Learn Why This Minnesota Town Is The New Self-Proclaimed ‘Bald Eagle Capital Of America’

Historic Wabasha, Minnesota - the oldest town in the Land of 10,000 Lakes - sits on the Mississippi River, just south of its confluence with Wisconsin's Chippewa River. Not only will you find about 2,500 friendly Minnesotans living in the town, you just may encounter some of the hundreds of bald eagles that over-winter or live year-round in the area. In fact, the town and its environs have so many avian residents that the Wabasha City Council recently proclaimed the community to be the "Bald Eagle Capital of America."

Wabasha has long been an important area for the Dakota people and, later, for the European immigrants who settled the area in 1830.

The charming, bustling town was, in fact, named for a Dakota chief. Its historical significance is due largely to its location at the mouth of Lake Pepin - the widest navigable part of the Mississippi River.

Lake Pepin was formed by an outflow of sediment from the Chippewa River, which flows into the Mississippi just north of Wabasha.

What all this interesting hydrology and geography means is that there's usually open water year round on this part of the Upper Mississippi.

And because the Mississippi River valley is a major flyway for migrating birds like bald eagles, many simply just spend the winter here.

In fact large numbers of bald eagles - hundreds in some seasons - spend their winters in the area.

That's why the National Eagle Center set up shop in Wabasha.

It offers year-round programs to educate folks about the area and its importance to migrating raptors.

The center also keeps track of migrating species and performs several eagle counts throughout the year.

The DNR also established Bald Eagle Bluff Scientific and Natural Area just outside of Wabasha to protect prime over-wintering habitat for the eagles.

With all this avian activity, how could Wabasha not be the Bald Eagle Capital of America?

(I suppose it's possible ​​Haines, Alaska may have an opinion on the matter.)

Wabasha is a charming town in its own right - any time of year - but it's definitely worthy of a road trip in the winter to see the eagles congregating along the open water. Start your day right with breakfast or lunch at the always-tasty Eagle Valley Cafe before heading out for your eagle adventure.

Have you visited the Bald Eagle Capital of American recently? Tell us about it in the comments!