North American Bear Center | Ely

North American Bear Center – In Detail

The North American Bear Center (NABC), located just outside Ely, Minnesota, is the only educational facility in the United States dedicated solely to the species-specific understanding of black bears and their role in the Northwoods ecosystem. Established in 2007 by renowned bear biologist Dr. Lynn Rogers, the center was created to dispel myths about bears through science-based education and direct observation opportunities. Its mission is to advance the long-term survival of bears worldwide by replacing fear and misunderstanding with knowledge.

Naturalistic Bear Habitat

The heart of the Bear Center is its 2.5-acre forested enclosure, designed to mirror a true northern Minnesota habitat. It features:

Native vegetation, including towering pines, berry shrubs, and grasses

A spring-fed pond and waterfall, where bears swim and cool off during warmer months

Climbing structures, fallen logs, and dens where bears can sleep, forage, and display natural behaviors

Currently, the facility houses four ambassador black bears:

Ted: The oldest and largest, known for his gentle demeanor and massive frame

Lucky: Observant and shy, often seen exploring the back of the enclosure

Holly: Independent and active, sometimes reclusive but engaging in play

Tasha: Confident and curious, with a dominant personality among the group

Each bear plays a unique role in public education. Staff monitor their behaviors and share insights into social dynamics, communication (such as jaw-popping or huffing), and foraging instincts.

Indoor Exhibits & Ecology Hall

Visitors can engage with a wide array of interactive and interpretive exhibits:

Northwoods Ecology Hall: A state-of-the-art interpretive space that presents full-scale mounted animals like wolves, moose, caribou, and even a life-sized prehistoric short-faced bear. There are also live aquariums and hands-on activities explaining predator-prey relationships, forest succession, and seasonal adaptation.

The Viewing Theater: Plays documentaries and educational footage collected by Dr. Rogers over four decades of bear field research, offering intimate glimpses into denning, cub development, and maternal care.

The Cub Room: A kid-friendly space with tactile activities-children can crawl through a replica bear den, try on bear costumes, and explore age-appropriate displays about diet, behavior, and hibernation.

Bear Behavior Exhibits: Dozens of mounted and interactive panels explaining things like bear body language, scent communication, and hibernation physiology using real video footage and scientific context.

Live Programs & Educational Demonstrations

The Bear Center hosts a range of daily and seasonal programs:

"Behind-the-Scenes" Bear Tours: Staff-led outdoor sessions (included with admission) explain the daily care, feeding, and enrichment of the resident bears. These sessions highlight individual bear traits and discuss how their behavior compares to wild populations.

"Critter Time": Educational programs showcasing turtles, frogs, snakes, and other Northwoods animals that share the ecosystem with bears.

Interactive Kiosks: Touchscreen displays allow visitors to explore trail cam footage, bear genetics, bear-human interactions, and global bear species.

Nature Trail Walks: Self-guided paths around the facility allow exploration of local flora and fauna, with interpretive signs explaining ecological relationships.

Conservation & Research Focus

NABC is not a zoo-it’s a research and learning institution grounded in long-term bear studies:

Dr. Lynn Rogers’ research, spanning 40+ years, has pioneered bear collaring, den cameras, and habituation techniques to observe wild bears without distressing them.

His work helped revolutionize how bears are perceived-not as dangerous aggressors, but as shy, intelligent animals capable of close human coexistence if respected.

The Center promotes non-lethal bear management practices and works with local communities to reduce conflicts, such as through bear-proof garbage initiatives and education.

The Center’s influence extends far beyond Minnesota. It attracts wildlife biologists, conservation educators, families, and students from around the world. It also maintains live webcams, virtual events, and a robust online archive of bear behavior videos for public and academic access.

Visitor Logistics

Open Seasonally: May through early October daily; limited hours in spring and fall; closed most of winter

Admission Fees: Approximately $18 for adults, with discounts for children, seniors, and veterans; under age 3 admitted free

Gift Shop & Café: Onsite shop sells educational books, bear-themed items, and local crafts; light snacks and refreshments available

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-accessible indoors and on the viewing deck; assistance available on request

Atmosphere & Experience

Visiting the North American Bear Center is often described as calm, intimate, and deeply informative. Unlike a traditional zoo, it offers:

Quiet forest views where bears roam freely

Moments of awe as you watch a 600-pound animal softly navigate its environment

A wealth of accurate, non-sensationalized bear knowledge grounded in decades of science

Families leave feeling inspired, not just entertained. For many, it transforms fear into fascination and gives lifelong appreciation for one of North America’s most misunderstood animals.