Photo by Seth Vreeman
The world’s premier resource for impactful eagle education and experience, the National Eagle Center encapsulates a world in which the power and presence of eagles are known, respected, advocated for, and protected. Located in Wabasha, Minnesota, they’re home to several non-releasable Bald Eagles and offer unique and unforgettable educational experiences.
Open year-round, the Center hosts daily visitors, school groups, tour groups, and adult learning groups, and offer traveling outreach and virtual online programs. Known for their interactive and engaging live eagle programs featuring the eagle ambassadors, they take guests on an exciting journey into the world of eagles, raptors, the environment, and the special status that eagles play in human cultures and American history.
Photo courtesy of the National Eagle Center
A visit to the Center, which sits beautifully on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Wabasha, allows guests to meet the live Bald Eagle ambassadors up close, explore two floors of interactive exhibits, take in an educational live eagle program, and watch wild Bald Eagles out over the river. Whether you are a longtime eagle enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the friendly and knowledgeable staff take the time to answer all your questions and provide tips and pointers for spotting and identifying our native raptors.
The self-guided tour through the exhibit spaces includes a detailed diorama of the Mississippi River valley habitats and wildlife, an introduction to all the species of eagles found around the world, Masters of the Sky, which explores raptors and their amazing abilities, the American Eagle Galley, home to the world-class Preston Cook American Eagle Collection, the Cultural Connections Gallery, and Conservation Hall. The Center will unveil the new riverfront amphitheater in Spring 2023 where they will be able to host outdoor programming.
Photo courtesy of the National Eagle Center
The National Eagle Center experience also extends far beyond the museum’s walls. Throughout the year, guests can sign up for summer eagle viewing cruises on the Mississippi River, winter Eagle Viewing Field Trips, private (small group) Habitat Tours, Behind the Scenes experiences, and even online virtual programs! These are all in addition to the traveling eagle programs the Center has long been known for. Each year the education team travels to schools, public libraries, and nature centers across the Upper Midwest sharing the eagles with audiences of all ages and makeups.
As a private nonprofit, the National Eagle Center is primarily supported by visitor admission, programming fees, memberships, its brand new Adopt An Eagle program, and private gifts. You can connect to the Center online anytime on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, or plan your next visit, donate, or become a member on their website at nationaleaglecenter.org.
The National Eagle Center is open daily from 10am-4pm (winter) and 10am-5pm (summer). For more information, call 651-565-4989 or email info@nationaleaglecenter.org.
