Visit us in Houston, MN
Fall, Winter & Spring Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 - 4:00
Monday: 10:00 - 400
Tuesday: pre-registered group programs only
Wednesday: pre-registered group programs only
Thursday: pre-registered group programs only
Friday: 10:00 - 4:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 4:00
Programs are presented each day at 11:00 & 2:00.
Summer Hours (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend):
Sunday: 10:00 - 5:00
Monday: 10:00 - 5:00
Tuesday: pre-registered group programs only
Wednesday: pre-registered group programs only
Thursday: pre-registered group programs only
Friday: 10:00 - 5:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 5:00
Programs are presented each day at 11:00, 1:00 & 3:00.
Adults: $9
Seniors (65+)/Veterans/Military: $8
Children 4-17: $6
Members and children 3 & under: FREE
Service animals: Please note that for the safety and well-being of our owls we cannot allow service animals into our small building. At least one or more of our owls can see everything coming in the door, and they have a natural fear of dogs. Click here for more information.
Sunday: 10:00 - 4:00
Monday: 10:00 - 400
Tuesday: pre-registered group programs only
Wednesday: pre-registered group programs only
Thursday: pre-registered group programs only
Friday: 10:00 - 4:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 4:00
Programs are presented each day at 11:00 & 2:00.
Summer Hours (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend):
Sunday: 10:00 - 5:00
Monday: 10:00 - 5:00
Tuesday: pre-registered group programs only
Wednesday: pre-registered group programs only
Thursday: pre-registered group programs only
Friday: 10:00 - 5:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 5:00
Programs are presented each day at 11:00, 1:00 & 3:00.
Adults: $9
Seniors (65+)/Veterans/Military: $8
Children 4-17: $6
Members and children 3 & under: FREE
Service animals: Please note that for the safety and well-being of our owls we cannot allow service animals into our small building. At least one or more of our owls can see everything coming in the door, and they have a natural fear of dogs. Click here for more information.
Live Owls
Most people visit us to meet our ambassador owls! During the work day, we usually have 3-5 live birds on display. This number changes because the owls don't live at the Owl Center, and they're not all always interested in coming to work. You can learn about all our owls here, but normally on display are Ruby the Great Horned Owl, JR the Eastern Screech-owl, Piper the American Barn Owl, Pierce the Barred Owl, and - if she's in the mood for it - Bea the Burrowing Owl. We're currently at carrying capacity for live owls, but our future facility will have space for a lot more!
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. In addition, we always have an educator on hand who can talk to you about the displays and answer any questions.
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.
Even if you can't get here in person, you can still shop our online store!
Members receive a 10% discount on all gift shop purchases.
Even if you can't get here in person, you can still shop our online store!
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.
Click here for a guide to the Natural Playground. (Be patient...it's a large file.)
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.
Click here for a guide to the Natural Playground. (Be patient...it's a large file.)
Parade of Owls Art Tour
There are 12 public owl sculptures located throughout Houston than you can view year-round.
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
Rent an e-bike to ride the Root River Trail, buy a bike or bike gear, or get your bike tuned up. Located just across the street from the Owl Center.
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
Places to stay in Houston
Loken's Sawmill Inn & Suites
Money Creek Retreat
Money Creek Haven
Cushon's Peak Campground
Outback Ranch
Money Creek Retreat
Money Creek Haven
Cushon's Peak Campground
Outback Ranch
EV Charging StationLocated 2 blocks west of the International Owl Center in front of the Houston Community Center, 111 West Cedar Stree.
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