Want to see majestic bald eagles in their natural habitat? You’ll find them at Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee’s premier eagle-watching destination.
The lake’s 15,000-acre flooded forest creates a perfect hunting ground for these impressive birds, especially during January and February. You can join two-hour guided tours (morning or afternoon) with expert naturalists who’ll share fascinating eagle facts while you cruise past ancient cypress trees.
Tours run Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – just call 731-538-2481 to reserve your spot. Don’t forget binoculars and warm layers! Trust me, watching a 2,000-pound eagle nest is just the beginning of what you’ll discover here.
Article At A Glance
- Two-hour guided winter eagle tours are offered at Reelfoot Lake with expert naturalists providing educational insights about bald eagle behavior.
- Tours operate Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with morning (8:00 a.m.) and afternoon (12:00 p.m.) options available.
- Reservations are required by calling 731-538-2481, and group sizes are limited to 5 people for a more intimate experience.
- January and February are the best months for eagle viewing, with both guided tours and self-guided tour packets available.
- Three-hour Pontoon Photography Tours provide specialized opportunities for capturing wildlife images in the 15,000-acre lake ecosystem.
Why Visit Reelfoot Lake
A hidden gem in Tennessee’s northwest corner, Reelfoot Lake offers visitors an extraordinary blend of natural wonders and outdoor adventures. The lake’s impressive 15,000-acre span makes it a true natural paradise.
You’ll find yourself in a flooded forest that’s unlike anything else – imagine kayaking through a maze of ancient cypress trees while eagles soar overhead. It’s nature’s playground, and you’re invited.
Let’s get real about why this place is worth your time:
- You’ll spot rare wildlife that you can’t find anywhere else – we’re talking 270 bird species and eight rare animal species. That’s bragging rights material.
- Want freedom? Paddle through hidden channels or cruise on a pontoon boat. Your choice, your rules.
- It’s not just some pretty lake – it’s a certified Important Bird Area. Translation? You’re stepping into one of North America’s prime wildlife watching spots.
The best part? You don’t have to be a wildlife expert to enjoy it.
Whether you’re casting a line for monster catfish or just need to escape the concrete jungle, Reelfoot’s got you covered.
And when winter rolls around, you’ll get front-row seats to one of nature’s best shows – bald eagles hunting over the lake. No fancy ticket required.
The Eagle Tour Experience
Winter brings Reelfoot Lake’s most spectacular attraction – the eagle tours. You’ll spend two incredible hours watching America’s most majestic birds do their thing. And trust me, there’s nothing quite like seeing a bald eagle snatch a fish right out of the water. It’s raw nature at its finest.
These aren’t your typical boring guided tours. You’ll get up close and personal with these incredible birds through provided telescopes. Park naturalists lead every tour to ensure an educational experience.
The guides know their stuff, and they’ll fill you in on both natural and cultural history – no stuffy textbook material here, just real-world knowledge that’ll make you appreciate these magnificent creatures even more.
Got a rebellious streak? Skip the guided tour and grab a Self-Guided Eagle Tour Packet. Do it your way, at your own pace. Or go big with a three-hour Pontoon Photography Tour – perfect for catching those Instagram-worthy shots.
Quick tips for the best experience:
- Book ahead – these tours sell out fast
- Visit in January or February
- Bring a camera (duh)
- Dress warm – freedom isn’t always comfortable
- Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife – ducks and geese crash the party too
Planning Your Visit
For a successful eagle-watching adventure at Reelfoot Lake, you’ll need to plan ahead. Let’s be real – nobody wants to drive all the way out there just to be turned away. Tours fill up fast, especially during prime eagle-watching season in January and February.
Time to get down to business. Here’s what you absolutely must know:
- Call 731-538-2481 to lock in your spot at Reelfoot NWR – it’s free, but reservations are non-negotiable.
- Choose between morning (8:00 a.m.) or afternoon (12:00 p.m.) tours – morning tours are worth dragging yourself out of bed for.
- Keep your group small (5 or fewer people) for NWR tours – this isn’t a party bus situation.
- Have a backup plan ready – weather can throw a wrench in your plans.
