Visit Us

Hours, Directions, and more

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet.
Come enjoy over 200 acres of animal enclosures by touring our scenic 1.5-mile loop, accessible by foot, by bike, or by car, while learning about our resident wildlife. We look forward to seeing you at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and hope you enjoy your visit!

Operating Hours

AWCC’s 1.5 mile loop is perfect for adventure in the winter months as well! Unique ways to explore the Center while enjoying the wildlife in the winter include gliding on your cross country skis, riding your fat bike, or utilizing AWCC’s kick-sled rentals for $5. You are also welcome to walk or drive the 1.5 mile loop around the sanctuary. Please note: ice grippers are recommended while walking during the winter months.

CLOSED: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
OPEN: All other holidays.
Note: Hours are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances.

March & April

Open 7 days per week
10am – 6pm
Last entry at 5pm

May - September 15

Open 7 days per week
9am – 7pm
Last entry at 6pm

September 16 - October

September 16 – October 31
Open 7 days per week
10am – 6pm
Last entry at 5pm

November

Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
10am – 5pm
Last entry at 4pm

Closed: Thanksgiving

December

Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
10am – 4pm
Last entry at 3pm
Closed: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

January

Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
10am – 4pm
Last entry at 3pm
Closed: New Year’s Day

February

Open *Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
10am – 5pm
Last entry at 4pm

Directions

Follow AK Route 1 (The Seward Highway) South for about 47 miles from Anchorage, past Girdwood. We’re located just before the Portage Glacier road turnoff on your right at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway!

If you arrive via Uber, Lyft, or Taxi, please be sure to have the driver wait for you on property. Drivers are dispatched from Anchorage, and scheduling a pick-up in Portage is usually not available.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Come enjoy over 200 acres of animal enclosures by touring our scenic 1.5-mile loop, accessible by foot, by car, (and by kick-sled in the winter months), while learning about our resident wildlife. AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides them a forever home.

Admission & Getting Around

General Admission Prices

General Admission: $25 per person (ages 13 and up)
Youth: $20 per person (ages 4 to 12)
Child: Free (3 and under)
Military: $22 per person (active US military with ID)
Alaska: $22 per person (Valid Alaska ID required. Year Round.)
Alaska Youth: $18 per person (ages 4 to 12. Valid Alaska ID required. Year Round.)

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Extra Learning Opportunities

Exclusive Walk on the Wild Side Tour (year round) – 1.5 Hours (10 person Maximum)
Have a look at the inner – workings of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center! Enjoy this 90-minute tour where your naturalist guide walks you through the Center, offering history and stories of resident wildlife – and you’ll get to feed an animal! This tour offers the best opportunity to get up-close and personal with Alaska’s wildlife!

Commercial photography and filming is prohibited at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

All film, video and still photography produced on the grounds of the AWCC for commercial purposes requires a written agreement with AWCC and a fee paid based on service desired. All film, video and photography taken within AWCC and used for commercial purposes without authorization is subject to legal action. AWCC prohibits the flight and usage of drones above the Center’s property. If you are interested in commercial filming or photography, please email events@alaskawildlife.org.

Virtual Tours and Field Trips are conducted by AWCC staff only.

Whether fee-based or done free of charge, Virtual Tours & Field Trips must be booked and approved by the education department. Please call 907-783-0058 or email education@alaskawildlife.org to schedule a Virtual Tour or Virtual Field Trip.

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Safety Guidelines

DO NOT TOUCH OR FEED THE ANIMALS!

  • Make sure all children are kept away from fences.
  • Never attempt to pet or hand-feed any animals.
  • Leave all plants and flowers for the enjoyment of others. Help keep the grounds beautiful.
  • Litter is a deadly hazard to animals. Put garbage in its proper place.
  • Keep pets in your vehicle at all times.
  • Respect the animals. Do not taunt or harass them.
  • AWCC is a NON-Smoking and NON-Vaping facility.

Discover the WILD of Alaska and come meet the locals! Walk on the Wild Side Tours are available year-round and include an animal encounter. Summer Moose Encounters & Bear Encounters are available for online booking. Book early to ensure your spot!