Alaska Raptor Center
Alaska Raptor Center
4.5
About
Growing from a backyard, volunteer-run operation, the Alaska Raptor Center has become Alaska's foremost bald eagle hospital and educational center, as well as one of the state's premier visitor attractions.Each year, the Alaska Raptor Center provides medical treatment to 100-200 injured bald eagles and other birds. Our goal is to release our patients back into the wild; some, however, are injured so severely they could not survive in the wild even after rehabilitation. These birds may join our Raptors-in-Residence, providing excitement and education for more than 36,000 annual visitors and for the 15,000 schoolchildren we reach through the Adopt-A-Raptor program and Classroom Presentations around the country.The Alaska Raptor Center's 17-acre campus borders the Tongass National Forest, a temperate coastal rainforest, and the Indian River in Sitka, Alaska, and features award-winning natural habitats for our 19 Raptors-in-Residence.
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- Troonie1Drouin South, Australia719 contributionsUnderstanding raptors- great visitWell established and structured facility taking care of injured wild birds. Great educational talks and ability to see the raptors. Great philanthropic support makes this a well balanced education and tourist eventVisited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 9, 2024
- Mary PPensacola, Florida5 contributionsUp close with beautiful raptorsAmazing work these folks are doing to rehabilitate raptors and get them back in the wild if at all possible. Great flying pen allowing eagles to get their “wings” back. Those that can’t be released are kept safe and well cared for.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 9, 2024
- Keith W27 contributionsAnnual cruiseThe Raptor Center is located just on the other side of the National Park. A short walk. This was a bucket list item for me to visit. I wasn’t disappointed. Friendly staff and available to answer questions. Good display of taxidermy but many more live birds of prey. Happy we were able to see this amazing place!Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 25, 2024
- Christa JCentennial, Colorado36 contributionsEagles up close!I hiked solo from downtown Sitka and back thru Sitka Natl. Park to the raptor center which was an enjoyable walk with lots of people doing the same. Trails ware marked very well to get there. I really enjoyed seeing the different birds up close and learning about the rehab. Hiked around the trails around the center. Very informative.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten July 3, 2024
- Kevin BDenver, Colorado810 contributionsBest of Sitka tour stopStopped here on a best of Sitka 3 part tour. A bunch of bald eagles, owls and other birds. Up close view which was nice. Not a whole lot of signs to read. We did not do the hiking trail out back as we only spent about 30 minutes. Not sure about price if going without tour but as part of tour it provided a nice variety.Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 5, 2024
- PapTroutville, Virginia30 contributionsThe Raptor Center is AWESOME - Kincaid Made it That Much Better!Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Raptor Center. It is a great service they are doing to the animals which are wounded, for many reasons. I must say that Kincaid was extremely professional and enjoyable as a host. His knowledge is fantastic and delivery is well beyond his youth. He made the visit that much better!Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 13, 2024
- Southwest_GauchoLake Havasu City, Arizona1,265 contributionsWorth stopping forOutstanding raptor center that is helping to rehabilitate the American Bald Eagle. Staff was extremely helpful and the center was well done. Hourly live bird talks outside were great and bird handlers were very informative. The nature walk through the grounds was nice as well as having the opportunity to eat some berries. Glad to see what your admission dollars are paying for here.Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 7, 2024
- littlejet401 contributionsGorgeous and majestic birds + easy hiking with spectacular sites!Loved the Raptor Center! The birds were so majestic and it was obvious that the staff were committed to the highest level of care of these beautiful creatures. Also, we hiked along the trails that start from the center and go into the Tongass Forest. Seeing the water full of massive salmon swimming upstream to spawn was breathtaking! You have to see it to believe it! We went here as part of our Alaskan cruise. We didn’t do a cruise excursion but rather did it on our own which gave us much more flexibility to do our own thing. Loved this place!Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 15, 2024
- Rhonda B27 contributionsSitkas own Alaska Raptor centerA wonderful opportunity to see Eagles, Hawks, Owls up close. The visit starts with an informational short film about the mission of the center followed by a go at your own pace visit to see the birds in resident. There is a hiking trail at the center along the Indian River. The staff.was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their guest. The cost was $16 each adult to help this non-profit fulfil their mission.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,176 reviews
Excellent
886
Very good
240
Average
41
Poor
8
Terrible
2
AKSpruce
Sitka, AK2 contributions
Jul 2020
I love the raptor center. We've been there many times and love what they do to rehab and release injured birds.
