Bald Eagle Appreciation Days in Keokuk, Iowa (2026)
2026 marks the 42nd anniversary of the Bald Eagle Appreciation Days in Keokuk, Iowa.
When and where are the Bald Eagle Appreciation Days in 2026?
Saturday, Jan 17th, 2026, 9 am to 5 pm
Location: First Christian Church, 3476 Main Street, Keokuk, Iowa
Activities at First Christian Church include:
Lee County Conservation Eagles Nest and Nature Displays
Native American Displays and Artifacts by the Iliniwek Village
Beautiful Items to Buy from the many Vendors
Food served by the FCC Disciple Women
Eagle Photo Contest Displays and Voting in the Amateur and Professional divisions.
Main Stage in Fellowship Hall:
Eagle Dancer Rudy Vallejo and drum with storytelling, dancing, singing and music
10:45 a.m. | 11:45 p.m. | 1:45 p.m. | 2:45 p.m.
Eagle Way Southwest Hall:
Live Raptor Programs presented by the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis. Each year, the World Bird Sanctuary treats 700+ raptors in their hospital. Their mission is to protect and preserve birds and their habitats through conservation, rehabilitation and education.
10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
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OUTDOOR
Mississippi River, Victory Park & Southside Boat Club: Live Eagle Viewing along the Mississippi River at Victory Park with trained spotters from Lee County Conservation. Free spotting scopes are available at Victory Park and Southside Boat Club.
Eagle Watch Way: Drive the river road from Keokuk to Montrose to view live eagles in their natural habitat on Saturday & Sunday.
Where is my best chance to view wild bald eagles during the appreciation days?
You have three options: Head out on your own, head out to a location with trained spotters, or your last option is a guided bus tour.
Do it on your own: Drive the river road between Keokuk and Montrose is a popular route to spot bald eagles. Another option is to head to the Southside Boat Club, which has free spotting scopes.
Get some help: Stop at Victory Park (8 N Water St, Keokuk, IA 52632) along the riverfront where Lee County Conservation has trained spotters available to assist you.
Guided Tour: In prior years, they have held guided tours – however, I have not been able to confirm this information for 2026. But here’s what they offered in 2024… Join a guided bus tour with Conservationist Clay Steele. There are only two guided bus tours: one leaving at 10 am and another leaving at 2 pm. Each tour is 90 minutes long and seating is limited. Cost is $10 for ages 16 & older, $5 for ages 5 to 15, free for ages 4 and younger. Payment takes place as you enter the bus for the tour.
Are bald eagles still endangered in 2026?
Although bald eagles are no longer technically listed as endangered, they are listed as threatened in all lower 48 states. In addition, it is not only illegal to hunt or poach eagles, it is also illegal to possess or sell any part of the bird including feathers, talons, etc.
What are some interesting facts about bald eagles?
- Their eyesight is eight times stronger than humans.
- They can reach altitudes of over 10,000 feet
- They mate for life
- Their talons have incredible grip strength of 400 pounds per square inch.
