National Loon Center

Adopt a Loon

Show your love for loons and give to the National Loon Center for Give to the Max! 

During this giving season, the National Loon Center invites supporters of all ages to Adopt a Loon. By symbolically adopting a loon for yourself or a loved one, you will help protect the Common Loon and the lakes they live in through habitat protection, education, and research. 

Adopt a loon for your household or send a loon to a loved one! Gifts of $60 or more will receive a hand-signed loon adoption certificate, a loon plushie (that makes the loon call), and a special edition Adopt a Loon sticker. 

Please note:  Certificates cannot be personalized. 

We are here for the loons and for you!

Minnesotans love their lakes and our state bird – the Common Loon.

Established in 2017, the National Loon Center is dedicated to transforming individuals into champions for loons and freshwater everywhere through interactive education and by participating in critical conservation and research efforts. 

We have welcomed more than 17,000 visitors to “The Nest” since opening this temporary education center on the Crosslake Town Square in 2021. We are proud to support local businesses and tourism in central Minnesota.

We connect with people around the state and across the country, reaching more than 8,000 youth and adults annually. Through presentations and events like the Minnesota State Fair, we provide information on the dangers of lead fishing tackle and the prevention of aquatic invasive species, so loons and lake-goers can continue to enjoy Minnesota’s healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Each summer, we launch the StewardShip, a pontoon used for loon and freshwater education excursions on Cross Lake for guests of all ages and school groups. In three years, we have completed 230 trips for nearly 3,000 guests. Students transform into Junior Loon Biologists aboard the StewardShip, observing loons and participating in water quality and transparency testing activities.

Your support today helps power these eye-opening programs and other important efforts, including shoreline restoration and water quality research.

More excitement is on the horizon

We are on the verge of building a world-class educational facility that celebrates and protects loons and lakes!

An enhanced site plan for the National Loon Center campus is taking flight within the heart of Crosslake. The proposed site spans nearly 10 acres and will incorporate sustainable design and landscaping within a natural park environment. We anticipate construction beginning in the spring of 2025 and the Center opening to the public in 2026 while using most of the existing building design concepts.  For larger gifts, your support will help us achieve this vision of a National Loon Center campus.

Give a hoot about loons today. 

www.nationallooncenter.org