Eagle Watch Weekends available at Kentucky State Parks

A unique Kentucky State Park tradition – Eagle Watch Weekends – will be offered once again in January and February 2018.

The park system sponsors this wildlife-watching opportunity as bald eagles gather around the major lakes of western Kentucky looking for food. The park tours allow guests to observe and learn about these beautiful birds of prey.

For four decades, the Kentucky State Parks have offered Eagle Watch Weekends, a chance to view the eagles from land and water and learn about the national symbol and other wildlife.

The tours take place at three state resort parks during weekends in January and February, on an excursion yacht and by van. They are led by state park naturalists and staff from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Ticket prices for the weekend tours range from $25 to $70 a person. Most tours last from three to 3½ hours. The official eagle weekend tours include evening programs on Friday and Saturday. Kenlake State Resort Park is also offering brunch cruises on Feb. 4 and 10 and lunch cruises on Feb. 2 and 10. Kentucky Dam Village is also offering a Valentine’s Eagle Viewing cruise on Feb. 11.

The parks, phone numbers and dates for the 2018 Eagle Watch Weekends are:

Lake Barkley State Resort Park (270-924-1131): Jan. 19-21. Yacht tours and van tours to the Land Between the Lakes.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (270-362-4271): Jan. 26-28. Yacht tours and van tours to the Ballard Wildlife Management Area.

Kenlake State Resort Park (270-474-2211):  Eagle Weekend with evening programs Feb. 2-4. Eagle cruise Feb. 9. Brunch cruises on Feb. 4, 10. Lunch cruises on Feb. 2, 10.

Guests should bring warm clothes, rain gear and binoculars. These trips can take place under extreme weather conditions. The resorts offer lodges, cottages and restaurants. Registration is required for the Eagle Watch Weekends. Call the parks for registration, details and fee information or visit: www.parks.ky.gov