America's Byways® Press Room
January 3, 2008 - Eagles Returning to Historic Route 66 in Illinois

The Bald Eagles are set to return to the Illinois’ Historic Route 66 area in January. Each year the Eagles migrate in the winter months to several areas in search of their preferred food— fish. One of North America’s largest migration spots is right next door— the Middle Mississippi River Valley.

An estimated 2,000 eagles are expected to migrate to this region making it the second largest Bald Eagle migration site in the country.

The event provides a unique opportunity for those locally to watch the rare Bald Eagle fish, ride on ice floats, soar above the river and roost in nearby trees.

And for 13 years now, the annual Eagle Days event at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge has helped visitors view our national symbol.

Eagle Days is hosted by Trailnet, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the City of Madison, Illinois.

It will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 19 and 20 at the Chain of Rocks Bridge. The bridge is part of Historic Route 66 in Illinois and Missouri and is owned by the city of Madison. In 1999, the bridge was renovated by Trailnet and is now used as a pedestrian and bicycle path, making it an ideal spot to watch the eagles.

Free parking is available at the St. Louis Welcome Center at Riverview, Missouri, and I-270 and Riverfront Park, off Riverview south of the waterworks. A free shuttle will be available from either location. Expanded free parking is also available at the Illinois bridge entrance.

For more information about Eagle Days, visit http://www.trailnet.org.

Summary of article from Edwardsville Intelligencer

View Articles by Year