But if you have any concerns about COVID, I don't recommend making an appointment anytime soon.
I was really disappointed that they shoved us all together as a group and forced everyone to tour the facility together. The tour guide kept encouraging everyone to get closer together, exactly the opposite of the current state mandates. The group of approx 25 people was then herded from room to room together. For the video presentation, everyone was sitting in seats just inches apart.
We won't be going back until we are allowed to check out the facility without a group again.
But if you have any concerns about COVID, I don't recommend making an appointment anytime soon.
I was really disappointed that they shoved us all together as a group and forced everyone to tour the facility together. The tour guide kept encouraging everyone to get closer together, exactly the opposite of the current state mandates. The group of approx 25 people was then herded from room to room together. For the video presentation, everyone was sitting in seats just inches apart.
We won't be going back until we are allowed to check out the facility without a group again.
Written July 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so sorry to hear you did not enjoy your experience! We cap our tours at 20 people, which allows everyone the space to social distance throughout our facility. Our auditorium is spacious, with enough seating for 20 people to spread out a safe distance from each other. Keep in mind that people from the same household may choose to sit next to each other. We also require that everyone wear masks and we limit appointments to 1 hour, which allows us to sanitize after each appointment. Our COVID-19 mitigation plan can be found on our website; https://alaskaraptor.org/covid-19/.
Written July 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FOTMM
United States3,781 contributions
Jul 2021
Absolutely wonderful place to visit. We found the price reasonable and were grateful to support the organization. There was indoor access to the rehabilitation aviary and we were able to watch the raptors feeding. Lots of information, q&a with guides, videos and the nature trail provided many beautiful views of the area.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OMB
Apex, NC39 contributions
May 2022
While vacationing is Sitka on May 26, 2022, my wife and I visited the Alaska Raptor Center. The admission fee was $13 each. The center specializes in raptor rehabilitation. Rescued birds are provided care by the specially trained staff with the hope the birds will soon be returned to the wild. Birds so severely injured they can't be released, remain at the center. It was really cool to be able to see eagles and owls up close. Unfortunately due to rising cases of Avian Influenza in Alaska, we were unable to wander a trail in the woods and see resident eagles in a more natural setting. However, seeing the birds up close was worth the visit.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra B
Sydney115 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It was great to get to visit the Raptor Centre during our tour of Sitka (from the cruise ship).
What an amazing job all the staff/volunteers do to rehabilitate the wildlife that they can.
We got to see the Centre's ambassador Bald Eagle - Rain, who put on a great show for us - even if she wasn't hungry at the time!
Would definitely recommend a vist here to learn more about Bald Eagles and the other wildlife they help to rehabilitate.
What an amazing job all the staff/volunteers do to rehabilitate the wildlife that they can.
We got to see the Centre's ambassador Bald Eagle - Rain, who put on a great show for us - even if she wasn't hungry at the time!
Would definitely recommend a vist here to learn more about Bald Eagles and the other wildlife they help to rehabilitate.
Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John K
4 contributions
Jul 2022
Saw several raptors, although most were in pens and hard to see and photograph. The educational lecture was very crowded and hard to see up close. The number of birds was very limited, although very interesting to see. Entry fee is a little on the high side for what you get to see, although I am sure the funds are needed to operate the facility.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear you did not enjoy your visit. If there is anything we could have done to have made it a better experience, feel free to reach out to our Development Specialists, Richard.Hart@alaskaraptor.org
Written August 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sparklekranch
The Hague, The Netherlands10 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Great experience with beautiful, majestic birds. Engaging keepers have great explanations. We went to the Fortress of the Bear yesterday and the Raptor Center today, and we found both wonderful, but the bears were a really tough act to follow. Would have reversed the two, particularly for engaging the kids.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leighly
Houston, TX234 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
The Raptor Center is located off Indian River, a reasonable walk from downtown Sitka or a quick car ride. Admission is $15.00 which includes access to the training center, the raptors, and the educational experience/tour. An hour is a good amount to tour, and the mission of this center is absolutely fantastic. The stories around the individual birds are compelling to hear or read, and it's not just a learning experience but a well planned and executed rehabilitation center first and foremost. The admission fee and donations are going to a good cause.