Tours run Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, but skip federal holidays. Each tour lasts 2½ hours – just enough time to get your eagle fix without freezing your tail off. The park provides telescopes and equipment to help visitors get the best possible views of the eagles.
Want options? You’ve got them. Try Reelfoot Lake State Park tours (call 731-253-9652) or go fancy with private guides like Kincade’s. Just remember – freedom to choose doesn’t mean freedom from planning.
What to Bring
Now that you’ve secured your spot, let’s talk gear. You’ll want to come prepared – eagle watching isn’t your average walk in the park. Trust me, nothing ruins a tour faster than freezing your tail off or squinting at distant birds because you forgot the basics.
| Essential | Important | Nice-to-Have |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Layers | Binoculars | Field Guide |
| Water Bottle | Camera | Portable Charger |
| Sturdy Boots | First Aid Kit | Bug Spray |
| Hat & Gloves | Snacks | Coffee Thermos |
Look, here’s the deal – dress like an onion. Multiple layers are your best friend out there. You can always peel them off, but you can’t add what you didn’t bring. And don’t be that person who shows up in sneakers. Your feet will hate you.
Bring those binoculars – they’re your window to the action. The tour provides telescopes, but having your own optics means freedom to track whatever catches your eye. And pack snacks like you mean it. Nothing’s worse than a rumbling stomach drowning out the guide’s commentary about that magnificent bald eagle soaring overhead. Since tours last two hours, you’ll want to be comfortable for the entire experience.
Smart eagles prepare. Be like an eagle.
Beyond Eagle Watching
Eagles might steal the spotlight, but Reelfoot Lake bursts with natural wonders year-round.
You’ll find yourself in a wild paradise that’s practically humming with life – we’re talking 270 different bird species, rare plants that botanists drool over, and enough wildlife to make your head spin.
Let’s be real: this place is a nature lover’s dream. While everyone else is huddled up waiting for eagles in winter, you can break free and explore like a true adventurer.
- Track down 14 rare bird species – from the lightning-fast peregrine falcon to the elusive Swainson’s warbler
- Hunt for 12 rare plant species, including the stunning copper iris (it’s like nature’s version of modern art)
- Spot short-eared owls in winter – they’re basically the night shift workers of the bird world
- Chase butterflies and dragonflies in summer – because who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again?
Want something different? Go fishing in the surrounding uplands, or grab your camera and capture some of the eight rare animal species that call this place home.
Trust me, there’s never a dull moment at Reelfoot Lake. It’s wild, it’s free, and it’s waiting for you.
The Forming Of Reel Foot Lake
In the winter of 1811-1812, a series of powerful earthquakes shook the American frontier, creating one of nature’s most remarkable transformations.
These seismic events, known as the New Madrid earthquakes, caused the Mississippi River to flow backward and created a 15,500-acre natural wonder we now know as Reelfoot Lake. Little did anyone know that this catastrophic event would create Tennessee’s premier eagle sanctuary.
Today, this earthquake-formed lake has become a winter paradise for America’s national symbol. Over 100 pairs of Bald Eagles make Reelfoot Lake their seasonal home, transforming the lake’s ancient cypress trees into nature’s finest amphitheater.
The eagles return to the same trees – sometimes even the same branches – year after year, making this one of the most predictable places to witness these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.
What makes this story even more remarkable is the lake’s unique ecosystem. The submerged cypress trees create an ideal fishing ground for eagles, while the lake’s position along the Mississippi flyway makes it a crucial stopover for migrating waterfowl.
Each winter, the lake hosts not just eagles, but also over 100,000 ducks, 6,000 Canada Geese, and 254 different bird species. This incredible diversity of wildlife turns Reelfoot Lake into one of the largest natural wildlife theaters outside of Alaska.
The lake’s transformation from a catastrophic event to a thriving eagle sanctuary showcases nature’s remarkable resilience.
Today, visitors can witness eagles performing their dramatic courtship displays, where pairs lock talons mid-air and spiral toward the earth in what appears to be an aerial dance, or watch them demonstrate their hunting prowess as they swoop down to snatch fish from the lake’s surface.
