In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we're lucky to have a lot of awesome wildlife, including some really cool megafauna like gray wolves and moose. Several thousand black bears also make their home in the Bold North. The thing about wolves, moose, and bears, though, is that they're often elusive in the wild and not all that easy to spot. Or, when you do see one, you may not always want to share the trail - or vice versa - with it. But did you know that there's a pretty magical place in far northern Minnesota where you can watch wild black bears interact with one another but not with you? That's right, this bear sanctuary in Minnesota is located just southwest of Orr, MN, and if you're a wildlife lover, you should definitely add it to your must-visit list.
The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the acreage of a former logger near Orr, MN.
The logger, Vince Shute, began feeding bears to prevent them from breaking into his cabins and, eventually, developed a relationship with them. Shortly before he died, Shute donated his property to found the American Bear Association, the nonprofit that now manages the sanctuary.
Generations of bears have continued to return to the sanctuary, which supplies supplemental nutrition to the bears during the foraging season.
Visitors, likewise, flock to the sanctuary to watch the bears as they visit and interact with one another. You can buy tickets online, at the visitor center, or at the sanctuary, itself, on the days that it's open.
Visitors are bussed from a parking area to the observation area.
You can then watch the bears from a raised platform as they come and go.
Volunteers, naturalists, and even photographers offer occasional workshops and special programs at the sanctuary.
I was surprised at the number of bears that visit the sanctuary and interact peacefully with one another.
You may see large males...
as well as mothers with cubs.
Many individuals have a lot of personality and present excellent photo opportunities for the human visitors to the sanctuary.
It's always amazing to me that these are wild bears - there are no fences - that come and go as they please. It's fascinating!
The main visitor center and gift shop is located away from the sanctuary, on U.S. Route 53 in Orr.
Be sure to stop in before or after your visit to the sanctuary.
The observation area is not enclosed, and since this is northern Minnesota, you will definitely want insect protection, as well as some just-in-case rain gear if there's precipitation in the forecast. For more information about the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary in Orr, MN, its mission, or to buy tickets, visit the American Bear Association website. Look for photos, updates, and other information on the sanctuary's Facebook page.
Have you visited this bear sanctuary in Minnesota? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
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