Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Portage, AK
A wildlife park near Portage where you can see moose, bears, bison and musk oxen in large enclosures with mountain backdrops. Walk, cycle or drive the loop, follow the signs near the animals, and allow an hour or two.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway in the Portage Valley near Girdwood. It was founded in 1993 by Mike Miller as Big Game Alaska, became a nonprofit in 2000 and has carried its present name since 2007. On more than 200 acres (about 81 ha), the center says, live over 30 species, including bears, wolves, moose and wood bison.
The center serves as a refuge for orphaned and injured wildlife. Since 2003 it has taken part in the restoration of wood bison, which returned to Alaska after about a hundred years; in 2015, 130 animals were released in the west of the state. Allow one to two hours for the loop. Its location right on the highway makes it a good stop on the drive between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula.
- Nearest town
- Portage, AK
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 60.8240, -148.9990
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
Cold, short days in October–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
FAQs
Where is Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is in Portage, AK, at GPS 60.8240, -148.9990. It is about 10 mi from Girdwood.
What is there to see near Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?
Places worth a stop nearby: Begich, Boggs Visitor Center (6 mi), Flattop Mountain (30 mi), Alaska Native Heritage Center (37 mi) and Anchorage Museum (40 mi).
When is the best time to visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?
Cold, short days in October–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)