most popular spots for its views of the Mississippi and the tri-states.
Look beyond the river
Although the Mississippi River is the obvious draw, eagles can turn up in other parts of the area, too.
Farm fields can attract bald eagles, particularly areas where livestock carcasses are available as a food source. If you’re exploring these areas, stick to public roads and designated viewing areas. Don’t enter private property or approach birds in an effort to get a closer look.
When is the best time to see bald eagles?
The winter months are generally your best bet, particularly from December through February.
Cold weather farther north pushes bald eagles south, while ice can concentrate them around the remaining stretches of open water. Conditions can change from year to year, though, so there’s no single date when you’ll suddenly see dozens of eagles.
For the best chance of spotting one, look along the open water and scan the trees lining the river. Eagles are large birds, but they can be surprisingly easy to miss when they’re sitting motionless in a tree.
What to bring
Winter eagle watching isn’t exactly a warm-weather activity, so dress accordingly. Wear layers, bring a warm hat and gloves, and expect it to feel colder along the river, particularly when the wind is blowing. Binoculars help, but you can certainly keep watch without them.
And bring a camera if you’re hoping to get photos—but don’t count on getting a close-up. The best approach is to give the birds plenty of space and let them go about their business. You’ll have a much better chance of seeing natural behavior, whether that’s an eagle perched in a bare tree, circling over the river, or swooping toward the water. You might even spot a few other birds while you’re there (like the aforementioned turkey vulture).
Make a day of it
If you want to turn your eagle-watching outing into a full day in Dubuque, add the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium to your itinerary. The museum’s outdoor boatyard is home to a Bald Eagle Aviary, where you can see one of these impressive birds up close. The boatyard also has aviaries for a red-tailed hawk and other raptors. It’s a pretty neat experience overall for adults and kiddos alike.
Afterward, you can explore the museum’s aquariums and river exhibits before grabbing a bite in Dubuque. Just be sure to check the museum’s seasonal hours before you go.
