riverlands migratory bird sanctuary

This area plays host to many species of birds, including thousands of species that are either passing through, or stay in, the area for the winter. Some of the more popular species to watch in the winter are the ducks, trumpeter swans, and of course the American Bald Eagles. Trumpeter swans can be seen in the hundreds in the nearby flood plains and just down the road on Herron Pond. The sanctuary includes some nice paved walking paths that wind around through the tall grass and to a large observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River. There is a pavilion just down the road with a covered picnic area open to the public. Inside the Audubon Center (in the middle of the sanctuary) there are a lot of displays to see, educational information, gifts to buy, friendly helpful staff, and large viewing windows with spotting scopes to view the area's birds from indoors. They've come a long way. On the corner of the parking lot, there is a very small single-room building. That is the original Audubon Center. Now they have a much larger & nicer facility to visit. In the months of Jan. & Feb., during eagle watching season, they host events on the weekends that allow you to get an up-close view of some of the area's birds of pray, to include a live bald eagle or maybe an owl. Great place to bring the kids for a visit and learn about the area's feathered friends.

My husband and i went here the first weekend in December. It was gloomy cold weekend but we were still able to view many specie s of Birds early afternoon including 2 bald eagles. Inside the viewing center were beautiful displays as well as interactive activities for Childrens, a few at least. Outsider there are many viewing platforms and places. This was a bonus to our trip from Alton il. Wish we could be there 3 Jan 2015 for the Audubon Eagle Ice Festival. Take binoculare if you have some.

Took some time to visit the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary over the weekend and really enjoyed it. The visitors center was interesting, and the trails were very nice. I need to get some binoculars!

This was our first visit to the sanctuary. It's easy to miss the entrance...heading into Illinois on 367, the turn is just before the Lewis & Clark bridge. Several viewing areas and places to pull the car over to observe the birds. We were there mid-afternoon, and we understand that the best viewing times are early in the morning and late afternoon. We did see some of the swans, but not in the number we were expecting. Just beyond the Audubon center (be sure to stop there) is the entrance to the Confluence Park. Unfortunately, it was closed the day we were there.

My husband and I are frequent visitors to the Riverlands Sanctuary. They are located at the Alton locks and dams on the Missouri side Nearby is the confluence of both the Missouri and the Mississippi rivers. Because of this location it is a wonderful place to see birds during all seasons. We were just there this past weekend and were very surprise to see white pelicans. Normally they are not in this area during the summer. There are many trails that are not too taxing that are worth taking. My favorite is the trail that takes you to the confluence. If you are going to Alton stop in for a while. You will be glad you did.

If you are in the area and like birds or fishing - this is a great drive. Go all the way to the end and see the dam. Watch the fishermen ... egrets, turtles, heron, pelicans, eagles, swans... maybe not all at the same time - but always something there. There is a very easy to miss turn off that takes you down to a short trail that will let you be right on the point of the confluence of the two rivers.I don't find the museum worth it - but is is right there and won't take long.

The self-interpretive visitor center/museum and wildlife area (near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers) is similar to that of the modern National Wildlife Refuge. It exemplifies the joint efforts of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Audobon Society, and presents the ecological importance of the Central Flyway for migratory birds. Be sure to view the 12 minute movie which discusses the acquisition and development of the area, as well as the research being done there. Also be sure to walk the trails on Ellis Island.