Self Guided Groups/

Special Park Use Permits

Special Park Use Permits/Self-guided groups are organized groups greater than 20 people visiting

​the Eagle River Nature Center without hiring our staff to guide them.

Self-Guided Groups/Special Park Use Permits

Any organized or promoted assembly of more than 20 persons requires a permit from Alaska State Parks, which includes the Eagle River Nature Center.


  • Examples – company picnic, family reunion, scout groups, weddings, self-guided ASD & Mat-Su Schools.
  • Why? Our facilities are small with limited parking and restrooms. So we need to know when larger groups are coming to visit to help facilitate use of the Nature Center and the trails.
  • Any events required by Alaska State Parks to be listed as insured, must also list Friends of Eagle River Nature Center as additionally insured. 
  • Please note that our parking lots do not have space for large tour bus parking. Individuals can be dropped off and the bus can park down Eagle River Road at one of the pull-outs next to Eagle River.

Cost for Self-guided Groups

If arriving by:

  • Personal car: $5/car
  • Passenger van: $15/passenger van
  • Bus: $30/bus
  • Possible additional Alaska State Park and ERNC permit fees depending on activity.

​Lunch/ Shelter/ Rental options

​Self-guided groups may eat their sack lunches at the outdoor picnic tables behind the Nature Center -- be aware that these cannot be reserved and are available to the general public on a "first come, first serve" basis. Other choices are to eat lunch along the Eagle River (see trail map).


*Please note: the viewing decks along the Rodak Trail are NOT available for large groups to eat lunch. If you're looking for an indoor shelter, there is the option of renting the classroom yurt that can be heated in cool weather.

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