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Closed until 19 Apr 2024
North American Bear Center
North American Bear Center
5
Temporarily closedClosed until Apr 19, 2024
About
The North American Bear Center is the only educational facility of its kind - it helps people learn from the bears themselves about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans. There is a huge need for accurate information about bears worldwide and the mission of the non-profit North American Bear Center is to advance the long-term survival of bears worldwide by replacing misconceptions with scientific facts about bears.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- cenztIowa5,821 contributionsLearning About Bears at the North American Bear CenterGreat trip! We arrived at approximately 12:30 pm and made our way inside to buy our admission tickets. After buying our tickets, we were given a quick overview of the bear center, and where to meet up for the behind the scenes tour. We started to explore the museum, and were quickly overwhelmed by the amount of informational plaques and videos. There were several hundred informational plaques, containing information about bears, their habitat, their diet, common myths, and much more. The plaques contained both anecdotal information, as well as case studies and newspaper articles related to bears. There were also several dozen video monitors set up throughout the bear center as well. Each video monitor gave us a glimpse into the lives of bears in their natural habitat. Many of these short clips were filmed by Ely researchers themselves. After browsing through the museum, we decided to attend the behind the scenes tour, which was being held hourly. We met in an alcove, where an employee gave us a brief introduction on the four bears that were housed in the facility. We then made our way outside, and stopped at several of the bear enclosures. The employee then hand-fed several of the bears in front of us, while providing more fun facts about them. The tour lasted roughly 25 minutes. We then headed back inside to read through more of the exhibits. Inside the bear center was also a small play area for children, bathrooms, and a gift shop. There was also an observation deck, that allowed us to walk on a platform and view the bears living quarters. Outside, there was a short nature trail, that provided for a nice, relaxing walk. My biggest takeaway was that bears are not as scary and aggressive as many people/movies make them out to be. Tip: I recommend spending all day here if you truly want to see everything. There are a TON of informational plaques and video clips to watch.Visited October 2022Written 18 March 2023
- Globaby100Fenton, Michigan404 contributionsWell worth a visit. The bears are up close and personal.The finest bear center I have seen. We visited with a group and we enjoyed a guided tour to see the bears in residence. The facility is near the end of construction and is expected to be completed in a few days. You are up close to the bears and they usually roam a significant area. The Asst Director Spencer does an amazing job explaining and guiding through the facility.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 June 2023
- Rich JNaples, Florida377 contributionsWell worth the time both outside and inside their large exhibit filled buildingWe visited the Bear Center in early July. We took the tour that they have to see the bears in their own outside areas. Savannah was the tour guide and she did an excellent job and was very informative. Our only disappointment was the area where they had a viewing platform and it was under construction so we were not able to get any natural pictures of the bears. You might want to call before you go to see if the construction is complete. Inside their building there are many informative exhibits of bears and other animals and more. You could spend a couple hours learning a lot of information. It was very professionally done.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 July 2023
- PFGriff22Maryland4 contributionsMust do bear viewing ... excellent!The North American Bear Center is without a doubt, a don't miss stop when "up north" in Minnesota. The displays in the "museum" portion of the center are engaging and modern. Plan at least 90 minutes or much longer to give it the time and attention it deserves. The behind the scenes tour that is part of the general admission price is also very good. The highlight for us was the outside 2nd story viewing platform where we were able to observe and photograph Holly and Lucky, two of their three resident black bears, without any fences or bars to get in the way. We hoped this attraction would be good, but it far exceeded our expectations!Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 July 2023
- Canadian_Guy1000Mississauga, Canada3,415 contributionsVery educationalWhile in Ely, of course, we visited the renowned Bear Center ($15 per person), where we saw 4 black bears, learned about their history and also learned plenty of interesting facts about black bears. Many of the information on black bears contradicted what I had been reading, especially in Ontario Parks’ tabloids. One of the most interesting myths, which according to the Bear Center was untrue: “When Bears Lose Their Fear of People, They Become More Likely to Attack” The website cites many facts to disprove that.Visited September 2022Written 5 August 2023
