Bald Eagle Days 2026 in the Quad Cities: A Winter Wildlife Tradition

Every January, the Quad Cities transforms into a winter destination for nature lovers across the Midwest. As bald eagles gather along the Mississippi River, thousands of visitors come to experience Bald Eagle Days, one of the region’s most popular and longest-running nature festivals. Filled with wildlife exhibits, educational programs, and family-friendly activities, it’s an event that celebrates conservation, community, and the beauty of America’s national bird.

What Is Bald Eagle Days?

Hosted at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Bald Eagle Days is a three-day nature festival offering an immersive experience for all ages. Guests can enjoy live bird-of-prey demonstrations, watch wildlife shows, talk with conservation experts, browse nature-themed vendors, and participate in hands-on learning opportunities.

The event typically features:

• Live Eagles, Hawks, & Owls Wildlife specialists showcase birds of prey up close, explaining their behavior, habitats, and survival skills.

• Animal Exhibits Past years have included wolves, reptiles, bats, and even sloths, making the festival exciting for both kids and adults.

• Educational Talks & Demonstrations Conservation groups, naturalists, and sanctuaries share information about local ecosystems and wildlife preservation.

• Dozens of Vendors & Exhibitors Artists, outdoor organizations, nature educators, and wildlife groups fill the expo floor with exhibits and shopping opportunities.

• Guided Eagle Tours Tours often take visitors along the Mississippi River to watch bald eagles in their natural environment.

With its combination of entertainment, education, and community involvement, Bald Eagle Days continues to grow each year.

Why the Quad Cities Is a Winter Eagle Hotspot

The Quad Cities sits along one of the best eagle-watching corridors in the Midwest. During winter:

• The Mississippi River stays partially open due to the dams, creating perfect fishing conditions

• Hundreds — sometimes thousands — of eagles gather for feeding and roosting

• The area’s bluffs and wooded shorelines offer ideal resting habitats

This makes January one of the most reliable times to see bald eagles soaring, diving, and perching along the river.

Popular Eagle-Watching Locations

Visitors can explore several well-known eagle viewing spots throughout the region:

• Lock & Dam 15

• Credit Island Park in Davenport

• Sylvan Island in Moline

• Rock Island riverfront areas

• Wapsi River Environmental Education Center

These locations offer some of the best vantage points for witnessing bald eagles in the wild. Bring binoculars, dress warmly, and give wildlife plenty of space to rest and feed.

Why Vendors & Exhibitors Love Bald Eagle Days

For businesses, artists, wildlife organizations, and conservation groups, this event brings:

• Large crowds from across Iowa and Illinois

• A highly engaged audience interested in nature, outdoors, and education

• Strong community support and media attention

• Excellent networking opportunities with local environmental groups

It’s one of the most valuable annual events in the Quad Cities for outreach and visibility.

Where to Stay: Country Inn & Suites – Davenport

If you’re traveling to the Quad Cities for Bald Eagle Days — whether as a visitor, vendor, or exhibitor — the Country Inn & Suites in Davenport offers the ideal stay.

Why It’s the Best Choice

• Convenient Location Close to major highways and just a quick drive to Rock Island and the QCCA Expo Center.

• Warm, Comfortable Rooms A cozy place to relax after a full day of wildlife demonstrations and eagle watching in the cold.

• Perfect for Groups & Vendors The hotel is vendor-friendly and can easily support multi-room bookings or block requests.

• Friendly Local Hospitality Guests can expect a smooth, welcoming experience from a team that knows the Quad Cities well.

Country Inn & Suites Davenport is a reliable, comfortable hotel choice during one of the busiest winter weekends in the region.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Wear layers — January can be extremely cold

• Bring binoculars or a spotting scope for outdoor viewing

• Plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities

• Guided tours often fill fast, so arrive early

Book your hotel stay in advance — Bald Eagle Days brings in many out-of-town guests

Final Thoughts

Bald Eagle Days is a unique winter tradition in the Quad Cities, blending education, wildlife conservation, family-friendly fun, and unforgettable eagle-watching opportunities. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a family looking for a winter adventure, or a vendor participating in the event, it’s an experience that showcases the natural beauty of the Mississippi River region.

And when you’re ready to unwind, Country Inn & Suites Davenport provides a warm, comfortable, and convenient place to stay — the perfect home base for your Bald Eagle Days weekend.

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