Elk are wild animals, and while we can’t guarantee a sighting during your visit, there are several ways to improve your chances of seeing these incredible animals in their natural habitat. The fields surrounding the visitor center are carefully planted with alfalfa, timothy, clover, and winter wheat, all of which help attract elk throughout different times of the year.
The best opportunities for viewing typically happen during the cooler parts of the day. Early mornings, just after sunrise, and the hours leading up to sunset are when elk are most active and often move into open fields to feed. During the warmer afternoon hours, elk tend to retreat into wooded areas or shaded spots to rest and stay cool, making them much harder to spot.