Overnight Field Trip to Duluth, MN (Oct. 12-13)

What’s better than seeing an eagle up close? Experiencing it in its natural habitat.

Our overnight field trips will provide you with the unique opportunity to see both Bald Eagles and other raptors soar across the skies of Hawk Ridge and surrounding area.

This unforgettable trip is guided by our expert naturalists Scott Mehus and Jarod Lueck. They will give you plenty of opportunities to learn about raptor biology, behaviors, and how to identify the different species on your own.

Reserve your spot for this experience and prepare to be transported to raptor migration territory.

A minimum of 6 people must register for the trip for it to run.

Field Trip

Meet Your Guides

Swan & Waterfowl

Scott Mehus

Scott Mehus is the Director of Education at the National Eagle Center and has worked here since 2006. Scott holds degrees in Environmental Education and Recreation and Leisure Studies from Vermilion College and Winona State University. Scott’s deep enthusiasm for raptors started when he was a student at Vermilion College in Ely, Minnesota. With Duluth being just a couple of hours from Ely, Scott would spend many weekend hours hanging out at Hawk Ridge learning from the expert hawk counters. Then for over 15 years he co-led a week long  Elderhostel/Road Scholars class about the migration of raptors flying over Hawk Ridge. He has worked  for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Hormel Nature Center in Austin Minnesota. He is a true conservationist and naturalist at heart. Scott has intensively explored, observed, and recorded natural history in the coulees and bluffs of the Driftless Area of southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa, and western Wisconsin since 1994. Passionate about the natural world, Scott enjoys sharing his knowledge with audiences of all ages. Upon moving to the Mississippi River Valley, Scott soon fell in love with watching wintering Golden Eagles.

 

Jarod Lueck

Jarod is the Avian Care Assistant Manager here at the National Eagle Center. He oversees daily care of our raptor ambassadors and performs many of our programs on and off-site! Jarod graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in captive wildlife. He has been with the National Eagle Center since 2017 and has been educating about raptors for over 10 years. On Field Trips his ability to spot wildlife is beyond peer. When Jarod is not educating people about eagles, he is typically enjoying fishing on the Mississippi River backwaters.

Swan & Waterfowl

Pricing

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What to expect

  • Our Overnight Field Trip will travel to Duluth in a 15 passenger van.
  • We will leave Wabasha, MN at approximatley 8:45 am on Saturday, October 12 and return at aproximately 7pm on Sunday, October 13.
  • You will receive classroom-style programs as you travel.
  • You will be sent meeting instructions via email prior to the day of the field trip.
  • Hotel room, breakfast and lunch is included. Dinner will be on your own.
  • You should dress for the weather and bring your own binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras if desired.
  • Little walking is required.

Please note: While there are no age restrictions, we do not recommend these experiences for young children who may not handle sitting on a van for long periods of time.

What to Expect

Lodging

  • Located in downtown Duluth
  • Skywalk connection
  • Walking distance from Bayfront Festival Park
  • Rooms with views of downtown, Lake Superior, or the hillside
  • Revolving restaurant

A local landmark just steps from Canal Park and DECC/Amsoil Arena, Radisson Hotel Duluth-Harborview is Minnesota’s longest operating Radisson and only circular hotel. You can use the connected Skywalk to reach shops, restaurants, and museums along the waterfront. For some outdoor fun, embark on a cruise of Lake Superior or spend a day hiking at nearby Spirit Mountain Recreational Area.

After a full day of business or leisure activities, you can relax in our heated indoor pool, hot tub, or sauna, or you can spend an evening indulging in familiar dishes with a twist at Harbor 360, our rotating restaurant with stunning harbor views.

Cancellation Policy

Registrants who are unable to attend a field trip can receive a full refund. Cancellations must be made by 4pm on Friday, September 27, 14 days prior to the scheduled field trip to be eligible for a full refund.

The National Eagle Center reserves the right to cancel a field trip for any reason. In cases where a field trip is canceled, all registrations will receive a full refund.

If we do not reach a minimum of 6 registrants the trip will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.