We love to watch wildlife in spring. Wolf cubs are venturing from the den and bears are eagerly searching for food after a winter of fasting. To get an up-close look at some of our native wildlife without standing in the rain or sleet, take a day trip to West Yellowstone.
At the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, families can get face to face with bears, wolves and birds of prey without having to keep the bear spray handy. The animals at the Discovery Center cannot be released into the wild. Instead they give visitors an opportunity to observe, learn and appreciate grizzly bears and gray wolves.
The new Naturalists Cabin located between the two wolf habitats lets you view both packs while enjoying a roaring fire or watching a National Geographic film.
The Discovery Center has several educational programs for children. Kids 5-12 years old will enjoy Keeper Kids, a program that allows them to hide food in the bear habitat (the bears arent there at the same time as the kids). Participants learn about bear feeding habits and how bears sniff out and find food. Check the website to find out more about Discovery Center programs.
There are picnic tables and a playground onsite, or walk a couple blocks to town for lunch or dinner.
The Yellowstone IMAX Theater sits next door the Discovery Center and provides an opportunity to learn more about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, while being thoroughly entertained.
Three films: Yellowstone, Bears and Lewis and Clark gives you an inside view of Yellowstone and western history. Swooping shots make your stomach drop and the huge screen makes you feel like you are in the movie. The fourth film Hurricane on the Bayou tells the tale of Louisiana before and after Hurricane Katrina.
Know Before You Go
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Hours: through April 16, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; starting April 17, 8:30 am-8:30 pm
Program times vary; call ahead to make a reservation
Rates: Adults (13 and older) $9.75, Seniors (62 +) $9.00, Child (5 – 12) $5.00, Child under 5 free.
Print out a coupon for $1.00 off each admissionthrough April 30at their website.
Effective May 1: Adults $10.50, Seniors $9.75, Child $5.50, Child under 5 free
201 South Canyon, 406.646.7001 or 800.257.2570, www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.com
Yellowstone IMAX Theater
Hours: AprilWed.-Sun. shows hourly 2:00 pm-7:00pm, check the website for specific movies.
Rates: Adults (12 and older) $9.00, Seniors (62+) $8.50, Child (3-12) $6.50, Child under 3 free
101 South Canyon, 406.646.4100, www.yellowstoneimax.com