What To Do In The Winter, Chapter 5

Something happens each Winter in this area that is both unique and beautiful. Alton, IL, a mere 34 miles from your home in O'Fallon, IL, is a local city whose history abounds. The tallest man, Robert Wadlow, if from Alton. At 8' 11", he's the tallest person who ever lived!

The thing that many don't know about Alton is that in the Winter months of December through February, local residents have a unique opportunity to interract with a bird of prey that every American is enthralled by, the American Bald Eagle. Adopted as the national symbol of the United States for its independence and strength, the eagle is truly fascinating to watch.

There are a number of locations where one can view the birds which are explained fully in an Eagle Watcher's Guide. (NOTE: the Eagle Watcher's Guide may take a while to load, but it's worth it!) Read this and you'll learn all you need to know to successfully make plans for your first Eagle-watching experience.

Just to keep it interesting, the City of Alton has arranged (so far every Winter that I can remember) to have a LIVE EAGLE on display at the Alton Visitor's Center. We went there in January and it is truly incredible to see one up-close. Of course, the eagle they have on display is unable to fly; he would not survive in the wild, so he hangs out inside where it's warm for us to marvel over him. What a wonder. I strongly recommend it for kids who've never seen one before. Combine some facts about the strength of the eagle and its independence and you have a great illustration to show the kids the importance of inner strength in one's life in order to survive, especially today!

Although this day trip can carry you all day, there are other things to do in Alton as well. My favorite is to visit the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. It's an opportunity to see up-close how riverboat traffic navigates using the technology of the lock. This is a must-see not only for the kids, but most any adult will find it interesting as well.

If you're thinking of relocating to Scott Air Force Base, or for information on communities, schools or homes for sale in O'Fallon, Belleville, Shiolh, IL and other communities that surround Scott Air Force Base, please go to www.RelocateToScottAirForceBase.com