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Grizzlies, Wolves & Wonder at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
You can spend all day roaming Yellowstone National Park and never catch a glimpse of a grizzly or hear a wolf’s howl echo through the trees. But just outside the park’s west entrance, you’re guaranteed the experience of a lifetime. At the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (GWDC), wildlife isn’t just something you hope to see; it’s something you get to know.
This nonprofit, AZA-accredited wildlife park and education center has been a must-stop destination for animal lovers since 1993. Originally opened as the Grizzly Discovery Center, the facility began with a mission to help visitors better understand one of Yellowstone’s most misunderstood residents. Over the years, it’s expanded to include wolves, otters, raptors, and even interactive museum exhibits, all focused on education, conservation, and creating lasting memories.
And it’s not just the animals that make this place wild in the best way possible. The center’s programs are packed with hands-on, family-friendly activities like Keeper Kids, where little ones get to hide food for the bears, or Wolf Enrichment, where you’ll see the wolves engage with their environment in creative and stimulating ways. The newly renovated museum features updated exhibits that showcase the delicate balance of life in the Yellowstone ecosystem, especially the relationship between wolves, bears, and humans.
What makes the GWDC even more meaningful is that every animal here has a story. Whether orphaned, habituated to humans, or injured in the wild, each resident has found a safe second chance at the center. By learning about their stories, visitors come away with a deeper understanding of how to recreate responsibly and help keep future wildlife “forever wild.”
It’s more than just a park; it’s a full experience. Start your day watching otters splash in the riparian habitat or wolves stalk through the trees from the Naturalist Cabin. Wander through bird-of-prey aviaries, check out the interactive Yellowstone wildlife exhibits, and soak in the knowledge from bear safety demonstrations and captivating films. Then wrap up your visit by grabbing a locally made souvenir from the gift shop or heading next door to catch a show at the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre.
If you’re road-tripping this summer, this stop turns any day into a full adventure. From the animals and exhibits to the sunshine, mountain air, and small-town charm of West Yellowstone, you’re bound to make some wild memories.
The center is open year-round with seasonal programs rotating throughout the summer. Be sure to check out their website or social media to catch special activities and updates as they roll out through the warmer months!
201 S. Canyon St., West Yellowstone, MT
(406) 646-7001
@grizzlywolfcenter on Facebook
And don’t be surprised if your camera roll fills up fast with grizzlies' mid-snack, otters in action, and wolves with major main-character energy. Just don’t try to out-howl them… trust us, they always win.
