Kentucky Department of Parks

Eagle Watch Weekends

Before you know it, the brisk winter season will be upon us.  During this time the frozen waterways in the northern U.S. and Canada bring North American Bald Eagles south in search of more ample food sources.  Kentucky State Parks take this opportunity to arrange special field outings to view this majestic bird in the wild. In addition, programs are planned that will offer the opportunity to see and learn about live Birds of Prey from expert speakers. Kentucky State Parks, in cooperation with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the US Army Corps of Engineers, are pleased to continue our Eagle Watch Weekend events at Kentucky Dam Village, Kenlake, Lake Barkley, and Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Parks. For nearly 40 years Eagle Weekends have been devoted to the observation, education, and conservation of our national symbol.


Guided Eagle Watch Tours

Guided tours at Kentucky Dam Village, Kenlake and Lake Barkley will take place either aboard the CQ Princess excursion yacht or by passenger van. Dale Hollow’s tours will be by open barge or pontoon boats. While boat tours may provide opportunities to view eagles more closely, van tours provide a larger variety of wildlife viewing, including wild turkey, deer, and possibly elk and bison. Tours will alternate with other programs.


Fees and Lodging

Registration fees include all programs, guest speakers, guided tours, refreshments and other weekend highlights. Once your check is received, a confirmation will be sent with a more detailed schedule of activities. Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must pre-register with the individual park.  Download registration form.  For additional program information, contact the Program Services Supervisor at one of the following parks:


For any tours offered, be sure to bring warm clothes, rain gear and binoculars. Field trips can take place under extreme weather conditions, including rain, snow, and gusty winds. If we feel it is necessary to cancel field trips due to unsafe circumstances, every effort will be made to reschedule your party on another trip.  If this is not feasible, a refund of the tour fee portion of your registration will be given. The open barge tours at Dale Hollow Lake, however, will NOT be rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Types of Tours

Excursion Yacht Tour

  • A modern commercial yacht with upper and lower decks for indoor and outdoor viewing. Indoor decks are climate controlled.
  • Hot coffee & cocoa served on board.
  • Restrooms on board.

LBL Van Tours

  • Approximately 30-45 minute ride one way to first viewing stop.
  • Opportunities to view wild turkey, deer, coyote and other wildlife.
  • At viewing stops we will depart vans and take a short easy walk to the best viewing location.
  • Restroom stop included.

Van Tours to Ballard WMA

  • Available only at KY Dam Village.
  • A guided tour of wetland/waterfowl management area aboard bus with a wildlife biologist.
  • Tour departs 12:45pm (CST) & returns 5:30pm (CST).
  • Restroom stop included.

Open Barge & Pontoon Boat Tours

  • Available ONLY at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park.
  • A USCG approved life jacket is required.
  • Participants are responsible for bringing their own life jackets.
  • Open air barge tour hosted by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
  • Be sure to dress appropriately. Warm, outdoor protective clothing is recommended.
  • Tours depart at 10am & 1:30pm (CST).
  • Each tour will last approximately three hours.
  • Hot coffee and donuts served before boarding, compliments of the Friends of Dale Hollow Lake, Inc.
  • Restrooms available.