Int'l Owl Center or National Eagle Center?

November 13, 2015 2:33 PM

My kids like raptors. Which would be better to visit, the International Owl Center in Houston, Minnesota or the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota? Has anyone been to either or both? I realize the names are a little overblown. I'm just wondering which is better for a fun family visit. (They've been to Hawk Ridge in Duluth before and have visited the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center, so I'm looking for somewhere new. All three kids like raptors.)
posted by Area Man to Pets & Animals (3 answers total)

I've been to the Eagle Center. It's a fun day trip from the Twin Cities. Stop in Red Wing for brunch! Mosey around the quaint downtown of Wabasha! I would go in the summer or early fall, however. Although this year the fall just goes on and on..... Most of the spots for spotting eagles are outside, along the river. The center itself is small, with three birds (injured and unable to return to the wild). They have an hour(?) long presentation that was packed when we went, and an enormous gift shop. We drove back up on the Wisconsin side of the river until Hwy 10 just for a scenic change of pace.
posted by Malla at 2:53 PM on November 13, 2015 [1 favorite]

I vote owl. It's easier to see eagles during a birdwatching expedition than owls.
posted by Ruki at 4:14 PM on November 13, 2015

I can't answer your question, but if you ever make it to the St. Louis area, the World Bird Sanctuary is excellent. During special events they will fly the birds right over your head ... and for a small fee, you can hold a raptor and have your picture taken with the animal. My daughter held an owl and she loved it, especially when the owl rotated his head around 180 degrees to look back at the small, skinny human.
posted by Ostara at 5:10 PM on November 13, 2015 [1 favorite]