Explore at whc


Ways to Explore

Discover your connection to nature’s wetlands at the Waterfowling Heritage Center. The WHC offers educational and entertaining experiences like field trips, family day events, and on-site scouts programming at our National Headquarters. All programming is free to the public.

 

FIELD TRIPS >>     FAMILY EVENTS >>    SCOUTS >>

 

Group Tours

The Waterfowling Heritage Center offers guided tours during museum hours. Guided tours of WHC can be booked in groups of 30 to 35 people. A guided tour of the museum takes about 30 minutes. When booking large groups, please be aware of your time restraints. All tours must be booked in advance. 

School Tours

Discover what Ducks Unlimited has to offer by bringing your class, summer camp, or other group to the WHC for field trips encouraging exploration and discovery. WHC’s programs align with Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas State, and the Catholic Diocese of Memphis science objectives with object-based learning. Schools must book in advance for all K-12 programming.

Self-Guided Tours

On a self-guided visit to the museum, your group will receive a scavenger hunt to assist you in your visit.  

Guided Tours

Guided tours of WHC can be booked in groups of 30 people. A guided tour of the museum takes about 30 minutes. When booking large groups please be aware of your time restraints.

 

To book your next group visit, please contact:
Rachel Wilson, Education and Program Coordinator, WHC
rwilson2@ducks.org
(901) 758-3755 (office)

 

 


SCOUTS

Explore the outdoors at Ducks Unlimited’s National Headquarters with our scouts-based programming. Meet one of Ducks Unlimited's biologists before heading outdoors for nature and waterfowl themed games, activities, and experiments. Programs are free and open to all groups!

Into the Wild: Sleepover at Ducks Unlimited

  • Explore the outdoors while learning all about the path of waterfowl in North America. Scouts will meet one of our scientists to discuss flyways, aquatic ecosystems, and wetlands as well as learn how Ducks Unlimited helps conserve the homes of our ducks. Complete challenges and conduct experiments outdoors before settling inside for a viewing of Wings Over Water before bed in our NHQ!
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Day Camp at Ducks Unlimited

  • Enjoy the sun at our Day Camp while learning all about waterfowl, habitat, and conservation! Experience a range of activities outside at our National Headquarters, including Talk and Touch with real waterfowl wings, and games and experiments to teach you about the life and habits of ducks in North America. Get a look inside our Headquarters for a viewing of Wings Over Water before enjoying your sack lunches on site!

To book your scout visit, please contact:
Rachel Wilson, Education and Program Coordinator, WHC
rwilson2@ducks.org
(901) 758-3755 (office)

 


FIELD TRIPS

Discover what Ducks Unlimited has to offer by bringing your class, summer camp, or other group to the WHC for field trips encouraging exploration and discovery. WHC’s programs align with Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas State, and the Catholic Diocese of Memphis science objectives with object-based learning. Schools must book in advance for all K-12 programming.

K-3rd Grade

  • Seeing Like a Duck: Discover the five senses of waterfowl!
    AR 1-LS1-1; TN K-2-LS1-1; MS L2.4.1
  • Growing Up Feathered: Nesting and growing as a duckling.
    AR 1-LS1-2; TN K-LS3-1; MS L.K.3A.2
  • Home is Where the Food Is: Explore the balance of food and habitat for waterfowl.
    AR K-ESS3-1; 1-LS1-1; 2-LS4-1; TN 2-LS2; 3-LS1-1; MS L.K.3B.1; L.2.4.1; L.2.3A.1
  • Welcome to the Prairie: All about duck life in the Wetlands!
    AR K-ESS3-1; 1-LS1-2; 2-LS4-1; TN K-LS1; 2-LS2; MS L.2.3A.1; L.2.3B.1; L.3.1.3
  • Into the Rice Fields: Explore nature’s water filter.
    AR K-ESS3-1
  •  

3rd-5th Grade

  • Seeing Like a Duck: The senses and survival of waterfowl.
    AR 4-LS1-1; TN 4-LS2-5; 5-LS1-1
  • Growing Up Feathered: Nesting and life cycle of waterfowl.
    AR 3-LS1-1; 3-LS3-2; 4-LS1-1; 5-LS1-1; TN 5-LS3-1; MS L.3.4.3; L.4.2.1
  • Home is Where the Food Is: Explore the balance of food and habitat for waterfowl.
    AR 3-LS4-4; 3-LS2-1; 3-LS4-4; 5-LS1-1; 5-LS2-1; TN 3-LS1-1; 3-LS2-1; 3-LS4-1; 4-LS2-3; 4-LS2-5; MS L.3.4.1
  • Welcome to the Prairie: Understanding conservation and life in the wetlands.
    AR 3-LS4-4; 3-LS4-4; 3-LS1-1; 5-LS1-1; 5-LS2-1; TN 3-LS4-1; 4-LS2-3; 4-LS2-5; 4-ESS3-2; MS L.3.1.3; L.3.4.1; L.3.4.2; L.3.4.3; L.5.3B.1; E.5.10.1
  • Into the Rice Fields: Explore nature’s water filter.
    AR 3-LS4-4; 5-LS2-1; TN 4-ESS3-2; MS E.5.10.1
  • Flight in Progress: Explore migration patterns and group behavior of waterfowl.
    AR 3-LS4-4; 3-LS2-1; TN 3-LS2-1; 5-LS1-1; MS L.3.1.3
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6th-8th Grade

