The Majestic Wildlife Experience Found at Reelfoot Lake

Every winter, people from all over the country flock to Reelfoot Lake in Tiptonville, Tennessee, for a festival that celebrates the state park’s most revered resident – the bald eagle – with up-close sightings, educational programming and more.
The Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival got its start 14 years ago when Vanessa Henson, then an employee with the nonprofit organization Reelfoot Lake Tourism, wrote a matching-funds grant for just $1,500. She wanted to use the funds to organize a festival that would highlight the park’s 35 nesting eagles as well as the many that migrate through each year.
“It’s just an awesome event,” said Henson, who now works as a clerk with the state park. “There were so many people last year, we ran out of parking. People were just astounded. We had the most attendance we’ve ever had.”
A little more than three hours away from Oxford and Tupelo, Reelfoot Lake State Park has long been known as a paradise for birders, hunters and fishermen. Last year alone, the park drew visitors from across the world, hosting families from Denmark, France, Germany and Mexico.
Reelfoot Lake, which was formed by the earthquakes of 1811 and 1812, is the centerpiece of the state park. The lake attracts more than 150,000 ducks and geese each year and is recognized as one of the world’s greatest natural fish hatcheries, with largemouth bass, catfish, bream, crappie and bluegill found in its waters. It is this wide variety of fish, in part, that attracts the park’s impressive eagle population.
“A lot of eagles migrate here, especially during the winter,” said Mary Ann Holt, administrative assistant for Reelfoot Lake Tourism and an organizer of the festival. “(They) migrate here specifically because of the lake. There’s good fishing for the eagles, and lots of good stuff to eat. We also have many eagles who live here all year long.”
At least 400 people travel from all over the country annually to attend the three-day festival, which features activities for both children and adults.
John and Dale Stokes, a husband-and-wife team, host the popular Live Birds of Prey program.
“That has become very popular,” Holt said. “They bring in live birds and fly them across the audience. They do a really good job, and it’s just been a wonderful thing for the festival. Twice a day, hundreds of people come to see the show.”
Another program that draws a crowd is Bob Tarter and his Amazing Animals. The show, which is back by popular demand, showcases an array of animals, including a kangaroo.
“He does such a wonderful job with the children. They just love it,” Holt said.
For those who want to see the eagles, bus tours run daily. The festival also has daily sunrise photography walks. Amateur photography enthusiasts can enter a photography and art contest, which provides a chance both to showcase beautiful nature scenes and to win cash prizes.
There is plenty of entertainment all weekend long, but for Holt and Henson, the best part of the festival is seeing people enjoy the park.
“My favorite part of the weekend is just seeing all the people come out from all over the country and enjoying a great weekend being outside and enjoying nature, and especially seeing the children. Everyone just has a ball,” Holt said.
Henson agreed: “I love that it’s all about nature. (The festival) is about seeing not only our (national) symbol, but these are birds that have keen eyesight and an incredible ability to do things,” she said. “And it’s great to get people out and off that couch, even in the wintertime.”
For those who want to make a long weekend of their visit, campsites overlooking the lake are available. At the Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitor Center, exhibits explain the formation, history and natural diversity of the lake, and offer a glimpse into the park’s future. After looking through the exhibits, visitors can meander over the lake and through majestic cypress trees, on the park’s scenic boardwalk.
Just a short drive away is the Discovery Park of America, which offers interactive exhibits focused on nature, science, technology, history and art, as well as an earthquake simulator that helps explain the area’s history. For an entertaining evening, head to the area’s newest restaurant, Stump Jumpers Bar & Grill, which has karaoke most nights.
The 14th Annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival took place this past Feb. 2-4.