The Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton Missouri has become one of our favorite places to visit. This area has been a bird sanctuary for many years, and we have often watched birds including swans, pelicans, herons, gulls, and others, and found this area a great place to go eagle-watching, especially in the wintertime.
What Is Audubon Center At Riverlands?
The Audubon Center at Riverlands is located within the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary on the banks of the Mississippi River, and yet near the confluence of the Missouri River.
The Audubon Center offers exhibits about different species of birds, has telescopes for bird-viewing, and picnic areas. They also offer educational classes and events, such as Eagle Days. For more information you can visit their website here.
We generally stop here every time we are in the area. One thing we noticed this last time was spider webs in the grasses as we were looking from the Mississippi River toward the Audubon Center. Neither of us had ever seen this before.
What Is the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
The Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary consists of 3700 acres on the banks of the Mississippi River near the confluence with the Missouri River.
There are 8 ½ miles of trails available to hikers to enjoy nature, wetlands, birdwatching and viewing wildlife. Since this is a part of the Mississippi Flyway, trails are generally closed from October 15th to April 15th. Please note these time frames could change. You can also visit the Audubon Center or call them to find out more information here. Currently they are closed on Mondays.
What Is the Mississippi Flyway?
There are many different bird species who migrate yearly along an area called the Mississippi Flyway. These birds migrate yearly, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Audubon Center at Riverlands works with the Corp of Engineers to help make this area a haven for migratory birds and other inhabitants, helping to ensure safety and an ecosystem that is beneficial for all of them.
A conservation effort is not only about birds, but rather for birds and waterfowl as well as other inhabitants who live in the area. For those of us who enjoy the outdoors and being in nature, as well as watching wildlife, this area is the place to go.
Good to Know
There are restrooms at the Audubon Center at Riverlands (currently open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm), and a parking area to the left past the Audubon Center. In the event these are closed, there is a restroom located in the Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park farther down the road and to the right, and at the gas station at the entrance to Riverlands Way close to the Clark Bridge off Highway 67.
There are ample hiking trails to enjoy the outdoors and picnic areas.
The Audubon Center at Riverlands has exhibits and classes and very helpful if you have questions. There is a Gift Shop offering many items that would make good souvenirs.
Other Places of Interest Nearby
The Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park is over 1121 acres of wetlands and natural areas and is a part of the Mississippi Flyway. It is not unusual to see a variety of birds migrating through the Confluence Point area.
While you are in the area, you might check out the following areas in Illinois: the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford, and the Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26 in Alton which offers exhibits and tours.
This area has a beauty all its own and a unique habitat, making it a haven for our feathered friends and other species of animals. For those of us who love the outdoors, enjoy birdwatching and seeing other animals in their natural habitat, this area is for you.