  • Seeing Like a Duck: The senses and survival of waterfowl.
    TN 6-LS2-7
  • Growing Up Feathered: Nesting, life cycle, and reproduction of waterfowl.
    AR 7-LS2-1; MS L.8.2B.1
  • Home is Where the Food Is: Habitat dependence for survival of waterfowl.
    AR 7-LS2-2; 7-LS2-1; TN 6-LS2
  • Welcome to the Prairie: Waterfowl conservation and habitat.
    AR 6-ESS3-3; 7-LS2-1; 7-LS2-4; TN 6-LS2-1; 6-LS2; 6-LS4-2
  • Into the Rice Fields: Explore nature’s water filter.
    AR 6-ESS3-3; 7-LS2-4; TN 6-LS4-2; MS L.7.3.5

To book your field trip, please contact:
Rachel Wilson, Education and Program Coordinator, WHC
rwilson2@ducks.org
(901) 758-3755 (office)

 


FAMILY EVENTS

Experience our quarterly events at the Waterfowling Heritage Center. Events are free and open to families and children of all ages. Join us for nature and waterfowl themed activities, experiments, games, and crafts. Look out for more details on upcoming events!

 

Fall Break Event

  • October 15 to 17th, 1:00PM-4:00PM
    Enjoy the sun at our Day Camp while learning all about waterfowl, habitat, and conservation! Experience a range of activities outside at our National Headquarters, including Talk and Touch with real waterfowl wings, and games and experiments to teach you about the life and habits of ducks in North America. Get a look inside our Headquarters for a viewing of Wings Over Water before enjoying your sack lunches on site!
  •  

World Wildlife Conservation Day

  • Saturday, December 7th, 12:00PM-4:00PM
    Details coming soon!

 

The Canada Goose: Etched in Time, Carved in Wood

On view August 1, 2025 - Summer 2026

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Presented by Ducks Unlimited, this groundbreaking exhibition celebrates the rich legacy of the Canada goose through the extraordinary Peterson Collection—one of the most remarkable private collections of Canada goose decoys.

Featuring rare decoys by master carvers like Elmer Crowell, Joseph Lincoln, Charles Safford, and Nathan Cobb Jr., this exhibit highlights the artistry and craftsmanship that have shaped waterfowling history. For the first time, the exhibit focuses solely on the Canada goose, exploring its significance through the lens of decoy making, hunting traditions, and the ongoing conservation efforts that continue to protect this iconic species.

A tribute to both heritage and conservation, this exhibit invites visitors to connect with the past while celebrating the continued work of Ducks Unlimited in conserving North America’s wetlands and wildlife.

On display at the WHC from August 1, 2025, through Summer 2026.

Illinois River Decoys from the Dave and Jeanette Kneebone Collection

On view through June 2025

Discover the artistry and tradition of American waterfowl hunting through the Dave and Jeanette Kneebone Collection, a remarkable assembly of handcrafted decoys from the Illinois River Valley—a region celebrated for its influence on decoy carving in the United States.

This special exhibit features masterworks by iconic carvers including Robert Elliston, Charles Perdew, Charlie Walker, and Bert Graves, whose skillful hands shaped the Illinois River style—gracefully rounded forms, detailed painting, and a blend of utility and beauty. Originally created as working tools for hunters, these decoys have since become prized examples of American folk art.

Thanks to the dedication of the Kneebones, this collection preserves a living legacy of craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity—on display through June 2025.

The Milligan Duck Call Collection

On view through June 2025

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Curated by Rick Milligan of Ohio, this exhibit showcases a unique collection of vintage and contemporary duck and game calls, along with select decoys, from call-makers across 17 states. Representing both tradition and innovation, the collection reflects Milligan’s deep passion for waterfowl folk art and its regional diversity.

From hand-carved classics to modern designs, these calls highlight the craftsmanship and culture behind one of North America’s enduring outdoor traditions.

On display at the WHC through June 2025.

The History of DU Camo

On view through June 2025

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In partnership with Camo Retro, this exhibit explores the evolution of Ducks Unlimited-sponsored camouflage, from the iconic Bob Allen pattern designed by Maynard Reece to today’s modern Mossy Oak collaborations.

Featuring rare camo gear and a wide array of DU hats from chapters across the country, the display captures the unique intersection of conservation, culture, and outdoor style. A must-see for fans of waterfowling history and Ducks Unlimited tradition.

On display at the WHC through June 2025.

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