I dislike zoo's and wasn't sure what to expect. Each of the 4 bears here has a story that made them not safe to be in the wild and would have otherwise been put down. This place is their haven! They have a large shared common area and separate areas they can retreat to. There is a tremendous amount of information on all types of bears in the center. Videos, interactive games, displays... you name it, they have it. Great place to visit in Ely! Don't miss it! read more

I was unsure my 3 teens would enjoy the Bear Center but they loved it (and so did the parents)! So much good information and the guided tour was fantastic. And of course seeing the bears up close was really cool. Highly recommend! read more

North American Bear Center - Zoos Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

Stopped in on a rainy Saturday afternoon and it was pretty busy! The center is giant though so there was room for everyone! I loved all of the exhibits and the information cards. I lowkey wanted one of the worksheets that they gave to kids to fill out. My favorite part was the outdoor observation deck where you could see the bears! It was fun watching them eat. read more

So glad we stopped here. The center is beautifully done as an education opportunity. The entry fee was $15. We were lucky to have checked in right before a tour of the real bears was starting so we didn't wait long. A guide takes the group outside to see the bears. They had three of them when we visited. One was in his enclosure because he wasn't getting along with another one so they rotate who is in the personal enclosure. They fed the bears some healthy snacks and we could see them eating and exploring. Beautiful creatures. After the live bear tour, the center has many offerings to learn. They have done a great job with the taxidermy so you can get up close with several animals. My favorites included the fur samples that you can touch from several different animals. I also loved all the amazing photos of bears in their natural habitats. Staff was knowledgeable and will to answer all questions. While it would be cool to see one of the 15,000 bears in the wild in MN, I think I'll stick to seeing them in the center and zoos. Great stop. read more

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Enjoy the feeding of the bears in the back behind the scenes tour they do. The place continues to grow and gives lots of great information on bears of the world and of North America and wildlife in the area of Ely. Second or third time back read more

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I took a large group of adults and children to the Bear Center for activities and a tour. The staff were wonderful and had engaging activities planned for ages 3 to 83. We learned a lot about bears and a lot more about the wildlife in the area. The visit got rave reviews from our family reunion group and I was very glad I had made this our kickoff event. read more

The North American Bear Center is a great experience for all ages but especially for families. Located on the outskirts of Ely we have passed the center for years and finally stopped in with our 15 month old and 3 year old who were excited to see bears. The cost is $15 for adults, $9 for kids 3+ and no cost for kids under 3. While we waited for the tour we took advantage of the free nature walk outside the center. The center provides free birdseed to give to the little animals on the trail. Our kids were thrilled when little birds flew into their hands and when they got to feed the chipmunks. A cool experience before even seeing any bears! Once inside the center they take you on a tour where you learn about each of the bears they have on site. It's an up close and personal experience. The exhibits are also really well done they have a room made especially for kids with coloring books, Bear books and a cave to play in. We had a great time and would definitely come back. Travelers may be interested to know there is a picnic area available. read more

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Black bear in real life and up close and watch them climb trees right in front of your face. read more

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I enjoyed the North American bears center very much. The Bears were not all that active when we were there as they are preparing for hibernation but the tour was very informative and we did get to get close and see them. read more

North American Bear Center - Beer feeding - Zoos Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

Things I learned: 1) Only about 10 percent of a black bear's diet consists of meat and fish, and they love yogurt covered raisins. 2) If you live in Wisconsin and have the right permit, you can own your own black bear. (Um... no thanks?) 3) Black bears this far north hibernate 7 months out of the year. We visited the last week before they closed, so we saw some sleepy bears. I was so impressed with this place. They give you a presentation about the bears and then a tour to see them in their enclosures. The British girl who gave our presentation and tour was fantastic. The displays offer an abundance of information about bears, including a historical display of "bear attack" stories that spread dangerous myths about these mostly peaceful creatures. And the bears themselves are so adorable and fun to watch! We watched as red squirrels and blue jays came right up to them to eat their food scraps. The gift shop was reasonably priced, and everyone we encountered working here was very nice and full of suggestions for what to do in Ely. I thought overall this was nicer than the Wolf Center -- which was fun too, but if you have to choose one, I would go to here. I genuinely feel like I have a better appreciation now for these wonderful animals. Sleep tight, bears! read more

North American Bear Center - Who's a good kitty? - Zoos Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

It was really cool to see the black bears up close. The behind the scenes tour was nice and informative. I definitely recommend stopping by if you visit the Ely area! read more

