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 p.m. – 8 p.m.
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. – 10 p.m.
September – Saturday at 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
October – Saturday at 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 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!
11 a.m. daily from June 15 to Aug. 14
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
8:30 a.m. Fridays, starting June 5, ending July 30
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
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 15 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 »2020 Pup Care Program
The 2020 Pup Care application process has begun! Adding pups to the Exhibit Pack is an exciting time for us at the Center. The selection process for our Pup Care team requires us to select a dynamic group of people that will create a positive, socially engaging experience for the pups. Download the Pup Care Program Briefing for a complete description of our program, expectations of our participants, schedules, fees and application form. This packet is required reading for participation…
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 »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 »Wolves after Dark – February
Program Rates: Non-member $70, Member $65 Registration Deadline: February 5, 2020 Have you ever wondered what happens after nightfall with the International Wolf Center’s ambassador wolves? Spend an evening learning about wolf behavior and watching the Exhibit pack's weekly carcass feeding. Participants actually camp out in the Center’s auditorium in full view of the wolves and help the Center's wolf care team gain a better understanding of pack dynamics. Download important program details (cancellation policy, details on lodging, meals and transport, packing…
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 »March 2020
Star Trails and the Night Sky
Program Rates: Non-member $75, Member $67.50 Registration Deadline: March 2, 2020 Come to the dark side of photography where you’ll learn to capture the beauty of the night. Learn how photographer Heidi Pinkerton creates intriguing compositions after dark. She will go over basic camera settings and show you how to focus in the dark, but this workshop goes beyond that. Heidi will bring in RAW images and show you how she processes and prepares them for print. After the sun sets,…
Find out more »Boltz’s Birthday Webinar
Webinar rate: $15 Non-members, $12 Members Boltz is representative of the Great Plains subspecies, and joined the Exhibit Pack on July 30th, 2012. He is currently a lower ranking wolf, but is always watching for opportunities to increase his status. He is a bit more reserved in personality and often displays the “wolf look” judging the flight distance of any oncoming threat. Join us for this one-hour webinar as we broadcast from the Exhibit Pack and celebrate Boltz’s 8th birthday.
Find out more »Luna’s Birthday Webinar
Webinar rate: $15 Non-members, $12 Members Luna is representative of the Great Plains subspecies and has been living in the retirement area since August 7, 2016. As you may know, Luna was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in 2019. As of fall, 2019, she was managing, but the cancer had returned. Join us for this one-hour webinar as we either celebrate Luna’s 8th birthday or honor her life as an incredible ambassador to her species.
Find out more »