National Eagle Center launches 2025-2026 Winter Field Trips
Cooler temps are here in the Upper Midwest, signaling the approach of winter and peak eagle viewing season. The National Eagle Center is prepared with its initial schedule of field trip dates and the acquisition of a brand-new eagle viewing shuttle bus!
Field trips kick off on Saturday, October 18 with the first in a series of three Bald Eagle, Tundra Swan, and waterfowl outings focused on fall migration through November.
The addition of the eagle shuttle offers a new experience for field trip attendees. While capacity per trip is smaller (8 attendees), the seating is spacious with large windows for wildlife viewing, provides ample space for scopes and personal items, and has wheelchair accessibility for up to two chairs. Additionally, the smaller bus allows field trips to explore some locations off-limits to a full-sized coach bus.
“We’re very excited about the experience now available to our field trip attendees,” said Scott Mehus, Director of Education at the Center. “The smaller group sizes allow for an even more personalized learning experience, and are on par with our private Habitat Tours. Our field trips will truly feel like private safaris and emphasize personal attention, allowing our educators the time to answer each attendee’s questions in depth. This is an extension of the personalized learning the Center has long been known for.”
Field trips begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Center in downtown Wabasha and return between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. Attendees travel to pre-scouted locations and receive a classroom-style educational program from an expert guide. Minimal walking is required, and guests are encouraged to dress for conditions. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own binoculars and cameras. Communal spotting scopes and binoculars are available.
Due to smaller capacity, the Center has listed initial field trip dates on the website with plans to announce additional dates as field trips fill up. Interested individuals should monitor the website or contact the Center for an up-to-date field trip schedule.
Tickets are $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Seating is limited, and interested individuals are encouraged to reserve seats as soon as possible. A waiting list is available.
Private Eagle Habitat Tours are available year-round for groups of up to eight people on a per request basis. Pricing starts at $425 for members for a two-hour, personalized experience.
For additional details about the upcoming season’s schedule and online registration, visit nationaleaglecenter.org/eagle-
The National Eagle Center is a world-class museum located in Wabasha, MN. It is the world’s premier resource for impactful eagle education and experiences and offers wild eagle viewing, up-close eagle experiences, daily programs, and the American Eagle Gallery. For more information about the National Eagle Center, visit nationaleaglecenter.org or call 651.565.4989. The National Eagle Center is an equal opportunity provider.