Bobby Bobby

Thinking about attending Eagle Fest at Reelfoot Lake State Park for the very first time? Well, you’re in for a treat. Eagle Fest is the premier event for seeing the American bald eagle in its natural habitat while enjoying the captivating beauty of Tennessee’s Reelfoot Lake. As you plan your visit, let’s explore what you can expect and some key tips to keep in mind so you can get the most out of your first Eagle Fest experience.

A Closer Look at Reelfoot Lake and Eagle Fest

Far-flung in the northwest limits of the state, Reelfoot Lake is one of Tennessee’s unique gems. It’s a natural lake with a special origin story: it was created by earthquakes. 

From 1811 to 1812, the New Madrid seismic zone produced a series of major earthquakes in the region, including some of the strongest on record in the Eastern United States. The earth opened. The mighty Mississippi River temporarily rerouted (some even say it flowed backwards). Reelfoot River permanently dammed. And Reelfoot Lake was formed. 

Yet Reelfoot Lake is more than a peculiar piece of natural history. It’s also a spectacularly beautiful haven for wildlife. “Reelfoot Lake is a great place to witness a natural ecosystem at work,” says Reelfoot Lake State Park Interpretive Ranger Madlyn Cox. “It’s a conservation area that’s alive with wildlife. Reelfoot Lake isn’t full of lakehouses dotting the shoreline. It’s essentially untouched.” 

Because of its dynamic ecosystem, Reelfoot Lake attracts the largest number of American bald eagles in the contiguous United States, especially in the winter. “With all the migratory birds this time of year, our eagle population doubles in size,” says Park Ranger Brandon Ransom. Understanding this special opportunity to view American bald eagles in person, Reelfoot Lake State Park hosts Eagle Fest each winter to celebrate our national symbol and the eagle watchers who come from far and wide to see the majestic bird firsthand.  

How to Make the Most of Your First Eagle Fest 

As an annual tradition for over two decades, Eagle Fest brings repeat visitors year after year. “I love to see our national bird in my own state. Unlike other places, you can actually see eagles up close at Reelfoot Lake. It’s exhilarating,” says Cecilia Dodd, a Nashville resident who’s been coming to Reelfoot Lake since 1992. “As many times as I’ve been here, I still get excited like it’s my first time visiting.” 

If you’re new to Eagle Fest, you’re bound to have a great experience no matter what. But how can you maximize your first visit? Here are a few pointers that can help you enjoy Eagle Fest like a seasoned attendee:  

Register for an Eagle Van Tour

You want to see eagles when you come to Eagle Fest, no doubt. While you may spot them driving around the lake on your own, going on an eagle van tour is hands-down the best way to view eagles during Eagle Fest. “Because eagles are territorial, the park rangers who lead the van tours know where they are located,” says Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council Board Member Katrina Greer. “They’ll take you to the best spots, especially those you’d easily miss if you were exploring by yourself.”

During a van tour, the rangers will share fascinating insight about eagles in the park and provide  spotting scopes at each stop for you to view the birds up close. Every tour is a unique eagle-viewing experience, so you may even consider going on multiple van tours during the festival. And because the tours are so popular, it’s best to register for your spot weeks in advance on the Reelfoot Lake State Park website. As the calendar gets closer to Eagle Fest weekend, tours will often sell out beforehand. 

Don’t Miss the Birds of Prey Show

Another popular activity during Eagle Fest is the John and Dale Stokes Birds of Prey show. Held inside the state park visitor center multiple times on Saturday, this free show lets you experience a variety of live birds of prey up close (some will even fly right over your head!). 

With over 70 years of combined experience working with raptors, John and Dale Stokes bring unique educational insight, family-friendly fun, and meaningful purpose to each show. “It’s exciting for us to share these birds with people, because it helps them see the beauty of nature,” says Dale. “We want our audience to connect with nature and understand that we as humans are a part of it, too.” Because the show has become a must-see event at Eagle Fest, you’ll want to get there early before seats fill up.

Stay and Eat Local

Due to the region’s remoteness, you may be tempted to stay at a familiar hotel chain farther away and drive into the festival. But doing so would mean missing out on the magic of staying at Reelfoot Lake. “When you stay here, you can literally walk out of your room and be on the lake. Watch the sunrise, sunset, or moonrise over the lake. Maybe you’ll even see an eagle in the trees,” says Greer. “People don’t get that special experience if they stay elsewhere.” 

The Reelfoot Lake region provides a range of lodging options, run by families who’ve lived in the area for generations (and have stories to tell!). There are also multiple local restaurants for sampling the area’s unique cuisine, from heaping portions of catfish, fried chicken, and frog legs to deep-fried bologna, BBQ, and more. 

Leave Room to Explore

As you plan your visit, be sure to leave room in your schedule to enjoy additional activities in the area before, after, and in between Eagle Fest’s offerings. There are a number of unique experiences worth checking out on your own, such as:

• Getting dessert or special old-school menu items at Tennessee’s oldest Dairy Queen in Tiptonville (don’t forget to see the Freedom Silo next door!)
• Exploring Reelfoot Lake State Park’s hiking trails, including the Keystone Trail and Airpark Trail
• Catching a film at Tennessee’s oldest operating movie theater, the Strand Theatre in Tiptonville (established in 1915)
• Visiting the renowned Discovery Park of America museum in Union City
• Setting foot on Kentucky Bend, a true geographical oddity and tiny exclave of Kentucky surrounded by the Mississippi River

Ready to Experience Eagle Fest?

As you experience Eagle Fest for the first time, you may soon find yourself agreeing with Vanessa Hinton, the state park staff member who started Eagle Fest over 20 years ago: “There’s just something special about Reelfoot Lake that draws people from all over to see the American bald eagle.” And if you need more trip planning information, explore our visitor guide or contact our team for help.