The International Wolf Center offers programs that enhance 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 below at the variety of programs we have and plan your visit today!
HOURS AND LOCATION
Summer Hours
May 24 – October 20
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Please note that the Center will be temporarily closed for building maintenance on October 8-10.
Winter Hours
January 1 – May 23
Oct. 21 – December 31
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.
The Center will be closed on the following dates:
- March 31 – Easter
- November 29-December 1 – Thanksgiving Weekend
- December 20-22 – Weekend before Christmas
1396 Highway 169
Ely, Minnesota 55731-8129
Telephone: 218-365-4695
TTY Relay Service: dial 711
E-mail: programs@wolf.org
ADMISSION FEES
Admission includes all daily programs, film presentations in our theater, the Discover Wolves! and Little Wolf exhibits and our live ambassador wolves.
When you preregister for general admission below, you can save $2.00 per person!
- Members
- FREE
- Adults
- $18
- Seniors 60+ & Veterans
- $16
- Child* (4-12)
- $12
- Child* (3 and under)
- FREE
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.
Daily Programs
These programs are included with admission.
Topics and times are subject to change.
Specialty Programs
(small additional fee for after hours programs)
Ambassadors to the Wild – 10:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m.
Learn about our ambassador wolves! This program introduces the Center as well as each of our ambassador wolves, their histories, and the socialization process that helps them to be ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild.
Gray Wolf 101 – 11:15 a.m.
The gray wolf is a social carnivore found in a variety of regions throughout the northern hemisphere. This program provides an overview about the gray wolf species including hunting, pack dynamics, and communication!
Enrichment – 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
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 new items in their enclosure.
Wolves and Wetlands – 2:15 p.m.
Discover how wolves impact the wildlands they inhabit through their predator-prey relationship with the beaver, an ecosystem engineer. Join this interactive program to learn some fundamentals about the biology, behavior, and ecological
roles of wolves and beavers in wetland ecosystems!
What’s for Dinner?
There is limited capacity for this program.
Pre-registration is required.
Saturdays at 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Adult Non-member $11; Adult Member $8.80
Child Non-member (4-12) $7; Child Member $5.60
Children 3 and under FREE
Ever wondered what dinner time looks like for a wolf? Join us every Saturday at 7 p.m. for the legendary “What’s for Dinner?” event. Witness the Exhibit Pack weekly feeding. It’s a unique opportunity to observe the feeding rituals of wolves, from dining to caching. An experience you’ll not want to miss!
Howling Safari
There is limited capacity for this program.
Pre-registration is required.
August, September and October – Saturday at 8 p.m.
Adult Non-member $12; Adult Member $9.60
Child Non-member (6-12) $8; Child Member $6.40
Not suitable for children under six. Participants need to provide their own transportation and follow the International Wolf Center van. Field trip locations are easy to get to. Just follow our staff!
For those who seek adventure under the moonlight, our Howling Safari awaits. This is your chance to delve into the world of wolf vocalizations before stepping into the wilderness to call
out to a local wolf pack. Imagine the thrill if you get a response! Available on Saturday nights at 8 p.m. in August, September and October. Remember, pre-registration at wolf.org is required.
Behind the Scenes – Members Only
Pre-registration is required.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 p.m.
May 28 through August 8
Adult $12, Child (6-12) $6
Not suitable for children under six.
Get ready for our exclusive, up-close experience, Behind the Scenes program! Dive into the secretive world of ambassador wolves every Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. May 28 to August 8. This is your golden ticket to uncover the mysteries of these majestic creatures and the dedicated team behind their care. Don’t miss out—secure your spot now at wolf.org!
Looking for a weekend adventure? Our expert wolf educators have developed challenging and memorable programs for you to enjoy in Minnesota’s northwoods. Register for an Adventure Program today!
ACCESSIBILITY
We are committed to making the International Wolf Center a fun and inviting place for everyone.
Learn more about the Center’s accessibility.
The International Wolf Center bans guns on its premises.
The International Wolf Center uses science-based education to teach and inspire the world about wolves, their ecology, and the wolf-human relationship.