Elk Country Visitor Center

09/03/2026

Wagon Rides for this evening 9/3/26 are CANCELLED due to flooding on the trails. Rides are currently still on schedule for the rest of the weekend. 🐎

We hope to see you in Elk Country real soon! 🍂

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

The ‘ber months have arrived… and it’s OUR FAVORITE time of year to share Pennsylvania’s Elk Country! 🍂

08/31/2026

Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride Schedule 🐴

Join us for a relaxing evening ride through Pennsylvania’s beautiful Elk Country!

▪️Thursday, September 3rd - 6pm and 7pm

▪️Friday, September 4th - 5pm, 5:15pm, 6:15pm, and 7:15pm **additional times added - 6pm and 7pm**

▪️Saturday September 5th - 5pm, 5:15pm, 6pm, 6:15pm and 7:15pm

▪️Sunday, September 6th - 5pm, 5:15pm, 6:15 and 7:15pm

▪️Monday, September 7th - 6pm and 7pm

🎟️ Tickets are $25 per person. Children under age 1 ride FREE.

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM on the day of each ride. Guests purchasing tickets in person will be served first, followed by phone reservations at (814) 787-5167.

Seats are limited and rides fill quickly—We look forward to seeing you in Elk Country!

08/31/2026

As Jeff Gauger prepares to retire from his role as President and CEO of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and transitions back into a part-time role in Development, KECA extends its heartfelt appreciation for his many years of dedication, leadership, and service. 🙌

Jeff’s journey with KECA began at the organization’s very foundation. After becoming involved in elk conservation through RMEF, Jeff and his wife, Robin, volunteered their time and talents to help KECA grow.

Over the years, he served the organization in nearly every capacity—from volunteer and business consultant to member of the Board of Directors, Director of Development, President and CEO, and even the one and only Benny the Elk!

Jeff helped carry KECA through a time of growth and transition while keeping its mission at the center of every decision. Under his leadership, KECA expanded its conservation impact, strengthened its educational programming, enhanced the visitor experience, and further established the Elk Country Visitor Center as a world-class destination and gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds. 🌿

Jeff’s passion for Pennsylvania’s elk herd, Elk Country, and the people who support KECA has left a lasting mark on our organization. His leadership helped build a strong foundation that will continue benefiting future generations.

Please join us in thanking Jeff for his exceptional service and wishing him and Robin all the best as they begin this well-deserved new chapter.

Once a member of the herd, always a member of the herd! ❤️🦌

08/31/2026

🦌 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE ELK RUT! 🦌

One of the most exciting times of the year in Pennsylvania’s Elk Country is here—and we need YOU!

The Welcome Cabin volunteer schedule for the rut is OPEN!

This is your chance to be part of an unforgettable season, welcome visitors to Elk Country, share your enthusiasm for Pennsylvania’s elk, and help make their experience one to remember.

Whether you’re a returning volunteer or have been thinking about getting involved for the first time, we’d love to have you join us!

📅 Sign up today and reserve your spot:
https://experienceelkcountry.com/volunteer/

Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers for being the face of Elk Country! ❤️🦌

08/30/2026

The Elk Country After Dark Event is an experience like no other and will leave you fully immersed in the magic that happens after the sun sets in Pennsylvania's Elk Country. You could hear the bugles of herd bulls, the mews of a matriarch cow, clashing of antlers as one bull challenges another, along with the sounds of coyotes, owls, and other creatures of the night. You will be in a sensory overload as you get to experience something like never before... something that not many ever get to!

The evening will start with a social reception starting at 7PM in the EM Jack & Jean Parker Outdoor Classroom behind the Elk Country Visitor Center with a grazing table of various meats, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, and dips, as well as beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Around 8pm, the program will get started with a short presentation by KECA staff and they will speak on some of the things to expect while enjoying the evening along with some safety expectations as well.

After the presentation, the group will disperse to the trail head areas and then sit back and relax, all while taking in the sounds and the wonder of Elk Country after dark.

This event will be taking place after the Elk Country Visitor Center has closed and the event will be extremely limited so that you will have the best opportunity to experience what truly does happen after the crowds disappear and the evening comes to life.

All attendees must be 21 or older to attend due to alcohol restrictions.

This event is held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, postponement may occur, and participants will be contacted immediately. Participants should purchase tickets based on DATE of attending. Tickets are not interchangeable between dates.

Tickets are available for $75 by visiting: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXji2fZtoBYN6HsayCxVu2q9JRvlBZHTbQoMvXpPNkYxZATA/viewform

08/28/2026

Elk Fact Friday ✔️

As summer comes to an end, Pennsylvania’s bull elk begin shedding the soft velvet that has covered and nourished their growing antlers.

Did you know?

▪️ Velvet contains blood vessels and nerves that supply nutrients to rapidly growing antlers.
▪️ As testosterone levels rise in late summer, the antlers harden and the velvet begins to dry.
▪️ Bulls rub their antlers against trees and brush to remove the velvet, often leaving their antlers stained a dark brown.
▪️ The process may look uncomfortable or bloody, but it is a normal part of an elk’s yearly antler cycle.
▪️ Once the velvet is gone, the hardened antlers are ready for the upcoming fall rut!

Photo by: Robin Gauger

08/27/2026

🎀 Wear Pink. Support the Fight. 🎀

New breast cancer awareness shirts are now available at the Elk Country Visitor Center! Best of all, 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣% of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

👕 Short Sleeve: $23
👕 Long Sleeve: $26.50
👕 Crew Neck Sweatshirt: $35

Stop by and purchase yours today—together, we can make a difference! 💕

Reminder that if you are an active member of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance you receive 10% off in the gift shop year-round.

If you are interested in becoming a member today, join here: 🔽
https://experienceelkcountry.com/support-keca/become-a-member-partner/