MINNESOTA VALLEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Bloomington
Most years, a few eagles hang around this urban refuge, where currents of the Minnesota River and warm water from a power plant keep water open (952-854-5900).
COLVILL PARK
Red Wing
Bald eagles gather at this park, where the warm-water discharge from a coal-fired plant keeps water open all winter. Contact the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau (1-800-498-3444; www.redwing.org) for information about Eagle Watch Weekends from mid-February to mid-March.
CAMP LACUPOLIS
Lake City, Minn.
At Camp Lacupolis, on the south end of Lake Pepin, the river narrows and the current picks up, causing water to remain open all winter.
READS LANDING
Wabasha, Minn.
One of the biggest congregations of eagles occurs at Reads Landing, about 3 miles upstream from Wabasha. Look for two Highway 61 pullouts.
LOCK AND DAM 4
Alma, Wis.
Operation of Lock and Dam 4 at Alma, Wis., keeps the river channel open--and inviting for eagles. Watch from the observation platform alongside the lock on the Wisconsin side of the river.
GREG BREINING