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Run, do not skip Go, and make a morning or afternoon intentional stop at this wonderful Bear Center where learning, history, shopping, and fun are all at your fingertips! We absolutely loved our two hour stop (we came minutes after a tour began and spent time watching films and seeing the sites)... normal tours are 30-40 minutes but you NEED to watch the 45 minute video of the fascinating research/recording of real bears in the Northwoods of MN. Never be scared of bears again! Loved this place! read more

They've had a major overhaul since we were here last and it looks fantastic! I love the new addition of the fish tank and the taxidermy display. The viewing window is always fun, too. They have four bears and two of them were out while we were there. (You can view them from inside or outside from an observation deck.) There is an absolute wealth of information to read and beautiful photographs to admire. If you have the time, watch the movie in the theatre about Dr. Lynn Rogers and his work with black bears. It was really fascinating. The children's area is currently under construction but the plans for the finished room look like it will be a great place for kids to play and learn. The gift shop has great choices and some really beautiful locally done pottery. The North American Bear Center is a must-see if you're in the Ely area! read more

North American Bear Center - Lucky having a little sit and think. - Zoos Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

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This is the best place to see bears up close and learn the truth about them. I wish something like this existed when I was in primary school, as it makes for a great potential field trip, just as it does for adults. If you're traveling anywhere near the North Woods, you have to visit. Admission is good all day; so you can leave and come back at your leisure. The exhibits and staff are excellent, being just as heart warming as the ambassador bears. I came from California to visit for the first time this summer, after watching the free webcams for several years and following Dr. Lynn Rogers' work forever. The gift shop's great too. The NABC operates as a nonprofit, and, is a wonderful example for others to follow. read more

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The center is not only informative and educational, but it's very fun. There are so many beautiful displays of bears and many other northern animals and birds, accompanied by written and video information. The guided tour to see the bears was very interesting. Our guide, Katrina was fabulous! Highly recommended for all ages. read more

So cool! Got to see the bears and learn a lot. Stay for the tour, which brings you too see the bears in their enclosures and watch as the guides feed them snacks. The guide was amazing. She answered every question and really knew her stuff. I'm labeling it as a must see and if i ever drive through again i'll be sure to stop! read more

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This place is amazing. I love the education they provide on all things bear related. Staff is amazing (especially Jessica), what they provide is incredible. Go see them and donate! read more

The best zoological museum ever...this is not. But this place is still really awesome! Lots of information conveyed in lots of different ways. Dispels common myths. Exhibits on lots of different bears and other north woods animals too. Outdoor tours and multiple indoor exhibits. It's clear that the staff really cares about the mission of their institution. Clean facility. Very impressed! read more

Such a beautiful place!! We got a tour of the grounds and could see the live bears in their habitats. Learned so much and have a new appreciation for the bears and native animals of northern Minnesota. Our tour guide, spencer, was fantastic. Highly recommend. read more

North American Bear Center - Zoos Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

what a wonderful facility. the tour was great and the information concerning the history and bear conservation was outstanding. please continue the fine work and education read more

This place is not to be missed! If you are in Ely or anywhere in the area, you simply must go and check out the North American Bear Center. It's not just bears - the addition of their new Northwoods Ecology Hall includes a wonderful interactive experience for all of the wildlife that you might find in northern Minnesota. I actually made the arduous 10 hour drive up from the Chicago area to visit this center, and to participate in a Field Research opportunity. I was so excited to finally arrive after such a long drive, and as soon as you walk in the door you are in bear heaven! The entire center floor is full of videos, displays, interactive sound boards, signage and photos of so many research projects that the center has been involved in. Everything to see and do and experience is almost overwhelming, and so much fun! There are plenty of educational and interactive experiences for the kids, too. The gift shop is stocked with so much adorable bear (and moose, and Northwoods) stuff that it's hard not to do all of your souvenir shopping right there. But the best part about the center is the bears themselves - NABC currently has 4 black bears living on site (bears that could not be left or reintroduced back into the wild). These animals are their ambassadors and serve to teach the public that black bears are not to be feared, just respected. read more

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We had a great time and there weren't even any bears out Located just outside of Ely, the Bear Center was an incredibly educational opportunity that shed light on a very misunderstood animal. Ourselves both scientists, my partner and I appreciated that the majority of the information was taken from direct field observations of some 40 years of work with the local Ely bear population. The Center was spacious, but they still managed to put an incredible amount of information into a very small space. There were various sections ranging from bear sounds to common bear myths to what bears eat that each offered a unique insight into bear biology. My favorite part was that there were a lot of video stations on repeat that showed different bear behaviors more effectively than a stationary placard ever could. It is obvious that there has been an incredible amount of time and effort put into these displays. We also enjoyed the small movie theater showing a video chronicling the history of some of the bears studied at the center. On the day that we went, the bears were all in their dens, but we still thoroughly enjoyed the massive amount of information available. read more

