Great Education centre not a theme park. Enjoyable afternoon. Interesting displays and keen volunteers. I really enjoyed the Bears' individual personalities.
We liked everything about NABC. These folks are right on track with Black Bear education for everyone from the youngest child to the oldest adult.
Although we live quite a long trip away from the the center we came back a year after our first tripbecause there was a new bear to watch there and to repeat the fun of our first visit. A very educational place to spend time and learn about wildlife of the area. Volunteers and staff are enthusiastic and their love shows for what they do. We are elderly and cannot take part in a lot of the hikes and other activities offered or we would be there for those! My only problems were that we had to leave to eat and that the outdoor viewing area has a lot of stairs.
My husband and two kids (ages 9 and 11) learned a lot about the different species of bears. We got to watch them feed the bears and a worker narrated about the features of the bears living there.
I've been going to Ely annually for years and am not a big fan of museums. I did enjoy my stop here and appreciated what they have put together. The bears they have on the property appear well cared for and were otherwise considered un-releasable to the wild. in other words they are not exploiting bears that would otherwise survive in the wild. They are keeping them comfortable and using them to educate. The museum displays are full of short videos, each with the running time clearly displayed. The film in the theater was very engaging and professionally done.
A must visit when you're in Ely! I learned so many misconceptions about the black bear. They are a beautiful creature and deserve much more respect! Hope you can meet Dr. Lynn Rogers who pops in the center once and a while, such a great man!
The best part is watching the bears all year round than seeing them in actual settings of daily life when visiting the bear center.The extensive learning in the center the amazing displays is heart warming wealth of information for any age.
The North American Bear Center had interesting and educational displays. It also provided an opportunity to observe bears in a habitat much like a good zoo. The lady feeding the bears gave an interesting talk while my wife took many pictures. It was a good stop.
The three bears who appeared at feeding time was a nice distraction however for me the best part of this place was the exhibits inside which were fascinating. There is a wealth of information here and a video presentation which alone makes the visit worthwhile.This is a not for profit organisation so all entrance fees are plowed back into the center.Well worth a visit.
Two hours is not enough time to visit. I would suggest 4-6 hours, as the videos and viewing of the Bears is necessary to get everything the center offers. You will be able to watch video of an actual female bears den with her cubs. You will learn about all bears black, brown & grizzly Bears. We were able to watch the bears at meal time and one relaxing in a tree. They also offer for sale photography by Lynn Rogers. Great for families, couples or anyone while visiting Ely.