# Matson Ocean Education Center Grand Opening

**📅 Date:** May 16, 2026
**⏰ Time:** During regular facility hours (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry 4:00 PM)
**📍 Venue:** Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Mile 79 Seward Highway, Portage
**💰 Price:** Regular AWCC admission applies (Adults $30, Youth $26, Children 3-under free, Military/AK residents $28)

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center celebrates the grand opening of its groundbreaking Matson Ocean Education Center, a 1,000-square-foot interactive learning facility dedicated to Cook Inlet beluga whale conservation. This milestone event marks the completion of a $250,000 Matson Inc. donation project that brings cutting-edge ocean education to one of Alaska's most scenic wildlife destinations.

Step into Alaska's newest marine education experience, featuring hands-on exhibits that bring the underwater world of Cook Inlet to life. The center showcases a life-size beluga whale skeleton, hydrophones for listening to underwater sounds, and specialized viewing equipment designed for observing the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales that frequent Turnagain Arm. Interactive displays educate visitors about icebergs, tides, and the unique marine ecosystem that makes this region critical habitat for Alaska's most endangered whale population.

Located at "The Point" where land meets the waters of Turnagain Arm, the education center offers unparalleled views during high tide when beluga whales are most likely to be spotted. AWCC serves as an official NOAA beluga counting station, making this location scientifically significant for whale research and conservation efforts. The 200-acre conservation center features a 1.5-mile loop walkway where visitors can observe rescued Alaska wildlife while learning about ocean conservation.

This grand opening represents a major advancement in Alaska's marine education landscape, combining wildlife rehabilitation, conservation science, and public education in one spectacular Turnagain Arm setting. Visitors can explore the new facility alongside AWCC's established animal exhibits, making it a perfect destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts seeking to understand Alaska's marine environment and conservation challenges.

The timing coincides with Baby Animal Season and guided tour offerings (May 17-31), providing multiple reasons to experience this world-class wildlife and education destination during its most exciting season.