The International Wolf Center has numerous programs that enhance both in-person and online educational experiences. Our ambassador wolves reinforce our educational messages by creating a connection with each one of our visitors. Take a look at the variety of programs we have so you can plan your visit!
Daily Programs
(included with admission)
Ambassadors to the Wild
Want to know more about our Exhibit Pack? Join this program to learn about each of our ambassador wolves, their histories and behaviors. Then step into the world of wolf biology and gain a better understanding of wolf behavior and pack dynamics!
30-minute presentation
Coywolves, Wolves, Wolf-Dogs? Oh my!
It’s more than their looks that make wolves, coyotes, foxes, dogs and even wolf-dogs different. Behaviors, diets and even vocalizations vary between members of the dog family. Come find out what makes each one unique!
Wolf Enrichment
Looking for the wolves? Wolves typically try to conserve energy and avoid the heat of the day. During this special program, our wolf care staff will encourage our ambassador wolves to actively investigate their enclosure.
30-minute presentations
Wolves of the Northwoods
What’s so special about up North? What role do wolves play here? Join this program to learn how the past has shaped this area and affects what currently survives in this unique part of Minnesota.
The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale
The declining wolf population combined with an increasing moose population on Isle Royale led to a decision to translocate wolves to the island. Learn more about the history, population dynamics, and recent wolf translocations to this isolated ecosystem.
Wolves in Wildlands
What do wolves need to thrive? How do they interact and impact the other organisms where they live? Join us for a look at these relationships and discover the importance of wildlands.
30-minute presentation
Note: Wolves are curious and will generally come out during a program in the auditorium. However, they are wild animals, so we cannot guarantee that you will see the wolves during a particular program.
Specialty Programs
(small additional fee for after hours programs)
What’s for Dinner?
Saturdays at 7 pm
Adult Non-member $8; Adult Member $5
Child Non-member (4-12) $5; Child Member $3
Children 3 and under FREE
Learn about the fascinating feeding behavior of wolves as you watch our Exhibit Pack dine, cache, hide or lay on a variety of prey.
Howling Safari
August – Wednesday and Friday at 8 p.m.
September – Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
October – Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
Adult Non-member $10; Adult Member $9
Child Non-member (6-12) $6; Child Member $5
Not suitable for children under six. If you are participating with children under 8 years old, to comply with Minnesota car and booster seat laws, you will need to provide your own transportation on field trips. Field trip locations are easy to get to, just follow our staff!
Prior registration is required.
Did you hear that?! Learn about wolf vocalizations before practicing your own howl and venturing into the nearby forest to try howling to a local wolf pack. Don’t be surprised if they howl back!
Learn about wolves through interactive games and fun activities. This hands-on program is designed for kids 4-12 years old. Parents must remain on-site and with their child.
Behind the Scenes – Members Only
Fridays, starting June 15, ending August 10
Adult $10, Child (6-12) $5
Not suitable for children under six.
Prior registration required.
This behind-the-scenes experience gives members exclusive access to areas off-limits to the general public! Get up close and learn about the socialization, care, and feeding of our ambassador wolves. Participants will view the wolves from benches near the fence.
Adventure Vacations
(Online Registration Required)
Events Search and Views Navigation
November 2019
Dr. Rolf Peterson on the Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale
Webinar rate: $20 Non-members, $15 Members Dr. Rolf Peterson is a Research Scientist with Michigan Technological University, studying the wolves and moose on Isle Royale. The study about their complex relationship within an isolated ecosystem began in 1958, initiated by Durward Allen. Dr. Rolf Peterson will be discussing the island and the changes to the wolf and moose populations. Join us online for this fascinating discussion and the opportunity to ask Dr. Rolf Peterson your questions!
Find out more »December 2019
Being Patient: How on earth do wolves actually ambush beavers?
