The Keystone Elk Country Alliance manages the forage plots here at the Elk Center to attract elk for viewing. We plant crops that elk prefer such as alfalfa, clover, oats and winter wheat to increase elk viewing opportunities. Even though elk are often visible at the Elk Center, elk are wild animals and at times can be unpredictable. Plan your trip to view elk at dawn and dusk to increase your odds of seeing elk.
FAQs at The Elk Country Visitors Center
Pennsylvania’s Elk Country is spectacular at any time of the year. Most people come to elk country in September and October, but elk viewing during the winter is unique because very large herds, upwards of 150 elk at a time, can be seen in November through February. If you want to see a newborn elk calf, or a bull elk in velvet, visit elk country during May, June, and July. Elk Country is certainly a worthwhile trip anytime of the year.
A horse-drawn wagon ride is an exceptional experience and a unique way to view elk. The horse-drawn wagon rides are typically provided from late August to mid October Thursdays through Mondays by KECA and are weather-dependent. Tuesday and Wednesday rides will vary on a weekly basis.
Tickets will go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on the day of the ride. Customers waiting in line at the center will be served first.
You may also call 814-787-5167 to reserve a seat; however, phone reservations will not be accepted until in person customers have been served. Tickets typically sell out quickly, so we strongly encourage you to arrive early.
You can visit or camp at a nearby State Park such as Parker Dam or Sinnemahoning, canoe or kayak the many miles of rivers, visit a local winery or the many craft and gift shops in the area, dine out at the many area restaurants, fish the streams and lakes on state forest lands, hunt, or bird watch on the thousands of acres of public land near the Elk Center. For more information visit PAWilds.com or VisitPAGo.com.
KECA is membership-based, but volunteer-driven. You are welcome and encouraged to volunteer at the Elk Center by providing our guests with information about our programs, local area, and businesses, or use your expertise to present an educational program. Become a member by clicking here to join! There are several membership levels, starting from youth to life members to conservation partners. Consider starting a KECA chapter in your area to raise much-needed funding for KECA’s conservation education programs and habitat enhancement projects. Contact Field Directors Don Schnars or Todd Taylor.
KECA’S Priorities are:
- Conservation education
- Habitat enhancement
- Permanent land protection
- Elk Country Endowment
Yes, currently KECA hosts fundraising banquets across Pennsylvania each year. Contact Field Director Don Schnars for more information. To find a complete list of our banquets, please visit our Events page.
Yes, KECA manages the Elk Mountain Homestead, an overnight lodging facility located on the property near the Elk Center. For more information about the Elk Mountain Homestead, click here.
Our dedicated volunteers perform a variety of duties. Some volunteers who are retired school teachers and instructors help with our educational programs. Others are on hand to meet and greet our guests so that any questions they have can be answered. Others may assist in our theater, helping guests into the show. Many other duties are available to meet your abilities. We always look forward to meeting new friends and adding to our volunteers.