What Are the Visitor Guidelines at the American Bald Eagle Foundation?

Updated

The American Bald Eagle Foundation (baldeagles.org) enforces four core visitor rules: no food or drink in the aviary or museum, stay on the boardwalk in the raptor center, don't touch taxidermy, cases, or enclosures, and follow staff directions. These apply to everyone touring the facility in Haines, Alaska, which houses live raptors and over 200 museum specimens. If you're planning a visit, the guidelines below tell you what to expect before you arrive.

The Four Visitor Guidelines

1. No food or drink in the aviary or museum

Leave snacks, drinks, and water bottles outside these two areas. This protects the resident birds and the preserved specimens on display. Plan to eat before or after your visit rather than during it.

2. Stay on the boardwalk in the raptor center

The raptor center holds live birds of prey. Visitors must remain on the designated boardwalk at all times — stepping off it puts you too close to the enclosures and can stress the animals.

3. Don't touch taxidermy, cases, or enclosures

The museum's 200+ specimens and the raptor enclosures are display and living spaces, not interactive exhibits. Keep hands off the glass, the mounts, and the birds' housing.

4. Follow staff directions

Foundation staff may give additional instructions during your visit. These take priority over anything else, so pay attention to what they tell you on site.

Other Practical Details for Your Visit

Item Detail
All-day admission Adults $25; children 6–12 $15; children 5 and under free; active military $15
Tax Prices include sales tax
Reservations Not required
Recommended visit length About 1.5 hours (45 minutes minimum)
Current hours Closed for the season; open by appointment only

Accessibility Notes

  • Service dogs are welcome in both the museum and the raptor center. Advance notice is appreciated when possible.
  • Multi-lingual museum guides are available on request.
  • The entire facility is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking on site.
  • A wheelchair is available for emergencies.

Quick Checklist Before You Go

  • Leave food and drinks behind before entering the aviary or museum.
  • Keep to the boardwalk around the live raptors.
  • Don't touch specimens, display cases, or enclosures.
  • Check ahead if you're visiting outside the standard season — the facility is currently open by appointment only.
  • Call ahead if you need a multilingual guide or plan to bring a service dog.