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, Open Rain or Shine:
December 2021: 10AM to 4PM, last entry at 3PM (4-day operations: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday)
For Holiday Break, we will also be open Tuesday – Thursday, December 21 – 23, 2021
Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
January 2022: 10AM to 4PM, last entry at 3PM (4-day operations: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday) Closed: New Year’s Day
February 2022: 10AM to 5PM, last entry at 4PM (4-day operations: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday)
March & April 2022: 10AM to 6PM, last entry at 5PM (Open 7 days per week)
May, June, July, August 2022: 9AM to 7PM, last entry at 6PM (Open 7 days per week)
September & October 2022: 10AM to 6PM, last entry at 5PM (Open 7 days per week)
November 2022: 10AM to 5PM, last entry at 4PM (4-day operations: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday)
December 2022: 10AM to 4PM, last entry at 3PM (4-day operations: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday)
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.
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 complimentary kick-sled rentals. 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.
Get Around
Admission tickets to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center do not sell out. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival the day of your visit.
2021 General Admission Prices
Adult: $17 per person
Alaska Resident: $15 per person (with valid Alaska ID)
Military: $15 per person (active US military with ID)
Senior: $15 per person
Youth (age 7-17): $13 per person
Child (age 6 and under): FREE
2022 General Admission Prices
Adult: $18 per person
Alaska Resident: $16 per person (Nov. 30 – April 30 only. Valid Alaska ID required.)
Military: $16 per person (active US military with ID)
Senior: $16 per person
Youth (age 5-17): $14 per person
Child (age 4 and under): FREE
Get Here
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!
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.
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.