We visited the International Owl Center for one of their programs a few weeks ago. We paid $18 for two people and it was definitely worth it, especially if you love owls and care about conservation. We arrived early and had time to walk around an check out their adorable gift shop. Even if you can't make it to a program, the gift shop alone is worth a stop and the proceeds go to an amazing cause. There were 3 owls present for our program but Ruby was the star of the show and the only one to be brought out for viewing. Our speaker advised that there are typically 5 owls present but they have to be transported to the center daily and if they don't feel like coming, they are not made to. I love that! JR the Eastern Screech Owl was also there but he never really came out so I could get a look at him (although I did hear him once and his little "screech" was nothing like I expected!) and Bea the burrowing owl was also there. She was my absolute favorite with her dainty size and her sweet, although shy, disposition. I never even knew there owls that nest underground before seeing her. We learned a lot about these amazing animals and things we can do to help them and although our program was full of adults and seniors, I think this would be a really great thing to do with children. For instance, through an exhibit about wingspan, we learned that my husband has the wingspan of a Blakiston's Fish Owl and I have the wingspan of a Eurasian Eagle Owl. They have plenty of interesting exhibits about the different sizes and types of owls and we made sure to "Make a pledge to save owls" before leaving. They also sell artwork from the community and are working very hard to raise money for a new facility for these beautiful creatures so I recommend coming to visit if you are able and having a nice time while helping a very good cause. read more

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This is an amazing place. So interesting- informative- family friendly-and educational. The owls are magical. The staff kind and programs presented are great. Gift shop has a wonderful assortment of owl themed products. Also- the kids art from all around the world is amazing. Please support the owls and this wonderful Owl Center. read more

This is an awesome little place in the middle of nowhere in MN. It was super cold out and we needed something to do inside. This place is good fun for adults and kids alike and VERY educational. The fees go towards rescuing and rehabilitating owls. They have a gift shop with everything owl for owl fans, from charms, ornaments, magnets, flags and shirts and more! Check their website for special events thru the year! read more

If you haven't been here in a while, it's time to make another trip! I follow them on Facebook and learned that they recently acquired a new baby. JR is a four-month old screech owl and he's so CUTE! He's just a tiny little thing (compared to Ruby and Uhu, two of their other owls), and I understand he's nearly full-grown. They have two live owl programs a day. We took part in the game show program which was a lot of fun; we learned a lot. The staff is really knowledgeable and passionate about owls. I always leave a good portion of my income in their gift shop. :) They have books, shirts, jewelry, plushies, and art -- a lot of it locally created. Always a fun trip! read more

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We drove 2 hours to get here and were not disappointed!! You can tell the folks here are 100% invested in caring for the owls. They seem to truly love their work. The presenter doesn't hide in the back, waiting for "show time", she is out and about, answering questions and giving information on their owls and the species in general. We love how the well-being of the owls is their main concern. Admission is very reasonable and we gave a donation in addition to that - WELL DESERVED!!!! read more

Small but very interesting! The owl educator taught us how to make the calls of 5 different kinds of owls. Very entertaining and informative. Fun gift shop. read more

International Owl Center - Great horned owl and educator - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Houston, Minnesota

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This is one of a kind! We were a party of 7 people! 5 Adults and 2 children. Of course all of us Owl lovers! This was our first-time experience and it was worth every minute! We drove 6 hours long, just to get to Houston in Minnesota. A place I didnt know was like that before! In the owl center we were looking face to face at 4 handsome owls. There are t-shirts, necklaces and plush owls you can get for your children. They have information about them too. We were getting there for the International Owl Day. A part of the program was to go to the showing of a few more of them at the local High School. We got back home, Sunday evening, complete fans of owls. The children were amazed and will remember it forever! read more

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Great facility and fascinating and fun presentations for kids and adults. Great value too.

This place is so cool! It's very educational and interesting. It's good for families with kids or just a party of one. Everyone there was super friendly and helpful. Where I was there they had four owls out and they were awesome! Not in cages or anything just standing on a perch! It was extremely cool and we intend to visit again. read more

What an awesome place to visit! Was there on Sunday April 19th. Live educational Owls on site. Great knowledgeable staff! Interesting to learn about the individual Owl personalities, yes they each have their own! This place is dedicated to preserving Owl habitat information, Owl education, Owl rescue and rehab information throughout the world. Great gift shop that helps support the organization! Great place to take children! Become a member, different levels of sponsorships! Also check out the Houston Nature Center with a Children's natural playground while in town. read more