Webinar rate: $20 Non-members, $15 Members Beavers are important prey for wolves throughout the boreal ecosystem, but how on earth do wolves catch these semi-aquatic rodents? The Voyageurs Wolf Project gained unprecedented insight into how wolves actually hunt and kill beavers with studies that began in 2015. Join Tom Gable, project lead for the Voyageurs Wolf Project, as he delves into the fascinating world of wolf-beaver interactions, and what the Voyageurs Wolf Project has learned about how wolves ambush beavers.
Find out more »Winter is Here Webinar
Webinar rate: $15 Non-members, $12 Members Wolves have a two-coat system, the long thick guard hairs that dictate the color of their pelage and the dense undercoat that enhances the wolves’ physical size in winter. Join us for this one-hour webinar to gain some appreciation for the adaptations that aid in winter survival.
Find out more »January 2020
North Country by Dogsled
Program Rates: Non-member $850, Member $800 Registration Deadline: December 20, 2019 Deposit: $100 Join International Wolf Center staff on an adventure into the north country by dogsled to learn about wolves! Start your weekend with a hot dinner and a night at the International Wolf Center observing our ambassador wolves. After a continental breakfast in the morning, begin your expedition at White Wilderness Dog Sledding by learning how to harness your dogs, and depart across the snow-covered wilderness for a full day of…
Find out more »Wolf Family Rendezvous – January
Rates: $75 Adult Non-member (13 years old and older), $67.50 Adult Member (13 years old and older) $50 Child Non-member (6-12 years old), $45 Child Member (6-12 years old) Registration Deadline: January 4, 2020 A full weekend of family fun showcases the best of what the International Wolf Center and Ely have to offer. The Wolf Family Rendezvous program includes three days of free admissions to the International Wolf Center, private lessons about wolves, private-wolf viewing time before the Center opens and after…
Find out more »February 2020
Winter Wildlife Photography Workshop with Heidi Pinkerton
Program Rates: Non-member $75, Member $67.50 Registration Deadline: January 20, 2020 With a better understanding of how some of the animals not only survive but thrive in our Minnesota winters, you’ll give yourself the advantage of better wildlife photography. Join photographer Heidi Pinkerton for this full-day workshop at the International Wolf Center. You will learn go-to settings for capturing animals on the move, including stopping the action of birds in flight. Discover techniques for making your subjects pop in the scene, along…
Find out more »2020 Wolf Care Webinars Subscription
Webinar subscription rate: Non-Member $140, Member $120 (~$68 cost savings over individual viewing) Subscription registration closes February 1st, 2020 Support the ambassador wolves with a subscription to the 2020 Wolf Care webinar series. These 14 one-hour sessions include birthday celebrations of the ambassador wolves, a welcoming of our 2020 pups, status updates as the pups’ transition into the Exhibit Pack as well as topics related to the change of the seasons that may impact pack dynamics. Each webinar features a…
Find out more »Winter Dynamics Webinar
Webinar rate: $15 Non-members, $12 Members Winter is the prime season for wolves and wolf activity. Join us for this one-hour webinar, as we interpret the alliances and hierarchy of the 2020 Exhibit Pack. Discover if the "Winter Dynamics" has led to Denali's retirement.
Find out more »Wilderness ONE
Registration Deadline: February 3, 2020 Program Rates: $25 This mini session is for woman only. It has become a goal of Heidi Pinkerton to help women combat the anxiety of exploring nature alone. Join her for an hour and half workshop where you will be able to ask the difficult questions that might help you overcome some of the fear of being outside after dark. She will teach you what she has learned over the years and try to help you…
Find out more »Wolves and Women’s Weekend: Northwoods Winter
Program Rates: Non-member $275, Member $250 Registration Deadline: February 14, 2020 Join us for a fun, relaxing weekend learning about wolves and the northwoods while enjoying the company of women who have the same hectic routine as you! Try snowshoeing, using radio telemetry to listen for a wild wolf’s signal and even take a quick dogsled ride. Slow it down for the weekend, enjoy some wine and cheese as we gather at the Northern Tier High Adventure Canoe Base. Enjoy everything…
Find out more »