[2][3] The site is located where hundreds of bald eagles congregate to scavenge and hunt fish year round due to a geographic anomaly at the confluence of the Mississippi and Chippewa Rivers.

The fast running water exiting the Chippewa delta prevents ice from being able to form on much of the Mississippi River in that area during the winter making it a good fishing ground for migrating eagles.

The National Eagle Center received Federal recognition in 1998 which cleared the way for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies to assist in its development.

The facility, designed by LHB, Inc., includes a living aviary, environmental and cultural exhibits, classrooms, auditorium, indoor and outdoor viewing space, and gift shop.

This community venue, developed in partnership with the City of Wabasha can seat approximately 250 people and is used for outdoor eagle programs during the summer season.

The exhibit features a buffalo hide depicting the Dakota creation story and a video commentary featuring the Mexican-American artist Javier Lara-Ruiz (who painted under the Inkpa Mani),[18] the staff of the National Eagle Center (gifted by the Prairie Island Indian Community), a land acknowledgment, and the story of the Dakota People of the Prairie Island Indian Community.