- Kate N111 contributionsDo the behind the scenes tourIf you have to choose between the bear center and wolf center, I would recommend the bear center. You can take a behind the scenes tour that guarantees you see a bear. There is a ton of information and it would take hours to read, but it is very informative.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 August 2023
- bhuston47Saint Paul, Minnesota65 contributions2 Hour Educational Experience!This is a great place to come alone or come with a family. You will learn a lot about bears. They gave three bears on site. You will not be bored. There is so much to read, videos to watch, artifacts, displays, and more! It’s an educational experience for anyone. It cost about $15 for an adult. They also have a gift store on site. Would come again!Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 August 2023
- GooseviewNew Orleans, Louisiana350 contributionsIt'll change your mindWe were pleasantly surprised at this place...very good displays about all kinds of bears...much information about bears that flys in the face of what we've been taught and is a real learning experience. The live bear show is fun and the guide girls are great. We loved everything and bought the T-shirtVisited August 2023Written 20 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
732 reviews
Excellent
595
Very good
104
Average
26
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Gooseview
New Orleans, LA350 contributions
Aug 2023
We were pleasantly surprised at this place...very good displays about all kinds of bears...much information about bears that flys in the face of what we've been taught and is a real learning experience. The live bear show is fun and the guide girls are great. We loved everything and bought the T-shirt
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bhuston47
Saint Paul, MN65 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is a great place to come alone or come with a family. You will learn a lot about bears. They gave three bears on site. You will not be bored. There is so much to read, videos to watch, artifacts, displays, and more! It’s an educational experience for anyone. It cost about $15 for an adult. They also have a gift store on site. Would come again!
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josephine Z
10 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The bears were adorable! The staff was informative, and really worked to get the bears closer to the crowd. Totally worth the money!
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate N
111 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
If you have to choose between the bear center and wolf center, I would recommend the bear center. You can take a behind the scenes tour that guarantees you see a bear. There is a ton of information and it would take hours to read, but it is very informative.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justine S
5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
It was very fun, interactive tour where you got to see them eat snacks! Ir was cool to see them up close!! Also TONS of information inside the center to read and videos to watch!!
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canadian_Guy1000
Mississauga, Canada3,415 contributions
Sept 2022
While in Ely, of course, we visited the renowned Bear Center ($15 per person), where we saw 4 black bears, learned about their history and also learned plenty of interesting facts about black bears. Many of the information on black bears contradicted what I had been reading, especially in Ontario Parks’ tabloids. One of the most interesting myths, which according to the Bear Center was untrue: “When Bears Lose Their Fear of People, They Become More Likely to Attack” The website cites many facts to disprove that.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen W
South Saint Paul, MN109 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We saw all three bears in their “private enclosures” on the behind the scenes tour and learned a few interesting things about them from the guide. Seeing them roaming in the larger area would have been neat probably.
But the exhibits inside need a lot of work. There was waaaaaaayyyy too much reading in all the same style presentation and nothing interactive. The ecology wing about other Northwoods animals/ecosystem was a little better with a nice diorama, some furs to touch, animal calls to identify, etc.
But the exhibits inside need a lot of work. There was waaaaaaayyyy too much reading in all the same style presentation and nothing interactive. The ecology wing about other Northwoods animals/ecosystem was a little better with a nice diorama, some furs to touch, animal calls to identify, etc.
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PFGriff22
Maryland4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The North American Bear Center is without a doubt, a don't miss stop when "up north" in Minnesota. The displays in the "museum" portion of the center are engaging and modern. Plan at least 90 minutes or much longer to give it the time and attention it deserves. The behind the scenes tour that is part of the general admission price is also very good. The highlight for us was the outside 2nd story viewing platform where we were able to observe and photograph Holly and Lucky, two of their three resident black bears, without any fences or bars to get in the way. We hoped this attraction would be good, but it far exceeded our expectations!
