National Eagle Center
The National Eagle Center is a Wabasha, Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit eagle museum and education center that hosts live eagle ambassadors, the 25,000-piece Preston Cook American Eagle Collection, citizen science raptor surveys, and EagleWatch Cam livestreams for visitors, researchers, and conservation partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersWabasha, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What National Eagle Center does
The National Eagle Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit eagle museum and education center headquartered in Wabasha, Minnesota, a city officially designated the "Eagle Capital of America" because of its position along a major Mississippi River raptor migration and wintering corridor. The organization traces to EagleWatch, Inc. (founded 1989) and opened its current interpretive facility in 2007; it houses live eagle ambassadors under federal permit and curates the 25,000-piece Preston Cook American Eagle Collection, one of the largest eagle-focused collections in the United States.
The center operates a mix of on-site and remote programming. On-site visitors encounter live eagles, exhibits, and educational programming, while the EagleWatch Cam provides live streaming of wild eagles along the river. The center runs citizen science initiatives including the Golden Eagle Survey and Winter Eagle Counts in collaboration with state and academic partners, contributing longitudinal raptor datasets to agencies such as the Minnesota DNR and MPCA. Digital and broadcast infrastructure is functional rather than differentiated.
Revenue is generated through diversified nonprofit channels: admission fees (Adults $14, Youth $10, Seniors $12), memberships, individual and institutional donations, event and program tickets, river cruises, gift shop sales, and venue rentals. Strategic partnerships span academia (Winona State University), tourism (Treasure Island Resort & Casino), conservation (World Bird Sanctuary), federal entities (US Postal Service, Minnesota DNR, MPCA), tribal communities (Prairie Island Indian Community), and military families (Blue Star Museum, 9-year participant). In December 2024 the center's advocacy contributed to the Bald Eagle being signed into law as the National Bird of the United States.
National Eagle Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- National Eagle Center
- Legal name
- Eaglewatch, Inc.
- Website
- https://nationaleaglecenter.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The National Eagle Center is a Wabasha, Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit eagle museum and education center that hosts live eagle ambassadors, the 25,000-piece Preston Cook American Eagle Collection, citizen science raptor surveys, and EagleWatch Cam livestreams for visitors, researchers, and conservation partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
National Eagle Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wildlife Education and Conservation Museum
- NAICS
- Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wildlife Interpretation & Education Centers (Visitor Centers, Museums) (THAAAFAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Wildlife Watching & Encounters (Birding, Whale Watching, Primates) (THAJAIAC), Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching Tours (THAAAEAB), Wildlife Viewing Hides, Observation Towers & Birding Sites (Managed Access) (THAAAFAE)
Keywords
Where National Eagle Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wabasha
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
National Eagle Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Admission Fees: General admission fees for visitors to the center. Adults (16+) $14, Youth (5-15) $10, Seniors (65+) $12. Veterans, children 4 and under, and members receive free admission. Additional program seat reservations are $5.
- Event Tickets and Fundraisers: Annual Taste of Wabasha fundraiser gala with event-only tickets ($85-100) and Event + Cruise tickets ($170-200). SOAR with the Eagles festival with standard admission plus premium experiences.
- River Cruises: On the River Bald Eagle viewing cruises aboard Winona State University's Cal Fremling floating classroom. Member pricing $60, non-members $75. Two cruises board at Wabasha from the National Eagle Center pier.
- Membership Program: Annual membership providing free admission, exclusive discounts on eagle adventures, and support for eagle protection. Members receive free admission to the center and priority access to programs.
- Adopt an Eagle Program: Supporting the expert care of Eagle Ambassadors. Can adopt for personal or as a gift for a loved one.
- Behind the Scenes Tours: Premium behind the scenes experiences of the avian care facilities at $75 per person in addition to admission.
- Venue Rental: Venue rental services including the Riverfront Amphitheater for events, with partnerships with Treasure Island Resort & Casino.
- Gift Store: On-site and online gift shop through Shopify (national-eagle-center-gift-shop.myshopify.com) selling eagle-themed merchandise.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Adults (16+): $14, Youth (5-15): $10, Senior (65+): $12, Veterans: FREE, 4 & Under: FREE, Members: FREE, Program Seat Reservation: $5 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Taste of Wabasha Event: $85-100, Event + Cruise: $170-200 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | River Cruises: Members $60, Non-members $75 |
| Subscription | Annual | Membership program with exclusive benefits |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Behind the Scenes tours: $75/person + admission, Field trips: pricing varies |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels7 records
National Eagle Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The National Eagle Center operates a nonprofit interpretive center in Wabasha, Minnesota, delivering up-close eagle education experiences through live programs with resident non-releasable Bald and Golden Eagle ambassadors, guided river cruises for wild eagle viewing, behind-the-scenes tours of avian care facilities, and exhibits featuring the 25,000-piece Preston Cook American Eagle Collection. It complements these experiences with citizen science research (Annual Golden Eagle Survey and weekly Winter Eagle Counts), K-12 curriculum-aligned field trips, the EagleWatch Cam livestream, a membership program, adopt-an-eagle sponsorships, and seasonal festivals.
