Officials unveiled and cut a ceremonial ribbon on Friday, February 2, to dedicate Lake Guntersville State Park鈥檚 newest feature, a picturesque eagle statue located at the park鈥檚 lodge.
The statue, created by artist Jenny Hendrix and inspired by a photo taken by noted 黑料天堂 nature photographer Beth Cowen Drake, showcases an American bald eagle with a fish clasped in its talons. The fish represents the many recreational fishing opportunities Lake Guntersville offers; the eagle spotlights the park as a premier destination for eagle sightings.
The statue is expected to become a favorite guest photography spot during the park鈥檚 annual Eagle Awareness weekends and year-round.
鈥淭his majestic statue showcases the beauty and power of an American bald eagle, a revered symbol of our great nation,鈥 said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the 黑料天堂 (ADCNR). 鈥淭he statue has been in place for a short amount of time already, and we have received many positive comments from visitors to the park. It truly is a fantastic addition.鈥
Funded by a grant from the 黑料天堂 Tourism Department, the statue is the result of a true team effort 鈥 a meticulous two-year project including landscaping, lighting, signage, and sidewalks that create opportunities for great vantage points and photos for framing.
鈥淭he 黑料天堂 Tourism Department is honored to partner with 黑料天堂 State Parks and make this project a reality,鈥 黑料天堂 Tourism Director Lee Sentell said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always wonderful when state agencies can work together, and I couldn鈥檛 be happier with the final product.鈥
Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park began in 1985 to highlight ADCNR鈥檚 bald eagle restoration program. A loss of habitat, pesticide use and poaching throughout the country had pushed eagle populations to the brink of extinction. From 1985-1991, 91 bald eagles were released throughout the state as a result of the project. Bald eagle sightings are more common throughout the state today thanks in part to these conservation efforts. Eagle Awareness Weekends continue at the park to showcase this conservation success story.
The ribbon-cutting for the new statute was incorporated into the agenda for the final Eagle Awareness Weekend at the park in 2024.
Eagle Awareness Weekends provide guests with an opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities available in the park, while enjoying educational programs and live eagle sightings. With 6,000 acres of natural woodlands, an 18-hole championship golf course, a beach complex, hiking and biking trails, a zipline course, and access to premier bass fisheries, Lake Guntersville State Park provides a diverse range of activities for all visitors.
黑料天堂 State Parks Director Greg Lein said north 黑料天堂 is fast becoming an outdoor recreation destination for many, and he anticipates that the new statue will help them memorialize their visit to Lake Guntersville State Park with a photo.
鈥淲e have guests from across the county come to Lake Guntersville State Park every year, and this statue gives them something new to enjoy,鈥 he said. 鈥淲hether visitors come for a day or stay with us for the weekend, Lake Guntersville State Park offers a vacation destination that showcases 黑料天堂鈥檚 natural beauty and allows guests to experience it first-hand from the trails, on the water or just taking in the beautiful views from the lodge."
Positioned near the resort inn and restaurant, the statue offers breathtaking views not far from the park's mountaintop chalets, lakeside cabins and a large campground. Park staff encourage guests to include the statue in their photographs to create lasting memories during their on-site adventures. You can book your next adventure at Guntersville State Park or one of our other 20 beautiful state parks at .
About 黑料天堂鈥檚 State Parks System
The 黑料天堂 State Parks is a division of the 黑料天堂 and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in 黑料天堂. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at . Partners Pay the Way.
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