Step Into the World of Owls at the International Owl Center

Katie Heruth

About the International Owl Center

Address: 126 E Cedar St, Houston, MN 55943

If your kids are fascinated by wildlife, the International Owl Center in Houston, Minnesota, is a fun and educational family outing. Just 2.5 hours from the Twin Cities, this one-of-a-kind destination gives visitors an up-close look at some of nature’s most captivating nocturnal hunters. 

Visiting the International Owl Center with kids includes meeting the owl ambassadors, exploring the informative and interactive exhibits, and attending the daily programs. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop, too. Here, you’ll find everything from owl plushies to locally crafted owl-themed art—perfect for bringing home a little bit of the experience.

The International Owl Center is open year-round, with special programs and events happening throughout the year. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or making a weekend of it, Houston’s scenic location in southeast Minnesota’s bluff country makes for a beautiful getaway with kids. For families looking to connect with nature, learn something new, and experience wildlife up close, the International Owl Center is a must-visit. Get ready for a hoot of a time!

The Ultimate Destination for Owl Lovers—The International Owl Center

Meet the Owl Ambassadors 

The biggest draw? The Center’s live owl ambassadors! Since owls are wild creatures with unique personalities, the lineup changes daily. Still, visitors can typically meet Ruby the Great Horned Owl, JR the Eastern Screech-Owl, Piper the American Barn Owl, Pierce the Barred Owl, and sometimes Bea the Burrowing Owl—if she’s in the mood. Each owl has its own story, and the staff is always on hand to share fun facts and answer questions.

Daily programs offer the chance to see these magnificent birds up close. Plus, you’ll learn about their behavior, calls, and conservation. Kids will love discovering just how soft an owl’s wing is and testing their knowledge of different owl sounds.

Interactive Exhibits & Hands-On Learning

Inside the International Owl Center, families will find various engaging displays designed to educate and inspire. Kids can:

  • Touch owl feathers and learn about their unique structure.
  • Match owl calls to their species.
  • Explore a collection of mounted owls from around the world.
  • Admire global owl artwork created by children.

For little nature lovers, this is a chance to dive deep into the world of owls through a mix of science, storytelling, and fun.

Make it a Day Trip: Nearby Owl Adventures & Activities

After exploring the Owl Center, head outside to Houston’s Natural Playground—a sprawling, one-acre adventure zone designed to spark creativity and exploration. This isn’t your typical playground; instead, kids can:

  • Crawl through stone caves and tunnels made of dolomite slabs.
  • Pump water down a sluice for hands-on fun.
  • Climb a wooden wall or scale boulders.
  • Slide down a hillside slide.
  • Sit inside an oversized owl nest with a four-foot-tall owl sculpture.

The playground blends nature and play, offering plenty of space for kids to burn off energy while using their imaginations!

Finally, extend the fun by exploring Houston’s Parade of Owls Art Tour—a scavenger hunt featuring 12 public owl sculptures throughout town. Challenge your kids to find them all and pick their favorite! Along the way, watch for colorful owl street banners created by children from around the world.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Free Minnesota Museums

Experience Highlights 

  • No reservations needed
  • Meet the Center’s ambassador owls (they usually have 3-5 live birds on display)
  • Daily programs help kids and adults learn about these fascinating creatures
  • Several static and interactive displays to help visitors learn about owls
  • There is always an educator on hand to help answer questions and share fun owl facts
  • The gift shop offers a wide selection of owl souvenirs and gifts
  • Several nearby activities are owl-themed, including a playground and a self-guided owl sculpture tour

Know Before You Go!  Helpful info for the International Owl Center (hours, parking info, website, events, etc)

Images Courtesy of the International Owl Center.

Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.

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