Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center — Attraction in Alaska

We visited this past January. Even though it was raining and sleeting, with slippery walking conditions, it was still a wonderful experience. Our son, who had never been to Alaska despite almost being born there, wants to be a veterinarian and was in love with seeing all the new Arctic animals in person.

We were fortunate to have three brown bears out and about, as well as a black bear. There is helpful and very informative signage at each enclosure. The animals have plenty of room in their usual environment to roam and be themselves. Some have taken a liking to tourist visits and come up to say hello. 😊

This particular visit was part of a tour group, as we wanted to show our son a variety of places in a reasonable amount of time. Our tour guides were fantastic (shout out to Salmon Berry Tours!) and never made us feel rushed or pressured to move on. In fact, we were offered the opportunity to ride in the tour van or walk the trail, due to the weather, and I personally did both at various points.

While my favorite was the brown bears, my husband and son enjoyed the wolves the most. Since this is a conservation and rehabilitation center, there are mostly common animals to the region there, such as elk, bears, wolves, fox, porcupine, a bald eagle, and moose (of course) among others. On the drive down, we spotted some wild Dall sheep on the mountains along the highway.

The gift shop was fantastic, with a large assortment of items to suit just about any preference. My arm got quite tired on the way back to the van after "reluctantly" acquiring far more from that shop than I had expected when I walked in. (I think the majority of our trip memorabilia came from the AWCC, actually. And both my husband and our son made their own purchases as well.)

The walking path is paved and wide for vehicles to drive on. With mobility issues, I noticed that aside from the ice and slush in the ground, the paths themselves were in good condition, no significant potholes or rough patches, and the slope was gentle where the path rose and fell in different areas. I did not need to wear my leg braces, though I did wish on a couple of occasions for my forearm crutches or Nordic poles for additional stability on the ice.

Parking was readily available, which could also have been related to the weather and time of year. I suspect it would be more crowded during the summer months.

Although the main enclosures are relatively permanent for the type of animals in each, it was pointed out that there are a few permanent residents (they usually are named on the signs by each enclosure), but there are also temporary occupants who are there for recovery or awaiting relocation to other areas, often areas seeking to increase the population of that particular animal. It seemed like this was mentioned mostly with respect to the elk and moose, but I may be misremembering.

Overall, weather conditions aside,this was a fantastic, family-friendly, accessible (the areas I visited, anyway), and educational facility. We really enjoyed our visit, and look forward to returning again when possible. They really do great work here, and it's clear how well cared-for and loved these...

I visited the Conservation center on Sept. 8, 2023 via a tour I booked through Princess Cruises after departing the ship enroute back home. The day started off overcast and rainy at the location, but animals were all out and the sun came through to make some stunning scenery and alpine GLACIER views behind the animals. Let's be honest, the biggest thing people can't wait for when visiting Alaska is the desire to see moose and bears up close. If that is what you want, than you can get so very close to these 2 beautiful animals. The moose enclosure has a walk out deck and a barn you can enter, HUGE roaming area for them. I personally think the bear walkway and viewing area was designed spectacularly and allows for unobstructed close up views and photos with out glass or fencing. Just perfect when the bears are in the perfect locations. They had lots of different wildlife at the location. The proximity you can get to them makes it a spectacular experience whether you are a child, teen, or and adult. - but also be mindful of your children, as you can get close enough to the enclosures that they can easily place their hands or fingers inside and could get bitten. This is a rare place that allows family's such a personal, close encounter to these majestic creatures -- so even as adults, please respect the "NO PETTING, FEEDING OR TOUCHING" of any animals so we can keep places like this around. This conversation center is in the Alaskan Wilderness, in a low lying area so be prepared with a rain coat, and waterproof boots or shoes as there was a lot of mud/standing water the day that I went, and did not appear to dry up very often. I spent 1-1/2 hrs walking the property and viewing the animals, taking pictures, and reading some of the material. I personally felt rushed as I enjoy taking it all in and I did not walk the entire property. I would estimate that most people spend 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours depending on how much you like to send and watch the animals and how much you like to walk. Overall was a fantastic experience and a really cool way to spend the last hours of family vacation before departing. ----- attached are a few of my photos from my...

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is an absolute must-visit for anyone traveling through or living in Alaska. This incredible facility is dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through education, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts. From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed by breathtaking views of mountains and open landscapes, which serve as a perfect backdrop to the diverse array of animals you’re about to encounter.

What sets AWCC apart is the care and respect they show for the animals. Every enclosure is spacious and natural, allowing the animals to thrive in an environment that mimics their wild habitat. You’ll have the chance to see some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife up close, including majestic brown and black bears, moose, bison, elk, and even wolves. The wood bison restoration project is particularly impressive, as it shows the center’s commitment to reintroducing this species back into the wild.

One of the highlights of visiting AWCC is the chance to observe these animals in a peaceful setting while learning about their stories. Many of the animals were rescued after being orphaned or injured, and the staff works tirelessly to ensure their well-being. The guides and staff are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about their work, answering any questions and providing interesting facts about each animal’s background and the center’s conservation efforts.

The center is well laid out, and you can easily spend several hours walking or driving around the grounds. There are plenty of opportunities for photography, and the overall experience feels intimate and educational. They also offer seasonal animal feedings and educational programs, which enhance the visit even further.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is not just a place to view animals but an inspiring example of wildlife preservation. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable and meaningful...