Enjoy a variety of activities in celebration of wintering American Bald Eagles returning to southwest Illinois during Alton Eagle Ice Fest! The celebration will take place at FLOCK Food Truck Park, National Great Rivers Museum, and the Audubon Center at Riverlands.

Get a bite to eat, see a live eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary, take an eagle-watching tour, and enjoy fun winter activities for all ages!

All events are taking place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Here are highlights of activities available:

• Ever had the opportunity to view a majestic American Bald Eagle up close? Head to FLOCK Food Truck Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free Eagle Meet & Greet and a chance to get your picture taken with America's national animal! The Eagle Ice Festival at FLOCK will also include food trucks, drinks available from the FLOCK bar, live music by Mike Mattingly, live ice carvers from Ice Visions, eagle-watching shuttle tours (departing from the Alton Visitor's Center), Eagle Fest Beer from Old Bakery Beer Company, fire pits, face painting for kids, and more!
• Audubon Center at Riverlands will be open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• The National Great Rivers Museum will also be offering a number of free family-friendly activities. Look through spotting scopes for a chance to view an eagle on a dam tour. Make and take your own eagle crafts, watch eagle movies in the theater, and more!
• Idle Roasting Co. will be selling coffee throughout the event!
• There will be a Winter Market during the Eagle Ice Festival Saturday, Jan 4 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Your Event Space on Broadway in Alton

The Eagle Ice Festival is a free-to-attend public event held annually in Alton

* Get your Alton Eagle-Watching shuttle tickets HERE! Eagle shuttle tours will be held between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. These 90 minute tours showcase the best spots to view American Bald Eagles all winter long. Tickets must be purchased online.

* Eagle-watching tours are by shuttle and limited to 15 occupants per tour. Tickets are $15 per person. Guided tours will be held at 11 AM and 1 PM showcasing the best places to view wintering American Bald Eagles along the great rivers.