Eagles and Ice – Save the Date!
Saturday & Sunday, January 20-21, 2024
Every winter, majestic bald eagles make LeClaire their winter home, soaring through the skies high above the Mississippi River. Catch a glimpse of these magnificent birds of prey during the inaugural LeClaire Eagle Festival.
This free event offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see our incredible national symbol in its natural habitat while experiencing live eagle demonstrations and educational opportunities in the warm comfort of the Celebration Center! A spotting scope on the Celebration Center rooftop patio will allow an up-close look without disturbing the eagles as they hunt for food.
Check back for updates as we look forward to Eagles and Ice 2024! And for a look at the 2023 event activities, continue reading below.
2023 Saturday Events
- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Three ice sculptures in the form of an eagle, a heron, and a fish will be carved by Rob Storm on the patio at Mississippi River Distilling Company. The sculptures will be carved at one location and once they are complete, the sculptures will be lit up and moved around to various locations for viewing.
- Eagle watching along the Mississippi River.
2023 Sunday Events
Sunday events will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 22, at the Celebration Center, 229 N. Cody Road in LeClaire.
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Rob Storm will carve three more ice sculptures in the form of an eagle, a heron, and a fish on the patio at Wide River Winery Tasting Room. The sculptures will be carved at one location and once they are complete, the sculptures will be lit up and moved around to various locations for viewing.
- 11 a.m.: Internationally acclaimed author and storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis will present a story about bald eagles, bringing along a spotting scope and books for sale.
- 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.: The St. Louis-based World Bird Sanctuary will host two presentations with three live eagles. The World Bird Sanctuary has treated more than 21,000 injured birds and has helped organize conservation efforts on four continents.
- 1 p.m.: Photographer Ty Smedes will host a slide presentation and lecture offering an often-unseen look at the lives of Iowa’s bald eagle population, from fishing to building nests and much more! Find out how researchers track eagles’ movements and where the eagles come from. Second editions of Smedes’ book, “The Return of Iowa’s Bald Eagles,” will be available for sale and can be signed by the author.
- 3 p.m.: Representatives from Living Lands & Waters will talk about the importance of the protection and preservation of the environment along the Mississippi River and how humans can help create a more hospitable habitat for bald eagles and other migratory birds.
- LeClaire Community Library and LeClaire Parks & Recreation will be on hand with organized activities for children.
- Hot Cocoa Bar sponsored by Blackhawk Bank & Trust
- Eagle watching along the Mississippi River.
More to See & Do
Make a weekend of your eagle excursion! LeClaire has many great lodging options on the banks of the Mississippi River along with wonderful restaurants, shops, and Libations Lane. Plan your trip today!
