Golden Pond, KY – Bundle up in your favorite sweater, come outdoors, and experience the enchanting sights on a bald eagle viewing trip, offered again at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area throughout the winter months.
Back by popular demand, LBL hosts a weekend of river cruises January 14th-15th, and a special Martin Luther King, Jr. Day cruise January 16th, for up close views of the eagles from the water.
Despite cold temperatures that usually keep people indoors, bald eagles thrive in winter conditions. What better way to view bald eagles than relaxing on a river cruise in the comforts of the spacious and beautifully appointed CQ Princess? The 96-foot CQ Princess luxury yacht offers wonderful views from both outside on deck and indoors where it’s toasty warm!
“LBL is a major wintering spot for bald eagles from northern areas such as Michigan and Canada,” said Carrie Szwed, Nature Station Public Programs Coordinator. “Because of excellent coordination between state and federal agencies in past years to restore eagle habitats and populations, we have seen tremendous increases in eagles both wintering and nesting in this area.”
LBL also hosts eagle viewing van trips. During these, LBL guides take visitors to the best wildlife viewing hot spots on the 170,000-acre recreation area. Visitors will most likely see migratory bald eagles, gulls, and other waterfowl, as well as native wildlife species, such as deer and turkey. Visitors can enjoy viewing the eagles December through February.
Van trips meet and depart from the Golden Pond Visitor Center unless otherwise indicated. Visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and to wear shoes suitable for moderate walking. Also, don’t forget to bring binoculars and field guides. River cruises depart from Kenlake State Resort Park Marina. Reservations and full deposits are required for all trips. “Eagle excursions are very popular, so early reservations are encouraged,” said Szwed. Gift certificates are available.
About Land Between the Lakes
Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures.
Follow us on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com/. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.
Bald Eagle Viewing Excursions
Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area
Reservations and full deposits are required for all trips. For more information or to reserve your space, call 270.924.2020 weekdays, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Van Tours
Moderate walking required. Dress for the weather. Meet and depart from the Golden Pond Visitor Center. ($5.00 ages 12 & under, $7.00 ages 13 & up.)
January 7th – 1:00pm-4:30pm
January 8th – 1:00pm-4:30pm
January 22nd – 1:00pm-4:30pm
January 29th – 1:00pm-4:30pm
February 5th – 1:00pm-4:30pm
River Cruises
Cruises are $60.00 per person (meal included). Tours depart from Kenlake State Resort Park Marina. Visit www.cqriverside.com for a peek at the CQ Princess luxury yacht.
January 14th – 8:30am-11:30am (brunch cruise)
January 14th – 1:00pm-4:00pm (lunch cruise)
January 15th – 11:00am-2:00pm (lunch cruise)
January 16th – 11:00am-2:00pm Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (lunch cruise)
Other Winter Programs
Call for additional information and prices.
December 10th – 9:00am-4:00pm, Winter Wanderers – Unusual Winter Migrants
(Departs from Kenlake State Resort Park) Call 270.924.2020 to sign up. Reservations & full deposits required.
December 17th – 6:00am-1:30pm, Audubon Christmas Bird Count
(Meet at Nature Station) Call 270.924.2299 to sign up or for more information.
January 14th-15th – 9:00am–5:00pm Winter Wanderers: Eagles and Waterfowl Migration
(Departs from Paris Landing State Park) Call 270.924.2020 to sign up. Reservations & full deposits required.
February 4th – 12:30pm-4:00pm, Fort Henry 150th Anniversary Program & Walk
(Meet at The Homeplace) Call 270.924.2020 to sign up. Reservations & full deposits required)
February 11th – 9:00am-12:00pm, Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge Tour
(Meet at South Welcome Station) Call 270.924.2020 to sign up. Reservations & full deposits required.
