Family-friendly admission fees to our new 14,000 square-foot facility make us accessible to all. We have five resident education eagles that live in our facility, which is located on one thousand feet of Mississippi river shoreline in Wabasha, Minnesota.

See a Panoramic View

While our facility is open Angel, Harriet, Columbia, Donald and Was'aka spend most of their time in the eagle viewing room, where volunteers answer questions. Since our birds are tethered as opposed to behind glass or caged, visitors get a close up, personal beak-to-nose experience.

Hour-long educational feeding programs are given a number of times each day, providing visitors with another opportunity to learn about our national bird as well as participate in Q & A sessions.

Eagle, wildlife and conservation exhibits permeate our new facility, and several eagle observation decks complete with spotting scopes provide ample opportunity to view countless wild eagles over the adjoining Mississippi River and backwaters, as well as river traffic and countless other species of wildlife.

The interpretive center focuses on the importance of the bald eagle as a national symbol, and its relationship to veterans of the United States of American Armed Forces. The new Center also
relays Native American history and the culture of the region as it relates to the bald eagle. An engaging children's area with kid-proof binoculars provides interest to all ages. In fact the average visit  at the National Eagle Center is over 80 minutes!

The new facility is adjacent to Wabasha’s historic business district, and visitors from around the globe see and  learn about bald eagles and the Mississippi River habitat.

Our Facility Features:

• An exterior 25' high deck, as well as a river-level deck for viewing bald eagles
• Housing for rehabilitated eagles that cannot return to the wild due to their injuries
• An aviary
• Exhibit areas to allow a variety of exhibits, including preserved animal specimens, preserved birds in flight and Native American item
• Classrooms, lecture facilities and community gathering area
• Gift shop
• Bird care area
• Elevator
• A planned adjacent hotel with common access

History:

The Wabasha, Minnesota, area offers an extraordinary experience that inspires even the most worldly traveler. A peaceful landscape nestled in the bluffs, the quiet unassuming charm of a rural locale; but, the skies reveal a phenomenon worthy of thunderous excitement.

Thousands of Bald Eagles live, winter or travel through the area. Eagle sightings are a daily experience, and seeing hundreds in a single drive is commonplace during the migration seasons. For many people in Wabasha, the tremendous comeback of the Bald Eagle is an incredible environmental success story and a chance to give something back. This opportunity served as the impetus for a small band of dedicated individuals to become Eagle Watch.

Eagle Watch, Inc., was a wholly grassroots organization formed in 1989. The organization’s mission was to welcome to Wabasha people who shared a passion for the Bald Eagle, and provide them with even more than a “good view.” Spearheaded by Wabasha resident Mary Rivers, the organization grew to 74 volunteers in only one year. The group’s original goal was to create an observation deck staffed with knowledgeable people. In 1990, the Eagle Watch Observation Deck and Outdoor Information Center were open and the Mississippi River frontage was bustling with activity. Volunteers staffing the deck were given Bald Eagle identification training by the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center and other experts in the field. This small group generated much energy and the news spread quickly. The Wabasha deck and group of volunteers drew at least 5,000 guests annually from around the world.

Within a few years, Eagle Watch gained a reputation as an eagle authority as well as a public service. The Eagle Watch organization in Wabasha began developing strong relationships with other like-minded public and private organizations, including, but not limited to: US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, The Sierra Club, Izaak Walton League, MN and WI Departments of Natural Resources and other specialized bird/raptor facilities and associations across the United States.

The Outdoor Information Center became a small storefront, and soon two rescued eagles were full-time residents. The staff and volunteer base continued attracting new people with diverse talents. Soon daily education presentations were offered, outreach programs were being requested for school visits, Native American ceremonies and military events. Eagle Watch transformed into the National Eagle Center. Bubbling with enthusiasm, the people and mission of this organization could no longer be contained and a new goal was set. A state-of-the-art facility was to be built; a model constructed and accented with sustainable products to reflect the philosophy of the organization and its mission. The National Eagle Center joined forces with the City of Wabasha and together the center was built.

In May of 2007, the National Eagle Center opened its doors. Prior to the opening, tens of thousands of volunteer hours were spent fund-raising, assisting in facility design, completing finishing work, installing fixtures and preparing exhibits. This leading-edge Interpretive Center was definitely a labor of love. The dedication and determination has been rewarded with unimagined success -- the new facility drew over 100,000 guests in its first year.

There are currently a total of five eagles living at the Center. Traveling exhibits and new interactive displays create an ever-changing environment that rewards frequent visits. The center’s eagles have been invited to travel across the country, including a visit to the Senate in Washington, DC and as guests on several nationally syndicated programs filmed in New York. Consistent involvement with Veterans, Native Americans and school-age children has developed into full-blown, comprehensive programs.

Though the National Eagle Center has changed its size and appearance, both the grassroots mentality and goal of providing “more than a good view” have remained strong. Volunteers continue to play a tremendous role in operating the center. Nearly 40% of all staffing hours are covered by dedicated people who donate their time to the eagles.

It is the organization’s hope to engage people with the eagle’s amazing physiology, habitat and cultural significance. Join the National Eagle Center and become part of an exciting and dedicated organization!

Over its 15-year history, EagleWatch evolved to become The National Eagle Center, a public/private partnership between EagleWatch, the City of Wabasha and the Wabasha Port Authority. These partners have constructed the 14,000 square-foot Interpretive center overlooking the Mississippi River. Visit our Board of Directors Page for members of the current Government and Educations Boards.