Iowa Raptor Center

2095 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA

Address:	2095 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA
Phone:	+1 319-624-7178
Site:	macbrideraptorproject.org
Rating:	4.8
Working:	6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Matt Uhlman

What a delightful spot is the raptor center! The first I heard of it was a few weeks ago, and apparently my wife and the kiddos had been here once in the past. It proved to be a very fun and very educational outing filled with many birds and even a little bit of wildlife in the surrounding area. The place is basically a refuge for large and small birds that have either been hurt or are not fit for the wild for some reason or another. The actual entrance to the area off the main road by Lake Macbride is not very well marked so make sure youre paying attention to your GPS. After driving a mile or two down the park road you come to a dead end. You have to park out on this road and then walk down a path to the Raptor Center. It only takes about 5 minutes and as a really picturesque walk. After turning a corner, youll see some of the bird cages as you walk up to the Raptor Center. The cages are big wooden boxes with screens on the front of them and the birds inside. There are about 15 or so birds in all that range from small American kestrels all the way up to a bald eagle. Apparently you can make reservations for larger groups where they bring some of the birds out. We happened to catch them when they were weighing a few of the birds and giving one of the medication. We got to see a Harris Hawk up close and it is both Majestic and terrifying. Well it only weighs 2 pounds, Im pretty sure it could pick up our two-year-old if it wanted to. The actual walking trails that lead you to the birds are very manageable, probably only a quarter mile in total. Part of the Walk goes through the woods and down to an area overlooking the water. It was really nice it made for a very relaxing afternoon. Aside from the bird watching, they have a good amount of additional trails that are pretty short but have some nice signage talking about the flowers and what not. In addition, they have a butterfly garden that is managed by the Johnson County Master Gardeners Society. It looks like it would be a great place to come hang out for an evening. While we were walking around, we saw 4 deer and a turkey, all of which made for some great discussions with a two and four-year-old! The place has great hours, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer months. It seems like theres somebody here actually staffing the place during some of those hours, but not always. Either way, it was a really fun afternoon and a place we wish wed discovered a lot sooner. Well worth going if you got kids, if you like birds or if you just want to do something a little bit out of the ordinary.

Megan Jensen Zalzala

This is a wonderful place to visit with the kids. They have several types of realtor raptors for the family to see. They often have family days once per month featuring one of their birds. These days they have crafts for the kids and presentations about the featured animal. Its in a scenic area and they have a restored section of the prairie for kids to explore. Parking is limited and in inclimate weather, it can be a tad messy. Overall, a fantastic place to visit. Its free, but consider a donation as it helps them pay the bills :)

Debbie Cummings

We went as a womens club last week and I was surprisingly impressed! I already have plans made to take my almost 2 year old son and his friend along with my husband and father in law this week. It was great to see these birds up close and enjoyed the trail leading to the cages. The staff was very friendly also! Plus when looking at the bald eagle we were able to watch him eat his breakfast! Lol! :-)

Kevin Marks

Its not exactly a zoo, but its a nice, free place for a summer weekend hike and a chance to see some birds of prey. There are a few different owls, a couple of kestrels and red-tailed hawks, a bald eagle, and a few others. There is also a very active butterfly garden.

Steve Ash

Shawn and the staff were very kind. We booked the "wingbeats program" tour and it was well worth the money. Shawn is also very talented at preforming owl calls.

Brian Marshall

Awesome place to learn and explore. Many types of raptors including Bald Eagles, Golden Eagle, Great Horned Owls, Kestrels and Peregrine Falcon.

Issa Maalouf

here you can see some birds; an owl, a hawk, an eagle...it is quiet and nice place in the nature

Bob Trapp

This is a great place to learn about raptors while visiting the birds housed there.

Bobbi Jo Smiley

He was a beautiful creature to see and it was a nice time there

Spencer Davis

Beautiful birds although smallish cages and dirty water.

Diane Jackson

Beautiful setting