What Is the American Bald Eagle Foundation Website?
Updated
baldeagles.org is the official website of the American Bald Eagle Foundation, a conservation and education organization founded in 1982 and opened to the public in 1984. The site serves two main purposes: it introduces the foundation's mission and history, and it gives visitors the practical information they need to plan a trip to its facility in Haines, Alaska — including the aviary, natural history museum, and live raptor center.
What the Organization Is
The foundation's stated mission is the conservation of the bald eagle and its habitat through education and stewardship. Its broader vision centers on biodiversity, with the goal of fostering appreciation and respect for the natural world so that guests become effective stewards themselves.
Key dates from the site's history section:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1982 | Founded by local businessman and philanthropist Dave Olerud |
| 1984 | Opened to the public |
| 1994 | Natural history museum opened |
| 2010 | Live raptor center added |
The facility now houses a flock of live raptors and more than 200 specimens in the museum.
What You Can Do on the Site
The site is organized around a few clear actions:
- Meet the birds — learn about the resident raptors.
- Visit the facility — tour the aviary, view exhibits, and shop in the gift store.
- Get involved — adopt a bird, join a program, volunteer, or make a donation.
- Learn about the organization — read about its history, board, and staff.
Planning a Visit
Admission (All-Day)
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $25 |
| Children 6–12 | $15 |
| Children 5 and under | Free |
| Active Military | $15 |
Prices include sales tax. Reservations are not required. The site recommends allowing about an hour and a half for a visit, with a minimum of 45 minutes.
Hours
The facility is closed for the season and currently open by appointment only. Check ahead before planning a trip, since the posted hours reflect a seasonal closure rather than regular daily operation.
Visitor Guidelines
- No food or drink in the aviary or museum.
- Stay on the boardwalk when visiting the raptor center.
- Do not touch the taxidermy, cases, or enclosures.
- Follow directions from foundation staff.
Accessibility
- Service dogs are welcome in both the museum and raptor center; advance notice is appreciated when possible.
- Multi-lingual museum guides are available on request.
- The entire facility is wheelchair accessible.
- A wheelchair is available for emergencies.
- Accessible parking is available.
Who This Site Is For
This site is most useful if you are planning a visit to the Haines facility, want to support the foundation through adoption, volunteering, or donations, or are looking for background on the organization's conservation and education work. If you only need general information about bald eagles as a species, the site is oriented more toward the foundation's programs and visitor experience than toward wildlife reference material.