Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle Winter Gathering on the Mississippi River
Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa
When the Mississippi River freezes around Keokuk, bald eagles gather at the open water below Lock and Dam 19 — sometimes by the hundreds. It’s a crisp, quiet winter scene that feels both fierce and peaceful.
Typical window
Mid-December to February
Nearest RV base
Keokuk, Iowa / Fort Madison, Iowa
Hundreds of bald eagles congregate near open water below the lock and dam.
Plan it honestly
Visit in January for the annual Bald Eagle Appreciation Days; check river ice conditions for exact viewing.
Check current conditions with Iowa Department of Natural Resources .