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich J
Naples, FL377 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We visited the Bear Center in early July. We took the tour that they have to see the bears in their own outside areas. Savannah was the tour guide and she did an excellent job and was very informative. Our only disappointment was the area where they had a viewing platform and it was under construction so we were not able to get any natural pictures of the bears. You might want to call before you go to see if the construction is complete. Inside their building there are many informative exhibits of bears and other animals and more. You could spend a couple hours learning a lot of information. It was very professionally done.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Globaby100
Fenton, MI404 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The finest bear center I have seen. We visited with a group and we enjoyed a guided tour to see the bears in residence. The facility is near the end of construction and is expected to be completed in a few days. You are up close to the bears and they usually roam a significant area. The Asst Director Spencer does an amazing job explaining and guiding through the facility.
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much is it for two seniors and a 9 year old?
jamgeff
Shakopee, MN70 contributions
It will be 12.00 each. 60 and older
How much are the tickets for two seniors and a 9 year old?
DrgnL80
Elgin, IL15 contributions
From their website on 07/18/2019:
Admission:
Adults and Teens $13.00
Seniors (60+) or Military $12.00
Children (ages 3-12) $8.00
Children under 3 Free
Kcksum
Lee's Summit, MO
What time of day are the bears most active?
NABC_Ely_MN
Ely, MN
Hi kcksum1. Thank you for your question. While our four ambassador bears' activity levels vary, we have bear enrichment activities at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily, viewable from the viewing window inside or the outside viewing deck. Also, join any one of our eight hourly (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) Behind the Scene Tours to be guaranteed to see bears. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Note: Admission fee covers all programs and activities at the Bear Center.
cren1989
Sioux Falls, SD1 contribution
I am planning a visit to the area in a few weeks, how much time should I plan on spending at the NABC?
kdemoss43
Brighton, MI1 contribution
I would give more time than an hour, I would try 2-3 hours. There are many things to experience at NABC and watching the bears interact with each other and the staff is fun stuff.
How much is admission for Senior citizens?
JM B
Westlake, TX3 contributions
Hello Angus,
Admission for Seniors (65+) is $11.00. Other admission rates are:
Adults and Teens $13.00
Children (ages 3–12) $7.00
Children under 3 Free
Members Free
Bear Center regular hours are 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of April. Beginning May 1, the center is open daily from 10:00 - 4:00. Please check the NABC tab on our website for additional summer hours beginning May 25.
We look forward to your visit and thank you for your interest!
Joan S
Thunder Bay, Canada
How far is Ely off Highway 61? What is the population? What are the services?
NABC_Ely_MN
Ely, MN
The North American Bear Center is approx. 63 miles from the intersection of Hwys 61 & 1, near Illgen City, MN. Ely, pop. 3,500, offers many activities in both summer and winter, although many activities and restaurants are closed during the winter. A good resource google Ely and look at the 'winter' tab for best info for this time of year .Also, check for Bear Center hours. Hope this helps!
Joan S
Thunder Bay, Canada
How far off Highway 61 is the Bear Center.
Can you give me information about the town of Ely? Population, hotels, etc.?
NABC_Ely_MN
Ely, MN
The North American Bear Center is approx. 63 miles from the intersection of Hwys 61 & 1, near Illgen City, MN. Ely, pop. 3,500, offers many activities in both summer and winter, although many activities and restaurants are closed during the winter. A good resource google Ely and look at the 'winter' tab for best info for this time of year .Also, check for Bear Center hours. Hope this helps!
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Claim your listingNORTH AMERICAN BEAR CENTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about North American Bear Center
- North American Bear Center is open:
- Mon - Thu 11:00 - 15:00
- Fri - Sat 11:00 - 16:00
- Hotels near North American Bear Center:
- (2.48 km) Grand Ely Lodge
- (1.44 km) Canoe On Inn
- (1.06 km) Shagawa Inn Resort
- (1.49 km) Stay Inn Ely
- (2.81 km) Motel Ely
- Restaurants near North American Bear Center:
- (1.62 km) Britton's Cafe
- (1.71 km) Northern Expressions Ice Cream Parlor
- (1.84 km) Insula Restaurant
- (1.72 km) Boathouse Brewery
- (2.04 km) Front Porch Coffee & Tea Company