International Wolf Center

Visited on: Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Cost: $18.00
International Wolf Center
Text reads: "Exploring the Unexpected" in bold green letters on a beige background, like the first page of a travel journal.

Featured in

Exploring Minnesota – Virginia, Ely, International Wolf Center, & Split Rock Lighthouse

Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve been captivated by all types of wildlife. Like many, I’ve fallen completely in love with the larger predators that once dominated North America.

As I grew older and learned more and more about the importance of apex predators such as the wolf, I became more fascinated with them. When the opportunity to visit Ely, Minnesota, came onto my radar. I realized that not only would I be spending time with a couple of wonderful friends, but I would also be able to get up close and personal with these majestic animals. I only got three photos.

The museum has some great exhibits and excellent learning opportunities about the wolf. However, I was so set on seeing these creatures up close that I did a terrible job capturing photos in the museum.

A taxidermy white wolf stands on a display platform resembling snow, set against a backdrop of snowy mountains and a stone wall. The setting mimics an arctic environment, with a partial view of another animal to the right. The floor is carpeted in shades of blue.
A taxidermy musk ox stands on display, showcasing its thick, brownish fur and curved horns. Its face is detailed, and it stands against a backdrop of a snowy landscape with distant hills under a moody sky, adding a sense of natural habitat.
A realistic museum diorama featuring several wolves in a forest setting. The wolves are on rocky terrain with ferns and fallen logs. A backdrop depicts a scenic landscape with trees and water. Overhead spotlights illuminate the scene, with a glass barrier in front.

The enclosure where the wolves live is significant and provides ample opportunity for the wolves to be reclusive. Of course, that means you’re unlikely to see them unless humans intervene.

Because they are an educational center, the wolves have been trained using good old Pavlo’s technique to come out of hiding for a treat when a bell is rung.

While these wolves are in captivity, they are still extremely dangerous. The wall facing the wolves’ enclosure is thick glass, allowing you to be inches away from these spectacular animals.

I could’ve spent hours snapping pictures and videos. I was enthralled. I desperately wanted to go out and cuddle with these precursors of domesticated dogs, but of course, I knew better. 

So I snapped photos and took pictures while relishing this magical moment of being so close to one of my favorite animals.

A light brown wolf with a thick coat lounges on vibrant green grass. It holds a piece of meat between its front paws, appearing alert and focused. Small patches of dirt and scattered leaves can be seen in the background, adding to the natural setting.
A light-colored wolf lies on lush green grass, holding a piece of meat with its front paws. The wolf looks to the left, with its ears perked up. The background shows some plants and soil, suggesting a natural, outdoor environment.
A light-colored wolf is lying on green grass, facing right. Its mouth is slightly open and front paws are visible. Surrounding the wolf are small plants and leaves on the grass. The background features a patch of bare soil with scattered leaves.
A light-colored wolf lying on green grass, focused on eating a piece of meat. The scene is set outdoors, with a dirt patch and some small plants visible in the background, creating a natural environment. The wolf's fur is a mix of beige and white, blending into the grassy surroundings.
A wolf with light gray fur lies on green grass, chewing on a piece of meat. Its eyes are focused downward as it holds the meal with its front paws. The background includes patches of dirt and some small plants. The scene suggests a natural, outdoor environment.
A light-haired wolf is lying on green grass, biting into a piece of meat. The surrounding area has scattered leaves and patches of dirt. The wolf's ears are pricked, and it is focused on its meal. The background features some small plants and a dirt path.
A light-colored wolf is lying on green grass, chewing on a piece of food. In the foreground, there's a large, rough stone. The background includes dirt and some greenery, such as small plants and branches, creating a natural setting.
A pale-furred wolf rests on a green grassy area, lying on its side with its eyes closed and head resting on the ground. Its body appears relaxed, surrounded by leaves and patches of dirt.
A light brown wolf stands alert on a dirt path surrounded by greenery. It has a bushy tail and pricked ears, gazing attentively to the right. Rocks and leafy vegetation are in the background, with sunlight filtering through the trees.
A brown and white wolf stands on a dirt path surrounded by green grass and foliage. Its gaze is directed forward, and a large rock is partially visible on the right. White fur is scattered on the ground, and sunlight filters through the scene, creating a natural setting.
A lone, light brown wolf stands on a pathway covered with wood chips. It is positioned near a stone structure, with a backdrop of lush green grass and scattered foliage. The wolf appears calm, its gaze directed downward. Sunlight casts shadows on the scene, enhancing the natural setting.
A light-brown wolf is standing on a dirt path in a grassy area, brushing its face with its paw. There are scattered tufts of fur on the ground. To the right, there's a stone wall and a large rock. Lush greenery fills the background.
A wolf with light brown fur stands on a leaf-covered ground near a stone structure, sniffing or licking its paw. The background contains green grass and a few small shrubs, with scattered tufts of fur on the ground.
A lone wolf stands on a dirt path next to a stone wall. Its fur is a mix of tan and brown, and it seems to be mid-stride. The background is lush with green grass and a few scattered rocks and leaves, suggesting a natural, wooded environment. Shadows and light play on the scene.

Look at how gorgeous the coat and the coloration is on Blackstone.

A wolf with light brown and gray fur is lying on green grass, facing away. Its ears are perked up, and the tail is partially visible. The ground has some small rocks and patches of dirt surrounding the grassy area.
A large wolf with a thick, gray and beige coat is lying on lush green grass. The dog is facing away, showing its back and ears. Nearby, a piece of gray stone is partially visible in the bottom foreground. Fallen leaves and small plants speckle the grass.

Doesn’t Grayson look like you should be able to go out and pet him?

A white wolf with thick fur is lying on its stomach on lush green grass. Its head is turned to the left, and its ears are perked up. The ground around it is a mix of grass and patches of bare soil, and a large rock is partially visible in the upper left background.
A white wolf is lying on a grassy area, looking relaxed with an open mouth. Behind it are trees, rocks, and more greenery, creating a natural setting. In the foreground, part of another animal, possibly a wolf, can be seen. The scene conveys a peaceful wildlife environment.
A white wolf with a thick coat lies on lush green grass, facing left. Its ears are perked up, and it appears relaxed. Nearby, there's a large rock, and the grass is interspersed with patches of dirt and small plants. The scene is serene and natural.
A white wolf with dense fur lies on the green grass, facing left, in a natural setting. The wolf appears alert with ears perked up. Surrounding it are patches of bare ground and some greenery, creating a tranquil outdoor environment. Rocks are visible in the background.
A white wolf with thick fur is lying on lush green grass. The wolf appears relaxed and is holding a piece of bone or meat in its mouth. The background shows some patches of dirt and sparse vegetation, providing a natural setting typical of a woodland or forest area.

You’re a couple of short videos I made.

Poster featuring four wolves: a white wolf labeled Grayson, a gray wolf labeled Rieka, a light brown wolf labeled Blackstone, and a darker wolf labeled Caz. Text promotes a "What's for Dinner?" program on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. The bottom corner shows "WOLF.ORG.

Two of the retired ambassador wolves from the International Wolf Center.

Two framed photos of wolves on a wooden wall. The left photo features a wolf labeled "Aidan," with a playful expression and greenery in the background. The right photo shows a wolf labeled "Denali," with a calm demeanor and a snowy background. Both wolves have thick, multicolored fur.
Dive Into More of Shea's Related Content
From: Minnesota
Filed Under: Discovered Treasures, Museum Maniac
Journal Entry Tags:
WildlifeWolves
Shea's Ultimate American Quest