Product overview
The National Eagle Center operates as a single-location interpretive nonprofit offering a unified portfolio of visitor experiences centered on eagle education and conservation. The core offering comprises live eagle programs with resident ambassadors, wild eagle viewing via river cruises and field trips, and the Preston Cook American Eagle Collection exhibition. Supporting programs include the EagleWatch Cam, Adopt An Eagle sponsorship, membership benefits, and the annual SOAR with the Eagles festival. Research initiatives include the Golden Eagle Project/Annual Survey and weekly Winter Eagle Counts. All offerings integrate the Center's educational mission across ecology, American history, and environmental conservation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Live Eagle Programs Daily interactive presentations featuring non-releasable Bald and Golden Eagle ambassadors (Angel, Columbia, Was'aka) at the Wabasha, MN interpretive center, allowing visitors to observe and learn about eagles up close. Open to general visitors as part of admission.
- Eagle Viewing River Cruises Two-hour Bald Eagle viewing cruises aboard the Cal Fremling (Winona State University) or Spirit of the Water (Treasure Island Resort & Casino) vessels along the Mississippi River, featuring expert naturalists, real-time wildlife interpretation, and Q&A. Member pricing $60, non-members $75. Seating limited to 45 per cruise.
- Behind the Scenes Tours Exclusive guided tours of the state-of-the-art avian care facilities at $75 per person (in addition to admission), providing insight into raptor rehabilitation, training, and husbandry of the eagle ambassadors.
- Habitat Tours and Field Trips Educational field trips and guided experiences exploring the Mississippi River ecosystem and eagle habitats in the Wabasha area. Premium field trips priced at $75 per person; curriculum-aligned programs for K-12 school groups from MN and WI.
- EagleWatch Cam Free 24/7 live streaming webcam observing Bald Eagle activity from the banks of the Mississippi River, enabling remote viewing of nest-building, winter perching, and feeding behaviors.
- Adopt An Eagle Program Sponsorship program allowing supporters to contribute to the daily care of specific eagle ambassadors while receiving updates and educational materials about their adopted bird. Available for personal adoption or as a gift.
- Preston Cook American Eagle Collection World-class 25,000+ piece collection of eagle-themed artifacts including sheet music, advertisements, photographs, postcards, stamps, coins, and memorabilia spanning American cultural history, housed in the American Eagle Gallery at the Riverfront Center.
- SOAR With the Eagles Festival Multi-season festival with Spring Hatch, Summer Splash, and Fall Flight events featuring exotic bird shows by World Bird Sanctuary, Native American exhibitors, live music, children's activities, and special programming at the riverfront amphitheater.
- Membership Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 227+ citizen scientists participated in 22nd Annual Golden Eagle Survey covering 25,000+ square miles
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use National Eagle Center
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
National Eagle Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature3 records
National Eagle Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Preston CookflagshipPreston Cook committed his multi-million dollar, 25,000-piece American Eagle Collection to the National Eagle Center in 2017. The collection includes over 65 distinct collections: sheet music, advertisements, photographs, postcards, stamps, coins, and more. Cook championed the 'Eagle Capital of America' designation and led advocacy for official Bald Eagle national bird legislation.
- Winona State UniversitycorePartnership with Winona State University to operate summer river cruises aboard the Cal Fremling floating classroom. This is the 6th season of cruise operations (2025). The Cal Fremling has on-board restroom, indoor and open-air seating, and is wheelchair accessible.
- Treasure Island Resort & CasinocorePartnership with Treasure Island Resort & Casino for sunset cruise aboard the Spirit of the Water. Cruise boards from Wabasha pier outside the Center, with National Eagle Center staff (Director of Education, Director of Avian Care) co-hosting.
- World Bird SanctuarycoreLongtime partner and feature presenter at SOAR with the Eagles festival. Brings Harpy Eagle, Harris Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Spectacled Owl, and Peregrine Falcon for educational programs.
- International Wolf CenterminorExhibitor at SOAR with the Eagles festival, participating alongside other nature organizations.
- North American Bear CenterminorExhibitor at SOAR with the Eagles festival. Listed as Visit MN Partner on homepage alongside National Loon Center and International Owl Center.
- Blue Star Museums (NEA, Blue Star Families, DoD)coreCollaboration among National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, Department of Defense, and 2,000+ museums offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and families through Labor Day. National Eagle Center's 9th year participating (since 2017).
- Minnesota DNRcorePartner in 'Get the Lead Out' program with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to prevent lead poisoning in eagles from fishing tackle. Also collaborated on lead poisoning awareness.
- Minnesota Pollution Control AgencycoreJoint 'Get the Lead Out' program to educate anglers on lead-free fishing tackle to prevent eagle poisoning. Provides manufacturer's directory for lead-free tackle.
- The Raptor Center at University of MinnesotacoreLicensed wildlife rehabilitator for raptor care. Phone: (612) 624-4745. One of the referral contacts for injured birds mentioned on the Found an Injured Bird page.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MinnesotacoreLicensed wildlife rehabilitator referral contact. Phone: (651) 486-9453. Listed as resource for injured wildlife.
