Visit
In order to make sure we have a maximum of 20 visitors present at any one time, we encourage all visitors (including members) to pre-register for a two-hour time slot. Walks-ins are accepted if space allows. Prior to each program we sanitize all chairs, railings and surfaces between groups, and set up chairs in household groups six feet apart from each other. All visitors over age two are required to wear masks. (Masks are available for those who do not have one.) In order to maintain safe distancing, we are only able to take an owl off its perch during programs for very small groups. Hand sanitizer is provided at each end of our building.
Please note that we are no longer able to honor Groupon vouchers. If you have questions, contact Groupon customer support.
Please visit at another time if you feel unwell or are consider yourself at high-risk for COVID-19, as we are a completely indoor venue. Click here to read our full COVID-19 business preparedness plan.
Please note that we are no longer able to honor Groupon vouchers. If you have questions, contact Groupon customer support.
Please visit at another time if you feel unwell or are consider yourself at high-risk for COVID-19, as we are a completely indoor venue. 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 crazy times.
Hours:
Our late fall/winter hours are:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM (pre-registration for a specific time slot is requested for all visitors, but walk-ins are accepted as space allows within the time slots. See above)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Closed to the public (but available for pre-scheduled virtual group programs.)
Adults: $7
Children 4-17: $4
Members and children 3 & under: FREE
Our late fall/winter hours are:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM (pre-registration for a specific time slot is requested for all visitors, but walk-ins are accepted as space allows within the time slots. See above)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Closed to the public (but available for pre-scheduled virtual group programs.)
Adults: $7
Children 4-17: $4
Members and children 3 & under: FREE
If you are purchasing admission tickets and wound up here, please scroll back up to pay. Thanks for your patience with technology quirks!
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
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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