Did You Know?
During their courtship rituals at Reelfoot Lake, bald eagles perform one of nature’s most daring aerial ballets.
They soar to heights of up to 10,000 feet, then lock talons in mid-air and begin a death-defying freefall, spinning in circles.
This spectacular display, known as the “death spiral” or “cartwheel courtship,” continues until the pair nearly reaches the ground.
They break apart at the last possible moment, demonstrating their mutual trust and aerial prowess.
This unique behavior helps eagles establish strong pair bonds that often last a lifetime.
Visitors can witness these majestic birds during year-round tours offered at the lake, providing unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities.
10 Weird Facts
10 Weird Facts About Eagle Tours at Reelfoot Lake:
- During courtship displays, eagles can reach speeds of up to 200 mph during their talon-locking spiral descent, making it one of the fastest recorded courtship rituals in the bird world. Live Birds of Prey Programs offer visitors a chance to witness these incredible aerial displays up close.
- Eagle nests at Reelfoot Lake can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and are continuously reused and expanded, making them the largest tree nests of any North American bird.
- Some eagles at Reelfoot Lake have been observed “stealing” decorative items from nearby properties to add to their nests, including artificial flowers and Christmas ornaments.
- Juvenile eagles engage in a behavior called “bill fencing,” where they playfully clash their beaks mid-air, appearing to sword fight.
- The lake itself was formed by earthquakes in 1811-1812, creating unique “underwater forests” where eagles now fish among submerged cypress trees.
- Eagles at Reelfoot Lake have been documented practicing “cooperative hunting,” where multiple birds work together to exhaust waterfowl – a behavior rarely seen in typically solitary eagles.
- Some eagle pairs at Reelfoot Lake maintain long-distance “commuter marriages,” where they nest at the lake but hunt up to 50 miles away at different locations.
- Eagles here have adapted to hunt in flooded timber, developing a unique technique of skimming between trees – a skill not commonly seen in other eagle populations.
- During the winter migration, some eagles at Reelfoot Lake engage in “thermal soaring parties,” where dozens of birds spiral together in rising warm air currents, creating a spectacular aerial display.
- The refuge has documented cases of eagles adopting orphaned eaglets from other nests, a rare behavior that challenges previous understanding of eagle parenting.
References:
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge Annual Report
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency – Eagle Management Program
- Journal of Raptor Research – “Behavioral Adaptations of Bald Eagles at Reelfoot Lake”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Eagle Tours Accessible for People With Mobility Challenges?
You’ll find bus and van tours more accessible than boat options, but you should call ahead at 731-253-9652 to discuss your specific mobility needs and arrange any necessary accommodations for your comfort.
What Happens if Eagles Aren’t Spotted During the Scheduled Tour?
Like catching a rainbow, eagle sightings aren’t guaranteed. You’ll still get to enjoy the entire tour experience, with guides sharing their expertise about wildlife and nature. No specific refunds are offered for missed sightings.
Can Children Under Five Years Old Join the Tour?
You can bring children under five on the tour. While there’s no strict age limit, you’ll want to contemplate your child’s attention span and dress them warmly. Tours are family-friendly and can be adjusted if needed.
Is Food or Drinking Water Available During the Tour?
You’ll need to bring your own food and water during the 2 1/2 hour tour as they’re not provided. You can grab a meal at nearby restaurants like Boyette’s or Blue Bank before or after.
Are Restroom Facilities Available Along the Eagle Tour Route?
Like a trail through the wilderness, your restroom options are limited. You’ll find facilities at the visitor center before departure, but you’re better off planning ahead since stops along the route aren’t guaranteed.
Wrap Up
You’ll never forget watching majestic bald eagles soar over Reelfoot Lake like nature’s own fighter jets. Whether you’re a serious birder or just love amazing wildlife, these tours deliver an unforgettable experience.
Pack your camera, dress warm, and get ready for an adventure that’ll take your breath away. Trust me – seeing these powerful birds hunt and glide across Tennessee’s hidden gem is worth every minute. Don’t wait – book your eagle tour today.