Written June 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merrowmum
Guildford, UK1,374 contributions
Jul 2022
It is wonderful to hear that this highly worthwhile organisation has grown from tiny beginnings 40+ years ago to now rescuing and treating some 200 injured birds per year, mostly bald eagles. We were taken here as part of a cruise excursion.
The presentation was very well done, giving us a chance to see recuperating birds in the flight retraining area as well as then having a audio/visual presentation with a live bird brought in - we were very lucky that it was a female bald eagle!
They also have several birds who cannot be released that you can see - owls, a red-tailed kite(?) plus bald eagles, so you can get some lovely photos as well as learn more about them from the great staff.
A gift shop, of course, completes the experience.
The presentation was very well done, giving us a chance to see recuperating birds in the flight retraining area as well as then having a audio/visual presentation with a live bird brought in - we were very lucky that it was a female bald eagle!
They also have several birds who cannot be released that you can see - owls, a red-tailed kite(?) plus bald eagles, so you can get some lovely photos as well as learn more about them from the great staff.
A gift shop, of course, completes the experience.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jclin10
New York City, NY137 contributions
Aug 2022
If you are anywhere in the Sitka area, this cannot be missed. It is a small but wonderfully maintained bird rescue center with a number of birds that they are rehabilitating, as well as ambassador birds (eagles, owls, etc.) that cannot be returned to the wild. There is a very short video that shows the rescue and rehabilitation process, and it is quite moving. We also enjoyed seeing the flight training center, where eagles are taught to fly again, They also have a few nature trails, and we happened to see a real bald eagle sitting on a creek bank, eating a freshly caught salmon. So exciting!
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ami A
32 contributions
Jul 2021
We stopped here about 45 min before they closed. We had a guide lead us through to see the flying rehab center where injured birds rehab before being released. He told us about each bird and why they were there, etc. Interesting variety of birds including a new fledgling eagle that had fallen out of the nest. They have several stages of rehab for the birds including the flying center and outdoor acclimation. Additional owls, eagles, and hawks were in various stages of their rehab outdoors. There is a nice walking rail that goes behind the center. We wandered down for a bit until we ran across fresh brown bear scat! 45 - 60 min is probably adequate to visit unless you like to observe the birds for longer. Enjoyed it. Recommend.
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi all, I was trying to buy the entrance tickets through their website directly but they don't have the option. Is it possible to buy directly at entrance? We don't want to take a whole tour but I don't see how to buy the tickets in advance.
Written September 4, 2022
As OMB already answered, you can purchase tickets upon arrival. If you want any of the special tour options, you can just email them using the address on the website. For my money, you want to see the rehabilitation facility they have built for the eagles; it's really something to see.
Written September 5, 2022
Are there any wheelchair accessible shuttles to the Raptor Center from cruise ship terminal (Holland America)? Can you take RIDE (the blue bus) from said cruise terminal? How much for the shuttle? Will arrive August 24th at 8 am on Holland America Oosterdam.
Written June 23, 2017
Yes HAL runs a tour to the Raptor Centre. Don't know if the bus will accommodate you. We walked up to the centre but would not advise you to do that
Written June 24, 2017
papatomf
Ocean City, Maryland
Good evening. We are cruising to Sitka and want to visit the Raptor Center. What is best method of transportation when we get off the ship? How much should it cost for the two of us?
Written August 21, 2016
we actually took the ship bus to the main part of town and then we walked through Sitka for free. It is beautiful. we went through the totem poll park and then walked across the street to the raptor center for free. Our friends did the tour which they loved, but we walked and we loved that as well. We stopped along the water and walked through the totem park. no schedule so we could get a drink or lunch. just stop at the visitors center close to the main part of town and they can provide a map.
Written September 9, 2016
We would like to purchase more of your tshirts. Do you have a catalog or website?
Written May 17, 2015
Google alaska raptor center
the first response will be their website, and at the top of the website is a link to their gift shop.
I would include the links but trip adviser prohibits it
Written May 18, 2015
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