Eagle Days Soars Back To Lake Of The Ozarks In January, Here's What To Know

LAKE OZARK, Mo. — Winter at Lake of the Ozarks is quieter and obviously colder, and with it comes one of the best wildlife events of the year: Eagle Days, returning January 10, 2026, where visitors can learn about and see the iconic birds up close.

Heading into its 26th year, Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free to attend on Saturday. What began in 1999 with just over 650 attendees has grown into a regional draw, welcoming an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people each year.

The event is spread across multiple locations near Bagnell Dam, each offering a different way to experience Missouri’s wildlife.

Live Presentations

1. At Christ the King Lutheran Church, Dickerson Park Zoo will present rotating educational programs throughout the day, featuring bald eagles and owls native to Missouri. Presentations begin every half hour, and doors close five minutes after each program starts. The church will feature other activities and vendor booths, and will be the hub for the coloring and photo contests.

2. Mt. Carmel Baptist Church will host hourly live eagle programs presented by World Bird Sanctuary, giving audiences an opportunity to see these birds of prey up close while learning about their behavior, habitat, and conservation.

Where To See Them In The Wild

3. For those hoping to spot eagles in the wild, viewing scopes will be set up at both the Bagnell Dam River Access and Willmore Lodge. Members of the Missouri Master Naturalist – Lake of the Ozarks Chapter will be on hand to help visitors scan the shoreline and skies, where migrating bald eagles are commonly seen during the winter months. Several mated pairs and juvenile eagles also live in the area year-round, making sightings possible throughout the day. Free hot chocolate and burn barrels will be available at the river access to help visitors warm up while watching. Other activities will be announced at the Access & Lodge.

Eagle Days is designed to be hands-on and family-friendly. Kids can participate in a coloring contest, while amateur photographers are invited to enter the Eagle Days photo contest by submitting 5x7 prints of wild eagles taken within the past year. Winners in both contests will receive prizes from local attractions or restaurants.

The event is made possible through a partnership between the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau, Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Back Stage Biz, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Lodge of Four Seasons, and the Missouri Master Naturalist – Lake of the Ozarks Chapter.

Organizers encourage attendees to dress for the weather and bring binoculars to make the most of the experience. With live eagle programs, educational presentations, and some of the best winter wildlife viewing in the region, Eagle Days continues to be a signature event that turns a cold January day into a memorable Lake experience.

More information, updates, and contest details are available online here and Facebook page.