The Peregrine Fund's World Center For Birds of Prey
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WildlifeBird WatchingEducationalInteractive
Overview
The World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho, is the headquarters for The Peregrine Fund, an international non-profit organization founded in 1970 that conserves endangered raptors around the world. Built 42 years ago in 1984, the World Center for Birds of Prey is located on 580 acres (2.3 km2) on a hilltop overlooking Boise, south of the airport and east of Kuna. The campus consists of the business offices of The Peregrine Fund, breeding facilities for endangered raptors, the Velma Morrison Interpretive Center, and the Herrick Collections Building, which houses a large research library and the Archives of Falconry.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeAutumn (September to November) is the prime season, offering comfortable outdoor weather and spectacular live flight demonstrations. The ideal hours are 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM; raptors are highly alert and active post-feeding, allowing you to capture crisp action photos as falcons and owls glide directly over the open-air amphitheater.
Getting TherePerched on the desert plateau south of Boise, there is no public transit, making driving or rideshares mandatory. From Downtown Boise, take I-84 W to Exit 50 (Cole Road), and drive straight south on S Cole Road for roughly 6 miles up the hill. The center will be on your right, featuring a dedicated, free paved parking lot.
Travel Tips
- Live raptor flight demonstrations run on strict, non-negotiable daily timetables; verify the demonstration schedules at the front desk immediately upon arrival.
- Perched on a remote ridge south of Boise, the facility offers zero nearby dining operations; supply your own snacks and liquids before commuting to the hill.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- To prevent high stress responses in active birds of prey, flash photography is strictly banned inside handlers' arenas and no domestic pets are allowed on site.
Reviews
Positive
- Getting up close to stunning raptors and the live presentations by passionate handlers are incredibly educational.
- The indoor and outdoor exhibits are well-planned with clean paths, making it highly accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Staff and volunteers are extremely professional and interactive, patiently answering all kinds of quirky questions from kids.
- The admission fee is very reasonable, and knowing that all proceeds go toward raptor conservation makes it well worth it.
Heads up
- The overall facility is smaller than expected; if you miss the scheduled live shows, you can finish the tour in about an hour.
- The center is in a remote location and the roadside signage is lacking, making it easy to miss the turn when driving for the first time.
- Souvenirs in the gift shop are overpriced, and there are almost no hot food options available inside, so bring your own snacks.
- During weekend or holiday afternoon peaks, the main hall and viewing areas get very crowded, leading to long waits for interactive experiences.