Elk Country Visitor Center - Benezette, Pennsylvania - Nature Centers on Waymarking.com

Elk Country Visitor Center - Benezette, Pennsylvania



About:
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is proud to partner with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance in the creation of the Elk Country Visitor Center. Opened in September 2010, the Center is an ongoing example of a true public and private success story. Together, we’re committed to sustaining Pennsylvania’s majestic elk habitat, as part of the overall preservation and enhancement of our state’s natural resources. Through conservation education at the Elk Center, we are living up to that mission.

The Facility
The 8,400-square foot Elk Country Visitor Center main building is an eco-friendly structure designed and built with energy efficiency and environmental conservation in mind. The location and layout of the building and parking lot were chosen to minimize the facility's impact on the ecosystem. The building itself features energy efficient materials and designs, solar-oriented windows for warmth and lighting, and a renewable geothermal heating and cooling system. Materials used to construct the facility contained recycled content, and remaining materials were sorted, recycled, and donated the local community for firewood, crafts and other uses. The Center collects and recycles rainwater for use in the building restroom facilities. And of course, we ask all visitors to properly dispose of recyclables and trash while on the property.

Exhibits
esigned for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, the Visitor Center offers interpretive landscapes, historical and environmental orientation and educational displays. You will learn about the seasons, wildlife, history and culture of this amazing Pennsylvania region. The Great Room features hands-on exhibits, an indoor observation area and even a cozy fireplace where guests are invited to gather and relax. Touch screen activities offer helpful, interactive presentations on plants and animals. A diorama illustrates the elk and other wildlife you are likely to see on our trails. There are spotting scopes and panoramic windows overlooking the wilderness. You can even step on a scale to see how many humans it takes to equal the weight of one bull elk.

Immersive Theater
The immersive Theatre features an exciting and informative 4-D educational presentation unlike any other. This 30-minute show features multimedia sights and sounds, plus a new level of sensory experiences – all to showcase a historical account of elk in Pennsylvania, the behavior of elk during all four seasons and ongoing conservation efforts

Discovery Room
Designed especially for children and families, the Discovery Room offers a unique and memorable hands-on learning experience. The Discovery Room features include touchable exhibits and activities focused on elk and other wildlife that live in the habitats of the Pennsylvania Wilds, and a glimpse at the role of wildlife biologists and conservationists.

Trails and Viewing Areas
The Visitor Center features three observation trails with viewing areas and interpretive wayside displays. All trails are wheelchair accessible and lead to viewing areas where you can see the elk, but they cannot see you. Visitors can also experience and learn about other native plants and animals, area history, and the surrounding ecosystem.

Seasonal Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides as well as a Gift Shop are available to visitors.

Street Address:
950 Winslow Hill Road
Benezette, Pennsylvania 15821

Telephone No.
(814) 787-5167

Hours:
April – May: Thursday – Monday | 9am – 5pm
**Closed Easter Sunday**

June - August: 7 days a week 8am – 8pm

September – October: 7 Days a Week | 8am – 8pm
Grounds open Dawn til 8pm

November – December: Thursday – Monday | 9am – 5pm
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

January – March: Saturday & Sunday Only | 9am – 5pm

Information Excerpted From:Elk Country Visitor Center