WABASHA, Minn. – The National Eagle Center will close until spring for Phase 1 of a $27 million expansion. The last day for visitors: Sunday 10 to 4. Phase 1 will add space for eagle “ambassadors.” These are permanently injured eagles who are permanent residents. The expansion will create space for three more. There now are four. “That will be really instrumental in us being able to expand the educational outreach we do,” said Ed Hahn, marketing manager. The expansion also will open a larger exhibit space for the multi-million dollar Preston Cook collection with its 25,000 pieces of eagle memorabilia. Planned too is an amphitheater, an outdoor program and exhibit space, and improved dockage along the Mississippi River. Phase 2, to come later, will enlarge the indoor auditorium and create new entryway.
Magnet for tourists. The National Eagle Center attracts 80,000 visitors in a typical year. Image: Heidi Wigdahl