Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The feel

The center is a non-profit sanctuary that provides a permanent home to orphaned and injured animals. A 1.5-mile loop runs through more than 200 acres of enclosures, and you can walk it, bike it or drive it. All animals are outside in fenced enclosures, with interpretive signs at each habitat.

The loop is flat but mostly gravel, with parking lots, entrance and exit roads paved.

What to expect

What it is

A drive-through and walk-through wildlife sanctuary at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway.

Crowds and best time

May to September 15, open 7 days, 8:30am to 7pm, last entry 6pm. Tickets do not sell out and can be bought on arrival.

Parking

The parking lot has no shade.

Fees and passes

$30 ages 13 and up, $26 ages 4 to 12, free 3 and under, $28 military or Alaska ID.

Dogs

Pets are not allowed outside; keep them in your vehicle at all times.

Kids

Keep children away from fences. Do not touch or feed the animals.

Hazards

In winter the loop may be snowy or icy, and traction cleats help.

Season and access

Open year-round. September 16 to October and March and April, 7 days, 10am to 6pm, last entry 5pm. January, February, November and December, Friday to Monday only. Closed Thanksgiving Day, the day after, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Mingo says

The longest days here run from May through September 15, with the last entry at 6pm. Winter visits call for traction cleats on the icy loop.

Before you go

• Call (907) 783-0058 with questions.
• Leave pets in your vehicle, and leave drones at home.
• Book early for an Animal Encounter or the 90-minute Walk on the Wild Side tour.
• Watch for the entrance on the right, just before the Portage Glacier road turnoff.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.