- US Postal ServiceflagshipPartnership to host First Day of Issue stamp ceremony for commemorative Bald Eagle Forever stamp on May 14, 2026. Features David Allen Sibley illustrations. Historic first stamp issuance in Wabasha's history.
- LHB ArchitectscoreProject architect Bruce Cornwall from LHB Architects designed the $27 million renovation and expansion. Created renderings for Main Street transformation and facility expansion.
- JE DunncoreConstruction management firm handling the $27 million renovation and expansion project. JE Dunn managed Phase One construction.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights4 records
National Eagle Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- International Wolf Center: Ely, MN-based nonprofit wildlife education center operating as a 'Visit MN Partner' alongside the National Eagle Center. Both are single-site interpretive nonprofits in Minnesota featuring resident animal ambassadors, K-12 educational programming, and similar revenue models (admissions, memberships, gift shop).
- International Owl Center: Houston, MN-based nonprofit owl education center also listed as a 'Visit MN Partner' on the National Eagle Center homepage. Shares the small-staff, single-site, ambassador-animal education model with comparable admissions, memberships, and educational programming.
- World Bird Sanctuary: St. Louis-area raptor sanctuary and longtime programming partner of the National Eagle Center (co-presenter at SOAR festivals). Operates a similar raptor ambassador model with on-site programming and educational outreach.
- National Loon Center: Minnesota-based nonprofit education center dedicated to loon conservation, co-listed with National Eagle Center as a 'Visit MN Partner.' Operates as a similar single-site wildlife education nonprofit with comparable visitor programming and citizen science research.
- North American Bear Center: Ely, MN-based nonprofit featuring live bear ambassadors and educational programming. Listed as a 'Visit MN Partner' on the National Eagle Center homepage alongside the National Loon Center and International Owl Center — directly comparable in mission, scale, and operating model.
Broad incumbents
- Smithsonian National Zoo: Washington, D.C.-based major zoological and conservation institution. Operates raptor and bald eagle programming at vastly larger scale, sharing the animal ambassador and public education model but with national/international reach and federal funding backing.
- Minnesota Zoo: Apple Valley, MN AZA-accredited zoo operating a much larger visitor-facing animal collection and education programming. Overlaps with National Eagle Center's ambassador-animal education mission at broader scale and regional draw.
- The Raptor Center at University of Minnesota: University of Minnesota's wildlife raptor rehabilitation and education center. Listed as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator partner for injured birds, the Center provides clinical raptor care and outreach at substantially larger scale, anchored to a major research institution.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Centers: Federal network of wildlife refuge visitor centers including Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (referenced via the National Eagle Center's Fishing on the Refuge program). Operates comparable wildlife interpretation, viewing sites, and education programming at federal scale.
Emerging players
- Dickerson Park Zoo: Springfield, MO nonprofit zoo with raptor and eagle programming as part of its broader animal collection. Comparable in operating model as a regional, nonprofit, education-focused animal facility.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
National Eagle Center social profiles
Digital presenceNational Eagle Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
National Eagle Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles21 records
National Eagle Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
National Eagle Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about National Eagle Center
What does National Eagle Center do?
The National Eagle Center operates a nonprofit interpretive center in Wabasha, Minnesota, delivering up-close eagle education experiences through live programs with resident non-releasable Bald and Golden Eagle ambassadors, guided river cruises for wild eagle viewing, behind-the-scenes tours of avian care facilities, and exhibits featuring the 25,000-piece Preston Cook American Eagle Collection. It complements these experiences with citizen science research (Annual Golden Eagle Survey and weekly Winter Eagle Counts), K-12 curriculum-aligned field trips, the EagleWatch Cam livestream, a membership program, adopt-an-eagle sponsorships, and seasonal festivals.
Is National Eagle Center a public or private company?
National Eagle Center is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was National Eagle Center founded?
National Eagle Center was founded in 1989. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is National Eagle Center based?
National Eagle Center is headquartered in Wabasha, United States, in the North America region.
How does National Eagle Center make money?
Eight revenue lines are on record. Admission Fees are the primary driver. The others are event Tickets and Fundraisers, river Cruises, membership Program, adopt an Eagle Program, behind the Scenes Tours, venue Rental and gift Store.
Who are National Eagle Center's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are International Wolf Center, International Owl Center, World Bird Sanctuary, National Loon Center and North American Bear Center. Broad incumbents are Smithsonian National Zoo, Minnesota Zoo, The Raptor Center at University of Minnesota and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Centers. Dickerson Park Zoo is listed as an emerging player.
Does National Eagle Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for National Eagle Center.
What industry is National Eagle Center in?
National Eagle Center's product category is Wildlife Education and Conservation Museum. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAFAG, Wildlife Interpretation & Education Centers (Visitor Centers, Museums), with a secondary code of THAJAIAC, Wildlife Watching & Encounters (Birding, Whale Watching, Primates). Its NAICS code is 71213 and its SIC code is 7900.