By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Alaska Wildlife Tour
If you’re planning a road trip through Alaska and wondering where to spot moose, bears, or bison without hiking miles into the backcountry — this is it.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) near Girdwood, Alaska gives visitors a front-row seat to Alaska’s most iconic animals in a safe, scenic, and engaging setting.
We stopped here while driving from Anchorage to Seward on our 10-day Kenai Peninsula road trip. Even though it rained most of the day, this stop quickly became one of the highlights of our adventure.
At AWCC, you can drive, walk, or bike through the 1.5-mile loop to see brown bears, moose, and other wildlife. Also, the enclosures are large and natural, surrounded by stunning mountain views.
If seeing Alaska’s wildlife up close is on your bucket list, this is the perfect place to do it.
Directions to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Address: Mile 79 Seward Highway, 43520 Seward Highway, Portage, AK 99587
- About 1 hour south of Anchorage via Seward Highway (AK-1).
- Turn just before Portage Glacier Road; the entrance is clearly signed.
- Parking available on site.
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Table of Contents
- What Is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?
- Our Experience During Our Alaska Wildlife Tour at the Conservation Center
- What to Know Before You Go on an Alaska Wildlife Tour (Tips & Gear)
- Why the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Belongs on Every Alaska Wildlife Tour Itinerary
What Is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit sanctuary that cares for injured and orphaned animals native to Alaska.
It’s located right off the Seward Highway, about an hour south of Anchorage — making it an easy stop on any Alaska road trip itinerary.
The center spans more than 200 acres and is home to animals like brown and black bears, moose, wood bison, elk, muskox, wolves, and porcupines. Each animal has a unique story. Many were rescued or rehabilitated and now live here as ambassadors for education and conservation.
Visitors can explore by car, foot, or bike. The drive-through loop makes it easy to enjoy the park in any weather — a big plus if you’re visiting during a rainy spell like we did.
Along the route, you’ll find interpretive signs that share fun facts and conservation details about each animal.
The AWCC also has a gift shop, a small snack area, and restrooms — perfect for a short break from the weather.
At $27 per adult, admission feels worth every penny. You’ll leave with great memories and help support Alaska’s wildlife programs.
You can buy general admission tickets here or join a guided Alaska Wildlife Tour that includes transportation from Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier. Some tours even double as post-cruise transfers, making it an easy stop before heading home.
Our Experience During Our Alaska Wildlife Tour at the Conservation Center
After leaving Anchorage, we drove south on Seward Highway, one of Alaska’s most beautiful highways, to AWCC.
When we arrived, we pulled into the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center eager to see what was waiting inside. The rain came and went, but we didn’t let that stop us.
After arriving, we parked near the gift shop and started our visit from there. The gift shop had souvenirs, local crafts, and drinks — the perfect start before heading out.
Then we began the 1.5-mile loop that winds through the park. You can drive, walk, or bike it, stopping as often as you like for photos or wildlife watching. Also, the route is easy to follow and gives you plenty of space to linger.
Bear Viewing Area on Our Alaska Wildlife Tour
Our first stop, we stopped at the brown and black bear enclosures.
Seeing both species side by side was incredible. The brown bears were huge compared to the black bears, and watching them walk, forage, and play was mesmerizing. It gave us a real appreciation for Alaska’s wild side — all while staying safely behind the fence.
If you want to see bears in Alaska but don’t want to worry about encountering them in the wild, this is the best way to do it.
Elk Feeding and Bison Mayhem — A Fun Stop on Any Alaska Wildlife Tour
Next, we caught the staff feeding the elk, which drew a small crowd, and the bull elk had a massive body and rack.
From there, we moved over to the bison enclosure, and that’s where things got interesting.
One bison suddenly ran through water logged pasture, sending hundreds of ducks scattering in every direction. We started laughing. It was one of those random, unforgettable moments that make travel fun. You never know what you’ll see here, even in a controlled setting.
Moose Up Close: A Must-See on Your Alaska Wildlife Tour
After that, we parked near the moose habitat. A huge moose stood just beyond the fence, calmly eating branches while visitors watched in awe.
Seeing a moose that close is amazing — they’re taller than you expect, and their antlers are massive. Photos don’t come close to showing their true size.
Smaller Wildlife Encounters That Complete the Tour
Before leaving, we checked out the fox, coyote, and porcupine areas behind the gift shop. Each habitat was easy to walk to, with clear signs and great photo opportunities.
Even with the steady rain, we spent more than an hour exploring and loved every minute. In addition, it was the perfect mix of learning, fun, and close-up encounters — exactly what we wanted from an Alaska Wildlife Tour.
If you’d rather not drive yourself, there are guided Alaska Wildlife Tours that include round-trip transportation — a great option if you’re visiting before or after a cruise.
What to Know Before You Go on an Alaska Wildlife Tour (Tips & Gear)
If you’re planning to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, give yourself at least an hour to explore. You can easily spend more time if you stop for photos or watch the feedings.
The center is open year-round, but hours change by season. Summer brings longer hours, while winter visits are quieter with fewer crowds.
Since Alaska’s weather changes fast, it’s best to come prepared.
Here’s what to bring:
- Rain jacket or waterproof layer — even light rain can roll in quickly.
- Waterproof shoes or boots — standing water is common after rain.
- Hat and warm layers — even summer days can be cool.
- Camera or phone with zoom — perfect for bear and moose photos.
🦌 Plan Your Visit: Alaska Wildlife Tours & Tickets
See bears, moose, and bison up close at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Book general admission or a guided Alaska Wildlife Tour with transportation.
Tip: Visiting after a cruise? Many tours double as transfers from Seward or Whittier to Anchorage.
Why the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Belongs on Every Alaska Wildlife Tour Itinerary
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is more than a roadside stop — it’s a window into Alaska’s wild world and the people protecting it.
It’s one thing to spot a moose or bear from far away, but here, you can see them up close, learn their stories, and understand why conservation matters.
For us, it was also the perfect break between Anchorage and Seward. We left feeling grateful to have seen these animals and more confident exploring the rest of the Kenai Peninsula.
Whether you’re planning a family trip, an Alaska cruise, or a road trip adventure, this stop is easy to fit into your schedule and hard to forget.
If you’re building your Alaska itinerary, check out these related guides for more inspiration:
Alaska Road Trip: 10 Remarkable Days on the Kenai Peninsula Kenai Fjords Cruise: Is the Major Marine Tour Worth It? (Full Review + Tips) Best Kenai River Fishing Guides: My Top 3 Picks Kenai River Fishing Charter: My Honest Review of King of the River in Alaska Ultimate Alaska Itinerary: Anchorage to Kenai in 10 Epic Days
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