Iowa Raptor Project
Discover Iowa's magnificent birds of prey, learn about conservation, and explore serene nature trails at this unique educational sanctuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
School groups often visit
Iowa Raptor Project
Best Time
School groups often visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Iowa's magnificent birds of prey, learn about conservation, and explore serene nature trails at this unique educational sanctuary.
"An incredible place! You learn so much and it makes you appreciate the Iowa wild life. "
🚗 Prepare for the drive
Roads can be rough; drive carefully. The destination is worth the journey! 🚗
🚶♀️ Explore the trails
Enjoy the mapped natural trails and bird blind for a peaceful nature experience. :hiking_boot:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 342 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Raptors
Raptor Exhibits
See owls, falcons, and Spirit the Eagle up close. Learn their stories and appreciate their beauty.
Guided Tours
Throughout the facility
Gain deep insights into research, care, and conservation efforts from passionate guides.
Nature Trails & Bird Blind
Natural Habitats
Explore mapped trails and a bird blind for peaceful observation of local avian life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Iowa Raptor Project
Best Times for Wildlife Viewing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hidden gems in Iowa city and the surrounding areas?
We are travelling over from the UK for Halloween. We have been coming to Iowa city for many years to visit family and i feel like we have seen everything and eaten everywhere. Id be interested to hear what your hidden gem would be? Something we may not have done or experienced?
🚗 Prepare for the drive
Roads can be rough; drive carefully. The destination is worth the journey! 🚗
🚶♀️ Explore the trails
Enjoy the mapped natural trails and bird blind for a peaceful nature experience. :hiking_boot:
Best parks/spots for wildlife viewing?
Which parks/nature areas are best for spotting animals? Deer, birds, chipmunks, anything else? Lol!! I saw that there is a wildlife refuge (Neal Smith I think?) near Des Moines that has bison! Is there anything else sort of like that or other places that a bit more wild where…
📚 Take a guided tour
Highly recommended for in-depth learning about raptor care and conservation. 📚
👨👩👧👦 Great for families
Kids love meeting the birds and learning from friendly volunteers. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Prepare for the drive
Roads can be rough; drive carefully. The destination is worth the journey! 🚗
🚶♀️ Explore the trails
Enjoy the mapped natural trails and bird blind for a peaceful nature experience. :hiking_boot:
📚 Take a guided tour
Highly recommended for in-depth learning about raptor care and conservation. 📚
👨👩👧👦 Great for families
Kids love meeting the birds and learning from friendly volunteers. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Iowa Raptor Project for its incredible educational value and the opportunity to see majestic birds of prey up close. The knowledgeable and friendly staff, along with the well-maintained habitats and nature trails, make for a wonderful experience. Some note that the roads leading to the facility can be rough, but the overall consensus is that it's a highly recommended and worthwhile visit for all ages. +2
"What an incredible place!! We can't recommend it highly enough! Get the tour it is worth every penny. You learn so much and it makes you appreciate the Iowa wild life and what goes into the research and care of these beautiful birds. Dave was amazing and he really made this such a wonderful experience and made us feel so welcome."
Laci Donahoo
"Roads are terrible but once you finally get back there it is very nice with well maintained habitats and beautiful birds."
donna king
"We went after a morning at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital appointment and wanted to go do something interesting and outdoors. It was a very cool place. We parked and walked near the raptor exhibit and walked in. Beautiful natural trails were all mapped out with signage. Staff were knowledgeable and friendly. They have a bird blind where you could sit and watch the smaller birds come and go in a natural setting. All the raptors are in their own secure pens with pictures and history of each bird and how it came to live there. Very informative and well kept. While we were there they had groups of school students who were bussed in for field trips so we even got to see a few demonstrations. Highly recommend this place! The owls, falcons, and Spirit the Eagle are majestic!"
Denise Murphy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Iowa Raptor Project is located near Lake Macbride. Be aware that the roads leading to the facility can be rough, so drive with caution. It's a bit of an adventure to get there, but many visitors find it to be a worthwhile trip for the unique experience it offers.
Yes, parking is available on-site. Visitors can park and then walk to the raptor exhibits and nature trails.
While GPS can guide you to the general area, be prepared for unpaved or rough road conditions as you get closer. It's advisable to have a general sense of direction or follow signage if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission details and any associated fees are best confirmed directly with the Iowa Raptor Project. Many visitors mention that guided tours are 'worth every penny' for the educational value they provide.
It's recommended to check the Iowa Raptor Project's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on booking requirements, especially if you plan to take a guided tour.
Operating hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the Iowa Raptor Project's official channels for their current schedule. Some visitors have noted seeing school groups during weekday mornings.
Yes, demonstrations are sometimes held, and school groups often visit for field trips. Checking their schedule or inquiring in advance can help you catch these engaging educational opportunities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of raptors, including owls, falcons, and eagles like 'Spirit.' Each bird has its own secure pen with information about its history and how it came to live there.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. Visitors rave about the in-depth learning experience and the passion of the guides who share information about research and care.
The facility features beautiful, well-maintained natural trails that are mapped out with signage. There's also a bird blind for observing smaller birds in a natural setting.
Absolutely! Families with young children find it a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. Kids enjoy meeting the birds and learning from the knowledgeable and friendly volunteers.
The habitats are described as very nice and well-maintained, providing secure and appropriate environments for the raptors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but always be respectful of the birds and other visitors. Capturing the majestic raptors in their enclosures or the serene nature trails can make for great photos.
The enclosures of the raptors themselves offer unique photo opportunities. The natural trails and bird blind also provide scenic backdrops for capturing wildlife and the landscape.
It's best to avoid using flash photography, as it can startle or disturb the birds. Check for any specific signage or guidelines regarding flash use at the facility.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit