Visit
We are open on a limited basis. While we are happy to be able to have you visit the owls again, there are some things we all need to do to make your visit safe for everyone.
- Building occupancy will be limited to 25%. In order to regulate this, all visitors (including members, Groupon holders, and those age three and under) will be required to pre-register for a specific two-hour time slot, which includes a program. Use the form farther down on this web page or click this link to go to an external page to purchase/reserve your space.
- Everyone over the age of two is required to wear a mask for the duration of their visit. Those who do not wear masks will be required to purchase a locally made fabric one in our gift shop for $9.99 plus tax, or will be turned away without a refund.
- Visitors are asked to have their household maintain at least a six foot distance from other visitors and staff. We will have six foot intervals marked on the floor.
- Please enter through the front door and exit through the side door. If a ramp is needed for entry, you may enter through the side door, but let us know this in advance.
- Your ticket is for a specific time slot. You will be allowed to be in the building only during your time slot. This is so we can sanitize chairs, restrooms, door handles, railings and other touched surfaces between programs, so please do not arrive early.
- We will rearrange chairs in groups for each program, based on households that have registered for that specific time slot. This will help maintain adequate distancing during the presentation.
- To adhere to distancing recommendations, we will not be able to bring a live owl out on the fist, but you can still see them on their perches.
- Hand sanitizer will be provided for the public at the front counter and on the counter by the owls.
- We cannot sanitize merchandise in the gift shop. Please do not touch items if you do not intend to buy them, and if you do make a purchase be aware the items may have been touched by others.
- Please stay home if you are feeling unwell. We retain the right to refuse entry and offer a refund to anyone who appears to be sick upon arrival or during their visit.
- We encourage people at high risk to visit us at a later date, when it is safer to be out and about around other people.
Click here to read our full COVID-19 business preparedness plan.
Right now we are limiting how far in advance tickets can be purchased in case we may need to temporarily close again due to increasing COVID-19 cases. Thanks for your patience during these unpredictable times!
Right now we are limiting how far in advance tickets can be purchased in case we may need to temporarily close again due to increasing COVID-19 cases. Thanks for your patience during these unpredictable times!
Hours:
Our normal summer hours are:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (pre-registration for a specific time slot is currently required for all visitors, see above)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Closed to the public (but available for scheduled group programs as we are able to gradually reopen.)
Adults: $7
Children 4-17: $4
Members and children 3 & under: FREE
Our normal summer hours are:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (pre-registration for a specific time slot is currently required for all visitors, see above)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Closed to the public (but available for scheduled group programs as we are able to gradually reopen.)
Adults: $7
Children 4-17: $4
Members and children 3 & under: FREE
Displays and activities
The goal of the Owl Center is to educate, inspire and empower people. We have lots of static and interactive displays where people can learn more about these fantastic feathered creatures and what you can do to help them.
Please note that all touchable displays have been temporarily removed as part of our COVID-19 protocol.
Please note that all touchable displays have been temporarily removed as part of our COVID-19 protocol.
Gift shop
Owls are in style! The International Owl Center gift shop offers a wide selection of owl jewelry and plush owls, plus an assortment of owl-themed mugs, kitchen items, magnets, cards, purses, puzzles, books, shirts, and more. Several items are locally made or Fair Trade.
Members receive a 10% discount on all gift shop purchases.
Members receive a 10% discount on all gift shop purchases.
Other things to do in the area
Natural playground
Houston's Natural Playground is anything but a traditional playground—and kids love it. It was designed by the Natural Playground Company specifically for our site. Construction began in 2012, with ribbon cutting in 2013.
Children can hide in the stone caves, crawl through a tunnel made of Oneota dolomite slabs, climb boulders in the enormous sand play area or on the side of the ten-foot tall hill. They can pump water down a sluice, scale a wooden climbing wall, walk a labyrinth, tell time using their shadow, go down a slide set into the side of the hill, or get into an over-sized nest with a four foot tall owl.
The entire playground is a full acre in size, so can easily accommodate school classes, daycare, and other large groups.
Children can hide in the stone caves, crawl through a tunnel made of Oneota dolomite slabs, climb boulders in the enormous sand play area or on the side of the ten-foot tall hill. They can pump water down a sluice, scale a wooden climbing wall, walk a labyrinth, tell time using their shadow, go down a slide set into the side of the hill, or get into an over-sized nest with a four foot tall owl.
The entire playground is a full acre in size, so can easily accommodate school classes, daycare, and other large groups.
Parade of Owls Art Tour |
There are 12 public owl sculptures located throughout Houston than you can view year-round. Click here for a downloadable map.
There are plenty of other things to do in the area before or after you visit the Owl Center. Check out the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce website for details.
In or near Houston
In southeast Minnesota
National Eagle Center - Wabasha, MN
Minnesota Marine Art Museum - Winona, MN
Niagara Cave - Harmony
Mystery Cave and Historic Forestville - Preston, MN
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and SPAM® Museum – Austin, MN
Minnesota Marine Art Museum - Winona, MN
Niagara Cave - Harmony
Mystery Cave and Historic Forestville - Preston, MN
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and SPAM® Museum – Austin, MN
Places to eat in Houston
Barista's Coffee House
Sub Zero Pizza & Ice Cream - 507-896-2452 (opens at 4 PM)
JT's Corner Bar and Grill
River Valley Convenience Store
BP Houston Food Mart - 507-896-3000
Sub Zero Pizza & Ice Cream - 507-896-2452 (opens at 4 PM)
JT's Corner Bar and Grill
River Valley Convenience Store
BP Houston Food Mart - 507-896-3000
