South Dakota Bald Eagle Awareness Days         Bald Eagle Awareness Days
 
Where to See Eagles in South Dakota

Bald Eagle Range

Bald eagles are rare breeders in South Dakota, with nests found in 22 counties both East River and West River. Wintering birds concentrate below Missouri River dams, in the flowing stretches of the Missouri River, and in parts of the Black Hills.

Golden Eagle Breeding Range

Golden eagles nest mainly west of the Missouri River in South Dakota. Many are year-round West River residents. Wintering and migrant birds may visit other parts of the state.

Special Places to View Bald Eagles:

Central South Dakota

  • Pierre and Fort Pierre, particularly on and near the Missouri River.

  • Missouri River below Oahe Dam in Stanley County. Campgrounds 1, 2 and 3 are open to foot traffic only during the winter.

Eastern South Dakota

  • Karl Mundt National Wildlife Refuge in Gregory County.

  • Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge (particularly migrating bald eagles).

  • Anywhere East River during spring and fall migration, especially in cottonwood forests of the James and Big Sioux rivers.

Western South Dakota

  • Game, Fish and Parks Department Farm near Spearfish (especially wintering birds).

  • Other sites in the Black Hills where they find prey during the winter.

 Bald Eagle Awareness Days

 Watching Eagles

 Links

 Educational Activities

Bald Eagle Activity Booklet

2008 Bookmark Contest
Eagle Word Puzzle
Eagle Finger Puppet
Eagle Crossword Puzzle

 

Download an eagle brochure (PDF file) by clicking here. Brochures can be obtained from the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks at 523 East Capitol Avenue in Pierre, South Dakota 57501.  If you have questions or comments, email or call the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks at (605) 773-4229.