Visiting Us
Admission • Hours • Location • Guest Amenities & Accessibility • Parking • Jr Biologist Program for Kids • Pets • Shopping • Plan Ahead & Enjoy the Trails • Birding & Wildlife Watching • Local Destinations
Admission is free !!
Both Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve have made a commitment to inform and educate the public about the natural treasures in the Refuge and the Reserve.
Hours
Summer 2012
May 26 -Memorial Day Weekend through- Sept 2 Labor Day Weekend
Open Daily
9 am to 5 pm
Fall, Winter, and Spring 2012
Labor Day - September 3 - September 30
Open Tuesday through Sunday
10 am to 5 pm
October 1 through May 9
Open Tuesday through Saturday
12 noon to 5 pm
Closed on Christmas Eve and Federal Holidays
May 10 - 13
Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival Weekend
Special Extended Hours and Programs
May 15-25
10 am to 5 pm Daily
Location
Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center is at 95 Sterling Hwy. in Homer, Alaska. Our map of the Kenai Peninsula shows the route from Anchorage south to Homer, 'where the road ends and the sea begins'.
Guest Amenities & Accessibility
Restrooms, sitting areas and drinking fountains are conveniently located. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available at no charge to loan to on-site guests. All exhibits are accessible by wheelchair.
Parking
The Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center offers ample parking including bus and RV spots. No overnight parking is allowed.
Jr. Biologist - Kids Earn Your Badge!
Kids can earn their Jr. Biologist Badge by completing activities at the Visitor Center.
Pets
Pets are not allowed inside the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center but are allowed on the trails while on a leash. To avoid disease being passed to wildlife, owners must pick up after their pets.
Shopping
Located inside the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, the Alaska Geographic bookstore offers an exciting selection of nature guides, children's items, and books. Click here to contact the Bookstore Manager.
The Alaska Geographic is a partner of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and other Refuges and Parks in Alaska. Their website offers membership and an online bookstore with many helpful items for travelers planning to visit to Alaska. Purchases made at Islands & Ocean support educational programs at the Visitor Center. Members receive a 15% discount on most purchases.
Plan Ahead & Enjoy the Trails
Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center is primarily a walking experience. Stroll through inside exhibits and explore interpretive trails on the Center's sixty-acre site. If you intend to enjoy the trails, consider bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, gear for windy or rainy conditions and appropriate shoes or boots to explore the beach.
Birding & Wildlife Watching on Kachemak Bay
Help plan your wildlife watching trips in the Homer area by visiting the Kachemak Bay Birders group for the latest bird reports or the Birder's Guide to Kachemak Bay website. You can also call 235-7337 (PEEP) to get report or get updates on bird sightings. Check out the the guide to Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing in Alaska.
Local Visitor Destinations
Expand your experience while in Homer by visiting one of our community associates!
#1 Islands & Ocean Visitor Center
#2 Pratt Museum
#3 Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
#4 Alaska Department of Fish & Game
#7 Alaska Marine Highway System
Also visit the Refuge Website for information on getting to Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
