We live in between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, which has provided endless entertainment for each of us growing up. We love being on the river in the summer, but we recently attended Clarksville, Missouri Eagle Days and enjoyed the river in the winter.
Sophie’s class has been learning about eagles and they had planned a trip to Clarksville, Missouri to see the eagles. Clarksville has a large lock and dam that provides bald eagles ample opportunity for fish and the temperatures in January are conducive for them to be more mobile.
Unfortunately, the temperature was supposed to be 11 degrees below freezing on the day they were to visit Clarksville, so the school trip was canceled. She was really upset. On Saturday, Sophie had a basketball game and we were done earlier than we anticipated, so we decided to pack up and make the trek to Eagle Days. I am always game for cheap or free entertainment in the heartland.
The Missouri Department of Conservation had set up nice telescopes down at the riverfront where one can spot many eagles and their nests across the river in the trees. We went down to the riverfront and watched about 100 eagles fly around looking for fish.
Then we hit up the live eagle show at the Apple Shed, which is a few blocks away from the riverfront viewing area. A bird sanctuary from St. Louis brings a couple of eagles and puts on an informational show every hour to visitors. There are also several exhibits and tables with kid crafts that our children enjoyed.
After the show, we visited the downtown and some small artisan shops her class was scheduled to visit I have always thought Clarksville is so neat. I love how it is nestled into the bluff and the amazing views of the river.
Last, we went down to the observation deck at the lock and dam because we heard some locals talking about how great eagle watching was there. As we walked up, a lock and dam employee asked us if we wanted to take a tour. Yes, please! I am such a nerd, I asked a million questions. We got to go to the control house and see how the lock fills up with water and empties.
Not only did we enjoy this adventure, but so did our kids. Sophie has learned quite a bit about eagles and answered a lot of the presenter’s questions. Sloane was so intrigued she listened intently the whole time, which is really saying something.
After we were home, she took her eagle postcard souvenir to her room and stuck it on her corkboard. When her Dad inquired about what she was doing, she said, “I’m decorating. I don’t think I like unicorns anymore, Dad. I like eagles now.” Aww! (Honestly, a bald eagle fits her fiery spirit more than a unicorn.) It was a fun way to spend some time on a Saturday that was completely free. Bonus, it was educational! If you are in the area, you definitely should check out the Clarksville, Missouri Eagle Days. Clarksville has the attraction one weekend a year, but there are several spots up and down the Mississippi River that host on different weekends. You can find more about that here.
P.S. I took some shots of the Apple Shed in Clarksville where the exhibits were. It is a warehouse, which is not heated, but the atmosphere was super cool. It would be a great place for a fall or spring country chic wedding.
If you are ever looking for something new to do in January, check out Clarksville Eagle Days.
Love,
Stef