Elk Country Visitor Center Weekend Programs
The education team here at the Keystone Elk Country Alliance works to educate on all levels. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or a curious visitor we have something for you! We offer educational weekend programs every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. These programs aren’t just about elk; they cover numerous topics from beavers and black bears to maple syrup making and hiking. We also frequently host guest speakers from the PA Game Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and other conservation organizations. On top of all that, we find special joy in the changing of the seasons and holidays. We often have special events during these times, like our Earth Day Celebration, Halloween Extravaganza, and Christmas Ornament Series.
If you are interested in being a part of all the fun that happens here at the Elk Country Visitor Center, then keep an eye on our calendar of events for everything we offer each month! You can also find event information on Facebook and Instagram.
July 2026 Weekend Programs
Friday, July 3rd ~ 2pm America 250 Bald Eagles- Our National Symbol
The bald eagle was chosen as the United States’ national symbol in 1782. Join us for an exciting look into the life of the bald eagle. Discover the remarkable story of how these birds nearly disappeared to their recovery across the country. Explore eagle adaptations, how to identify them, and where you can find them in the wild.
Saturday, July 4th ~ 10-2pm America 250 Celebration & Colonial Crafts!
Celebrate America’s 250th year at the Elk Country Visitor Center! Travel back in time by participating in some colonial activities from 250 years ago. We will have fire building demonstrations, colonial natural dyes, weaving, and candle making.
Sunday, July 5th ~ 2pm Make & Take: Bandanna Craft
Did you know that bandannas have been used for centuries? They have gone by many names with a variety of uses! Come design your own elk county bandanna and learn how versatile these hankies can be!
Friday, July 10th ~ 2pm Elk Bones
Have you ever wondered what an elk skeleton looked like? Come join a staff member as we take a look into how elk bones and human bones compare. Giving guests an insight into evolution and the mechanisms of biological evolution.
Saturday, July 11th ~ 2pm Gyotako (Fish Print Painting)
Join us in creating colorful “real fish print artwork”. Or bring your own white t-shirt and make a one of a kind fishy shirt! This Japanese artform is over 100 years old and was used by fisherman to record and display their best catches!
Sunday, July 12th ~ 2pm Make & Take: Bat Boxes
Come Learn about Pennsylvania’s Bats while making a new home for the Bats in your area! We are limiting this weekend program to 1 box per family. Sign up to reserve your bat box by emailing (ConEdSp@kecaus.com). Limited bat Boxes!
Saturday, July 18th ~ 12-4pm PA Mushroom Club
Members of the Central PA Mushroom Club will be onsite to provide information on mushrooming in our part of the state. We will forage on the grounds of the Elk Country Visitor Center and then identify the mushrooms found. This will be a great educational event!
Sunday, July 19th ~ 2pm Elk History in the Past 250 Years
Elk were in Pennsylvania since Columbus struck ground! With the rich history across the state, take a deep dive into the relationship elk and Americas founding have with each other!
Saturday, July 25th ~ All Day ELK EXPO
There will be numerous ongoing educational programs, seminars and activities during this event. Visit ElkExpo.com for more details.
Sunday, July 26th ~ All Day ELK EXPO
There will be numerous ongoing educational programs, seminars and activities during this event. Visit ElkExpo.com for more details.
Friday, July 31st ~ 2pm Tree ID
Walk around the Elk Country Visitor Center and learn how to identify some common tree species! Our summer intern will give a short presentation about how to identify a tree, following with a short walk using your new skills!
Saturday, August 1st ~ 10-12pm Wild Foragbles Walk W/ PA Master Gardeners
Come explore the plant life at your feet with the Elk County Master Gardeners at the Elk County Visitor Center. Learn about plants that can feed, support, and even heal us and the earth. This program is one of the three opportunities to learn about foraging in spring May 16th, summer August 1st, and fall October 3rd. Please join us for one or all three programs, starting at the Vista Pavilion, plus participants are invited to picnic on the Elk Country Visitor Center lawn after each program.
Sunday, August 2nd ~ 2pm Mock Archeological Dig
This is a unique opportunity to experience the science of uncovering history that people have left behind beneath our feet. We have numerous artifacts buried that you will try to discover and recognize. Great activity for families!
If you have any questions, please contact our Con Ed staff at (814) 787 – 5173
Emails: Ben Porkolab ~ ConEd@kecaus.com
Emma Walters ~ ConEdSp@kecaus.com
Dakota Malmgren ~ ConEdTech@kecaus.com