One of the best natural wildlife education centers you will ever go and see. Lots to see and learn. Well worth the trip way up north. read more

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Had a wonderful up close experience with black bears at the bear center. Was able to stand 5 feet away and watch them eat. They were very active, climbing trees and wondering around. read more

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This was an okay experience. Felt it was very over priced for what it was. They had many exhibits and unless you had a lot of time to spend here you won't get through them all- a LOT of reading. There was a small area for small children but little more to hold their attention. The bear tour was very short. We visited the Vince Shute sanctuary the following day and it was much more enjoyable. read more

So much to see and learn here - 4 resident bears and live programs every hour or so, an hour long film, lots of photographs, and tons of educational exhibits. Plus they have a nice covered picnic area where you can eat lunch. I spent two hours and wasn't able to read everything, so I'll definitely be back sometime in the future! read more

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We came to visit Ely during the last weekend that the Bear Center was open October 20. We appreciate that the attendant informed our family of seven that only one bear might be seen since the remaining bears were already in hibernation. Happy that we did not pay for all seven members of our family. So, only a few of our family members paid admission and found the exhibits boring. No Bears to be seen. We felt the International Wolf Center was more interesting. read more

A lifetime of study and research. Appreciate these beautiful bears! Learn and ask questions!

Very cool bears are right across the fence from you. Something everyone should experience. Information center has a lot of stuff you can look at and spend time at. read more

We came here first driving from Twin Cities on Saturday for our long weekend. At first, I was a bit hesitant that there would not be real bears. However, we were surprised that there were 3 bears- Lucky, Teddy, and Holly. There was an announcement for seeing the bears in front of the glass window as volunteers tossed two large donuts with holes drilled for filling treats. It was nice to see the bears figure out to fish out grapes and other goodies. Afterwards, we walked to the rest of the exhibits to learn about bears in the wild. After another half hour, a staff member came by to remind us about the private tour with the bears. So, we waited with group number 1 and walked through the back. There we got close the fence to see Lucky and Holly in the distance climbing up the tree. Then, we moved on to see Teddy up close as a volunteer hand over strawberries, grapes, and peanuts. We were even told how bears have back canines to shell out the nuts. Last, we watched a BBC video of bears in the theater and it was eye-opening to learn about how bears forage for food as well as 2 different bear moms. I loved how the BBC video followed the lives between an experienced mother bear and new mother bear. It makes you nervous thinking how those cubs will turn out. Well, I will not ruin it but everyone in the theater found it equally interesting and educational. Do NOT miss this place and your wristband gets you $1 your admission to the wolf center few miles from Ely downtown. read more

I really liked this bear center. We saw red and holly and learned a lot. It was really cool being that close to bears, I would definitely recommend it. You could also tell they took a lot of time doing the inside with very valuable information. You can't miss the bear climbing the tree. My only problem would be the appeal is kinda pricy. read more

We think the Bear Center is such a neat place! They strive to educate people on wildlife in the Ely wilderness area and focus on black bear habitat. They also have 3 live bears on exhibit which is great for children. This would be a great place for a field trip or a rainy day activity. I do wish they had more food options, but that's about it. Great time! read more

Lot's of fun. Enjoyed the program and all the pictures and displays set up. Good for around 3hrs of entertainment and education.

I visited the NABC over the summer. It's a wonderful place. The displays and educational facility is wonderful, and Meeting Ted, Honey, and Lucky was a life changing experience for me. I highly recommend you visit if you can to see the amazing work they are doing to educate people about black bears and how misunderstood they are. read more

If you are visiting the Boundary Water area you must visit the NABC. There are 3 black bears that live in the best animal habitat I have ever seen. The staff is friendly and so helpful. The exhibits are the best documention I have seen on black bears. There is even a theater and gift shop with so many great items. They also have an outside observation deck and you can see the bears up close. Admission is very reasonable. A great way to spend the day/afteroon with the family. read more

Keep an open mind when you visit the North American Bear Center . You will be impressed, entertained and enlightened! The research information provides scientific support that all the fear-producing myths about black bears that we have heard our whole lives is unfounded! Teeth clacking and moaning do not mean a bear is going to attack. Our lives are not endangered by the curious, smart and shy black bear. And more. You will be amazed! Plus, LOTS of information on other kinds of bears around the world. read more

This is a must see place. If you're on your way to the boundary waters, be sure to stop in when you are near Ely,MN. The exhibits are excellent. The 3 bears there have a fenced in area that is actually part of the woods and a pond with waterfalls. You can either go on a second story balcony to view them, or you can view them inside the center through a huge window on the first floor. A new addition is being added and will be ready next year. I can't wait to go back! read more