The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Located at Mile 79 …
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway, AWCC is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides them a forever home. The sanctuary maintains over 200 acres of spacious habitats for resident animals to feel at home displaying their natural wild behavior as education ambassadors for their species. It is common for visitors to see brown bears swimming, moose strutting, wood bison roaming, muskox playing, wolves posing, porcupines climbing, and more!
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Mar 27, 2025
We had a great time seeing all the animals and even if this place didn’t have any animals the views are amazing!! All of the animals were out and about walking around or eating. The staff was very fr…Full review by lyn298888
Mar 25, 2025
This facility is in a gorgeous setting with spectacular views. The animals are incredible and so close. The staff is highly informative about all animals and readily available to answer all questions…Full review by Tracy V
Mar 22, 2025
Just had a fantastic visit at the wildlife conservation center in Alaska just outside of Anchorage. They have many animals that were orphaned or injured that they care for and hive a good home. A gre…Full review by explorevip
Curious to know what dining options there are on site or nearby, we’ll be driving from Anchorage and then continuing south to Homer. Someone mentioned a food truck, but I don’t see anything on their website. What would be the closest town/s for grabbing lunch? Thanks
A:
Hi, when we visited in late September there was a food truck onsite and grab-to-go snack options. All outdoor, not much seating. I’d probably go prepared with your own snacks or …
Hi, when we visited in late September there was a food truck onsite and grab-to-go snack options. All outdoor, not much seating. I’d probably go prepared with your own snacks or eat before/after visiting.
Hi - website isn't working for me. I understand it's a 1.5 mi road. Do I just walk/drive through it? What can we we do/see. Thanks
A:
You can drive it or you can walk. We walked parts of it. We were part of a tour so the van dropped us at one spot and picked us up at the entrance/exit. I also saw cars just driving through …
You can drive it or you can walk. We walked parts of it. We were part of a tour so the van dropped us at one spot and picked us up at the entrance/exit. I also saw cars just driving through the loop. If driving you could stop to get out and take pictures. The center is home to many animals (bison, musk ox, deer, etc.) The loop takes you by their enclosures.
Our daily animal programs are as follows: Programs#TAB#Time#TAB#Location Birds Words#TAB# 9:30 am#TAB#Behind the Gift Store Bear Necessities#TAB#11:30 am#TAB#BEARS Boardwalk Porcupine Chat#TAB#12:30 pm#TAB#In front/behind Gift Shop Say “Hi” to Kobuk#TAB#1:30 pm#TAB#Kobuk’s Enclosure Meet the Foxes#TAB#2:30 pm#TAB#Behind the Gift Shop/Red Barn Bears’ Business#TAB#3:30 pm#TAB#BEARS Boardwalk Meet the Wolves#TAB#4:30 pm#TAB#Wolf enclosure
If I take the train to the Whittier cruise terminal, is there any way to get to the Center for a visit? Rental cars are sold out from Anchorage and from Whittier and I was trying to avoid taking a shuttle bus from Anchorage, even though I know many include a stop at the Center. Thanks for any suggestions!
A:
Sorry, cannot help. We went on an organised tour. Perhaps the tourist office would know.
Is it possible to get round the center on a small mobility scooter?
A:
Hi Preston, great question. We have a gravel road that loops around the AWCC. It can be uneven in places so, if possible, I'd suggest driving and then pulling over at the areas where …
Hi Preston, great question. We have a gravel road that loops around the AWCC. It can be uneven in places so, if possible, I'd suggest driving and then pulling over at the areas where you'd like to take a closer look. Hope this helps!
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
What is AWCC?
A:
AWCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care.
AdThe Education Needed to Tackle Many Complex Issues in Environmental Policy and Management. Designed For Those Who Share A Passion For Environmental Stewardship.
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Site visitors: Over 10K in the past month
Amenities: Finest Naturalist Guides, Stay on a Private Island, Remote Backcountry Lodges
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