North American Bear Center
Discover black bears and local wildlife through engaging exhibits and up-close habitat viewing at this educational center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bears are most active
North American Bear Center
Best Time
Bears are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover black bears and local wildlife through engaging exhibits and up-close habitat viewing at this educational center.
"Highly recommend a trip to the Bear Center! You really get to be up close and personal with the bears."
🎯 Arrive Early for Bear Activity
Catch the bears when they're most active, especially during feeding times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking on the nature trail and around the exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meet Lucky, Holly, and Tasha
2.5-acre forest habitat
Observe three rescued black bears in their naturalistic habitat, complete with trees, ponds, and dens.
Behind-the-Scenes Bear Walk
Habitat enclosure
Get an up-close look and learn about bear behavior during guided tours, often coinciding with feeding times.
Interactive Wildlife Exhibits
Indoor museum
Discover fascinating facts about black bears and other native wildlife through engaging displays and dioramas.
Wild Bird Feeding Trail
Nature trail
Enjoy a peaceful walk and hand-feed wild birds and chipmunks, a delightful experience for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Bear Sightings
Beyond the Bears: A Nature Immersion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Bear Activity
Catch the bears when they're most active, especially during feeding times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking on the nature trail and around the exhibits.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera for amazing photo opportunities of the bears and wildlife.
📚 Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and habitat.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Bear Activity
Catch the bears when they're most active, especially during feeding times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking on the nature trail and around the exhibits.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera for amazing photo opportunities of the bears and wildlife.
📚 Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and habitat.
🐦 Hand-feed the Birds
A unique and memorable experience on the nature trail!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the North American Bear Center for its educational value and the opportunity to see rescued black bears in a naturalistic habitat. The staff are highlighted for their knowledge and engagement, and the interactive exhibits are a hit. Some visitors note that seeing all three bears depends on the season and their hibernation cycles.
"We took the scenic route to pass through Ely on our way from Duluth to Voyageurs & we’re very glad we did. Arrived just in time for a tour of the outdoor habitat, and were fortunate enough to see all three of their bears. All 3 of them have experienced a saddening turn of events that left them orphaned at a young age, and it’s admirable for the Bear Center to go out of their way to take them in, and they take great care of them. You really get to be up close and personal with the bears—they are fenced in, but all they ask is that you stay behind the painted line that’s about 2 feet away from the fence. There’s also a short but nice & well-maintained nature trail full of friendly birds and chipmunks, who are able to coexist with the bears and the humans (especially during feeding time). And a highly comprehensive gift shop that is pretty much guaranteed to have anything you’d expect to find here. Highly recommend a trip to the Bear Center!"
AlligatorArms
"Very informative and educational experience. Do to the time of the year only Lucky and Tasha were out and about. Holly, the matriarch should be in hibernation. I suggest arriving when it opens and going thw behind thw scenes walk with staff. They were feeding them their breakfast so both bears were out of their den and active!!"
Judy Medeiros
"Love the bear center and the incredible staff, especially Spencer who worked with our school. He is so engaging and patient and knowledgeable. The bear walk is such a great experience and the museum is full of information! But my favorite part of this experience is hand feeding the wild birds."
Sara Hiner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The North American Bear Center is located in Ely, Minnesota. It's accessible by car, and Ely is a popular destination in the northern Minnesota wilderness.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the North American Bear Center for visitors.
Absolutely! Ely is a scenic drive from many parts of Minnesota, making it a feasible day trip, especially if you combine it with other local attractions.
The most common routes involve heading north on US-53 or MN-169 towards Ely. Check your preferred navigation app for real-time traffic and the best route from your starting point.
Public transportation options directly to Ely can be limited. Most visitors travel by personal vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $18 per person, but it's always best to check the official website (bear.org) for the most current pricing.
Hours vary seasonally. They are generally open 10 AM-4 PM in fall/winter and 9 AM-6 PM in spring/summer. Always confirm on their website before your visit.
While not always required, booking in advance, especially for behind-the-scenes tours, is recommended to secure your spot.
Check the official website for any potential discounts for seniors, children, or group rates.
Refund policies can vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the center directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see three resident black bears (Lucky, Holly, and Tasha) in a large, naturalistic habitat, along with extensive indoor exhibits about bear biology and local wildlife.
Visitors can view the bears from a safe distance behind a fence, with a designated line to stay behind.
Yes, guided tours, including a 'behind-the-scenes' bear walk, are highly recommended for a more in-depth experience. +1
The facility is generally well-maintained and accessible, but it's always a good idea to confirm specific accessibility details with the center.
Besides the bears, you can often see wild birds and chipmunks, especially on the nature trail where you can hand-feed them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The center has a gift shop that may offer some snacks or drinks, but it's advisable to bring your own or plan to eat in Ely.
There may be designated areas for picnics, but check with the center upon arrival. Otherwise, enjoy the local dining scene in Ely.
Ely offers various dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants serving local fare. Ask staff for recommendations.
Many restaurants in tourist towns like Ely are becoming more accommodating. Inquire about options when ordering.
When in the Ely area, always practice proper food storage to avoid attracting wildlife. Store food securely in your vehicle or cabin.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a telephoto lens if possible to get clear shots from the viewing areas. Be patient, as bears can be elusive.
Generally, tripods are allowed in public areas, but check the center's specific photography policy.
Photography policies during tours can vary. It's best to ask your guide for permission before taking pictures.
Lighting can vary depending on the time of day and weather. Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best natural light.
Avoid using flash photography, especially when viewing the bears, as it can startle them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Educational Travelers
📸 Wildlife Photographers
While you can't get extremely close, using a telephoto lens will allow for detailed shots. The nature trail also offers chances to photograph birds and chipmunks, especially during feeding times. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Black Bear Behavior
Black bears are excellent swimmers and can cover significant distances in water. They are also adept climbers, using their strong claws to ascend trees for safety or to find food. The center's resident bears, Lucky, Holly, and Tasha, were all orphaned at a young age and found a safe haven at the center, allowing researchers and visitors to observe their natural behaviors in a controlled environment.
It's important to remember that while the bears at the center are accustomed to human presence, wild bears should always be treated with respect and caution. Proper food storage and maintaining a safe distance are crucial when exploring bear country.
A Day at the North American Bear Center
The highlight for many is the outdoor habitat, a spacious 2.5-acre enclosure designed to mimic a natural forest environment. Here, you can observe the resident black bears, Lucky, Holly, and Tasha, as they forage, play, and rest.
+1 The center often schedules 'behind-the-scenes' tours that include feeding times, providing a unique opportunity to see the bears up close and learn from knowledgeable staff about their care and behavior. Don't miss the charming nature trail that winds around the property. It's a peaceful escape where you can often hand-feed wild birds and chipmunks, adding another layer of interaction with the local wildlife.
Conservation and Education Focus
Through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and public outreach, the center aims to equip visitors with the knowledge needed to safely navigate areas inhabited by black bears. They emphasize that most negative bear encounters stem from a lack of understanding or improper practices.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit