Meet Majestic Eagles Up Close — A Must-Visit Family Day Trip!
National Eagle Center Address: 50 Pembroke Ave S, Wabasha, MN 55981
About The National Eagle Center
Is there anything more majestic than a bald eagle? There is something so awe-inspiring about seeing our country’s national bird up close or out in the wild. And don’t forget the beautiful golden eagle! Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in picturesque Wabasha, the National Eagle Center is the ideal place to learn more about this incredible bird. It offers a wide variety of eagle viewing opportunities and in-depth educational programs.
State of the Art Visitor Center
It’s hard to believe the bald eagle was on the edge of extinction less than 65 years ago. Spotting eagles is almost guaranteed, either on the National Eagle Center’s large viewing platform or on the drive to Wabasha along the banks of the river. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled!
While the best place to enjoy eagles is out in nature, you can learn a lot about the bird inside the walls of the center, which was recently expanded and renovated in 2022. The building houses its interactive programming and the American Eagle Gallery, with more than 40,000 museum-style artifacts and displays. It also features a life-sized bald eagle’s nest and an interactive fishing pond that is perfect for kids.
The building is also home to their ambassador eagles- all rescued birds who wouldn’t be able to live in the wild on their own. They are the main attractions of “Ambassador Avenue”- an area where visitors can see these birds from just a few feet away while one of the center’s experts answers all of your questions.
Eagle Encounters
Viewing eagles is best during the winter months- especially in areas near open water- but eagle encounters are constantly happening throughout the warmer months as well. The National Eagle Center offers a variety of experiences for visitors to spot the bird, so make sure to pack your binoculars. The habitat tours feature 2 hours of visits to viewing sites, all guided by expert naturalists. Over the course of an afternoon, their eagle field trips travel to “eagle viewing hotspots” in Wabasha, with an educational program while you travel there.
The best (and most Minnesotan) way to appreciate eagles is out on the water. The National Eagle Center hosts seasonal cruises from May through October, where visitors can experience their “floating classroom” tour boat. Guests will have the chance to spot eagles and learn more about their native habitat, all while enjoying some time on the water.
National Eagle Center Highlights
- The country’s top destination for eagle education and experiences
- Live eagle programs and behind-the-scenes encounters are available
- Seasonal cruises guided by naturalists
- Habitat tours and overnight field trips
- Live EagleWatch Cam
Know Before You Go
- Website
- Hours: Open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., hours differ in the winter months
- Children 3 and under are free
- Field trips, cruises, and habitat tours cost extra
- Military, senior, and veteran discounts are available
- Special events and holiday hours are updated regularly on their social media sites.
Mary McGuire is a mother of two young girls and freelance journalist based in the Twin Cities. Her current interests include searching for lost pacifiers, cleaning up crushed Cheerios, and sharing everything our great state has to offer with other families. Born and raised in Edina, Mary has worked in broadcast television for more than a decade at TV stations across the country.
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