Don't let summer officially end without squeeing in one last day trip or two! Idaho is full of amazing family outings, but the one featured here may just be the most underrated of them all. Few people even realize that our state is home a world-class center dedicated to birds of prey. Here you can learn all about those amazing creatures that soar through our skies, and you'll even see a few up close. This place makes for an awesome day trip for the whole family and you'll definitely want to make plans to stop by soon.
One of Idaho's greatest hidden gems is the World Center for Birds of Prey tucked away in the hills overlooking Boise. Comprised of 580-acres, this is a destination that every bird-loving Idahoan should check out at least once.
First opened in 1984, the World Center for Birds of Prey is most notable for being the headquarters for The Peregrine Fund, an international non-profit that is dedicated to conserving endangered raptors all around the world.
The Peregrine Fund is most famous for their impressive work that went toward saving the peregrine falcon and getting it removed from the endangered species list in 1999. Since then, the organization has worked towards doing the same for other stunning raptors.
The campus at the World Center for Birds of Prey consists of many sections. Of course, there are the offices for the Peregrine Fund. But there is also a large breeding facility for endangered raptors, a research library, indoor exhibits, outdoor exhibits, a gift shop, and so much more.
Additionally, the center puts on live raptor presentations throughout the day. These include expert bird handlers introducing visitors to one of the center's many raptors. This can include eagles, owls, vultures, hawks, and falcons, and each presentation throughout the day features a different bird.
Perhaps one of the center's most impressive features is Condor Cliffs. This Grand Canyon-inspired habitat houses California Condors—a majestic bird that is considered critically endangered. The center is home to the largest flock of captive condors, and they are housed in breeding chambers to raise their young for release into the wild.
Lastly, the center contains a quarter-mile walking trail that winds through the surrounding hillside. Visitors can walk along the trail and view wild raptors soaring through the sky directly above them. If you're lucky, you may just see them catch their lunch!
The World Center for Birds of Prey makes for an entertaining day trip with the family, but it's more than that. The center is doing some amazing work in regards to saving beautiful wildlife all around the world, and visiting it is simply a must for any Idahoan!
Admission into the center is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth, and free to members and young children. For more information about the World Center for Birds of Prey and the amazing work they're doing, check out their website here. Address: 5668 W Flying Hawk Ln, Boise, ID 83709
Did you know about this awesome day trip destination? It seems like we're constantly uncovering new and exciting places to visit in the Gem State. For more little-known gems, check out our list of 11 Hidden Places In Idaho That Only Locals Know About.
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