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
May 26 – Oct. 22, 2023
The Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Oct. 23, 2023 – May 26, 2024
The Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays.
The Center will be closed Thanksgiving weekend (November 24-26) and Christmas weekend (December 22-24).
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.
- Members
- FREE
- Adults
- $15
- Seniors 60+ & Veterans
- $12
- Child* (4-12)
- $9
- 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!
Wolf 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.
Arctic Wolves – 2:15 p.m.
The Arctic is one of the harshest places on Earth, but it still supports a complex ecosystem that includes the arctic subspecies of the gray wolf. Join us to learn more about our very own arctic ambassadors, the adaptations they have to survive, and the other animals that share their natural habitat!
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
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
There is limited capacity for this program.
Pre-registration is required.
August – Wednesday and Friday at 8 p.m.
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!
Join a Howling Safari program to learn about wolf vocalizations before venturing into the nearby forest to try howling to a local wolf pack. Don’t be surprised if they howl back!
Behind the Scenes – Members Only
Pre-registration is required.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 p.m.
May 30 through August 10
Adult $12, Child (6-12) $6
Not suitable for children under six.
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. You’ll view the wolves from benches near the fence. We will hold the sessions even in less than desirable weather, so dress accordingly.
Looking for a weekend adventure? Learn more about our Adventure Programs.
ACCESSIBILITY
The International Wolf Center is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are permitted within the public areas of our building. Emotional support animals are not allowed. Accommodations for other special needs can be made available if arrangements are made ahead of time by calling (218) 365-4695 or by emailing programs@wolf.org.
The International Wolf Center bans guns on its premises.

The International Wolf Center advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future.