About Us

Soar with the Eagles

Come nose to beak with the eagles of the Mississippi River!

To mark the beginning of the migration season, boat traffic and other significant wildlife activity, the National Eagle Center is proud to host the 2008 Soar With the Eagles Festival. 

Held on March 7th, 8th and 9th, this special three-day event celebrates the eagles of the Mississippi River and will feature many activities, seminars and special guests who will educate you on some of our area’s most amazing wildlife. 

Join us rain or shine for three days of fun, food and unique learning experiences at the National Eagle Center and our heated festival tent.

Purchase your tickets for Soar events online.

Festival Stage Shows

Birds of Prey  Hosted by John and Dale Stokes, this is an an extraordinary opportunity to experience birds of prey at close range. This show features owls, hawks, kestrel and a vulture flying at close range and will provide you and your family with an unforgettable close encounter. 

Wildlife Humorist  Using short, participatory songs, stories, puppets, riddles, live animals and artifacts, David Stokes will teach us about the wildlife in our own backyard. Which animals share the bald eagles’ habitat? What are they doing as spring approaches? Join us to find out. 

Big Owls Hoot - Little Owls Toot  Join legendary presenter Mike Havlik for a fun and factual look at owls! Mr. Havlik will help you get to know these nocturnal predators and teach you why they are so prominent in our myths and legends. This entertaining and eye-opening program introduces you to the beautiful and mysterious birds that occupy the night sky. You will have an opportunity to see live owls, learn their calls and much more. 

Educational Programs

Ducks On a Stick  During this hands on waterfowl identification presentation, you will have the opportunity to learn about and view approximately 30 of the common diving and dabbling duck species that are located along the banks of the Mississippi River. 

Eagle Banding  Through the Audubon's partnership with the National Park Service, all of the eagle nests along the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities area have been located. Learn how to band young eagles, take blood samples and how this work helps to identify the relationship between the eagle nest and the river’s water quality. 

What Do Birds Have to Teach Us?  Humans have been fascinated by birds for centuries. In this program, we will use Aldo Leopold’s writings to reflect on our quality of life and consider our “sense of place.” In addition, you will meet an injured red-tailed hawk and consider your own conservation actions. 

New Life in a Dead Zone   During this interesting educational program, you will learn about the redemption of an urban river, native mussel life, history, ecology and the importance of a healthy Mississippi River.

Festival Activities

Narrated Paddlewheel Cruises  Step back in time on the Pearl of the Lake paddlewheel boat. Come aboard for a 90-minute cruise to gain a unique point of view for eagle watching and viewing other migrating birds. ($15, visit www.nationaleaglecenter.org for reservations.) 

Guided Motor Coach Tours  Take an exciting 90-minute expedition through the Mississippi River Valley. Your guides will share their knowledge of the region’s rich natural history and ecology and show you what makes the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge one of the most important ecosystems for the Bald Eagle. Bring your camera for possible eagle and other bird sightings. ($10, visit  www.nationaleaglecenter.org for reservations.) 

Make Your Reservations early!  Purchase your tickets for Soar events online.

Live Eagle Exhibit  Come have your photo taken with our educational eagles, Harriet, Angel and Columbia. Ask their handlers questions to find out more about these extraordinary birds and their injuries. Our feather display will educate you on the eagles’ primary feathers of flight. 

Eagle Education Room  Learn all about the eagle and watch one of these awesome birds of prey eat lunch during one of our daily feeding programs. Compare your wingspan to that of an adult bald eagle and see x-rays and other photos of our amazing birds. 

The Eagle Experience  Test your grip with our amazing Talons of Power and look through the eyes of an eagle with our Eagle Vision. Find out how much an eagle weighs and if you can lift one with the Eagle Lift. Also learn why this area is an eagle hot spot!

Eagle Viewing  Volunteer eagle watchers will be on the decks with scopes and binoculars. Come see the eagles as they prepare to head north for the spring. 

Visit our resident eagles  Angel, Harriet and Columbia are a year older. They will be here to meet old friends and make new ones. You can have a photo taken with them for a small donation. Don is our new golden eagle and is quite spectacular!

Children’s activities  Children’s activities will be held and items available in our raffle will be on display. 

Raffle  

Photo Contest  Our annual photo contest is always a grand success. Come see a whole new batch of photos, and pick up a 2008 calendar featuring last year’s photos. A people’s choice category makes your vote count. 

Admission and Fees

• Soar with the Eagles admission:  $10 adults; $5 students

• Motor Coach Excursions:  $10 adults; $5 students

• Paddlewheel Boat Excursions:  $15 adults; $10 students

• Friday Fish Fry/Saturday Taste of the Valley:  $10

• Reservations are encouraged, some tickets may be sold out before the weekend.

Purchase your tickets for Soar events online.

360 Degree Tours 

The NEC is an official
Great River Road
Interpretive Center