FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Beasley, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: karen@northalabama.org

 

Lake Guntersville State Park Celebrates 40 Years of Eagle Awareness with Two Weekends in 2026
 

Decatur, Ala. (December 8, 2025) – Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of America’s iconic bird this winter when Lake Guntersville State Park celebrates 40 years of eagle awareness. One of North Alabama’s premier winter wildlife events, Eagle Awareness Weekends take place over select weekends in January and February 2026, offering visitors an unforgettable opportunity to learn about and observe bald eagles in their natural habitat.

 

Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park combines educational activities, live bird demonstrations and guided field trips that highlight the significance of bald eagles and their role in the ecosystem. Lake Guntersville State Park, located along the scenic Tennessee River at 1155 Lodge Drive in Guntersville, provides an ideal setting for eagle enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

 

Now in its 40th year, Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park was started as an activity for people of all ages to experience the joy of watching eagles and other birds in their natural habitat and as a way of educating the public about the importance of protecting the area’s wildlife.

 

The 2026 Eagle Awareness Weekends are:

January 23-25, 2026
January 30-February 1, 2026
 

 

Registration is now open, and space is limited. Sessions typically fill up quickly and participants are encouraged to reserve a weekend at https://www.alapark.com/EagleAwarenessWeekends. Packages start at $335 and include lodging for two nights, two breakfasts, one dinner, wine social (Friday evening) photo opportunities with birds of prey, engagement with featured sponsors and one-on-one access with the naturalists.

 

The Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is now accepting nominations for the tenth annual Eagle Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who make extraordinary contributions to Alabama State Parks. Anyone can submit a nomination here. The deadline for nominations is January 3, 2026, by midnight.

 

 The Eagle Awards recognize outstanding support, service, and leadership that strengthen Alabama’s State Parks. Awards are presented in five categories:

  • Elected Official – Honors an elected leader who helps advance the mission of Alabama State Parks through advocacy, legislation, or public service.
  • Community Partner – Recognizes a local organization, business, or group that supports park programs, tourism, and community engagement.
  • Park Partner – Celebrates organizations that help enhance or maintain park amenities such as trails, facilities, and recreational areas.
  • Volunteer in Parks (VIP) – Highlights volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to improving Alabama’s parks.
  • Youth (12th Grade & Younger) – Honors students who complete exceptional projects that benefit Alabama State Parks or promote environmental stewardship.

 

Eagle Awards will be presented during a ceremony on January 31, 2026, at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. For more information, visit https://www.alapark.com/eagle-awards.

 

For more information on Eagle Awareness Weekends, visit https://www.alapark.com/EagleAwarenessWeekends.

 

###

 

About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the $4.9 billion North Alabama travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, golf courses, restaurants, accommodations and vendors. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381, by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org and by following us on social media @VisitNorthAL.