Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019, Minnesota’s National Eagle Center is dedicated to educating the public about the history, biology and ecology of the creatures. The one-of-a-kind attraction is in the Mississippi River town of Wabasha, just 40 miles northwest of Rochester.
The center, which is home to non-releasable bald and golden eagles, offers an array of guest experiences. Travelers can take part in interpreter-led live eagle programs that puts them within feet of the majestic raptors.
Classroom programs at the National Eagle Center explore more specific topics such as the life cycle of eagles, their hunting and mating rituals, and the recovery and rehabilitation process. While these sessions take place regularly, travel planners can schedule programs at alternative times for larger groups.
The attraction has two floors with galleries and exhibits that test visitor knowledge about eagles. One popular area is an oversized replica of a bald eagle nest. Guests can see wildlife art in the Watershed Gallery, which includes special exhibits of paintings, watercolors and/or photographs from top wildlife artists.
Groups also should time a visit during the migration season, when hundreds of additional eagles fly through the Wabasha area. The center offers the SOAR with the Eagles festival each weekend in March, which includes outdoor viewing stations, flying bird shows, live animals and more.
For more information on the National Eagle Center, call +1.651.565.4989 or go to nationaleaglecenter.org.
Top photo: Harriet and Angel from the National Eagle Center
Photo by National Eagle Center
