May you enjoy animals close up, not just on tv. If you time your visit the right place at the right time, you can hear the elk bugle, a distinctive deep sound followed by a squeal. I was fortunate to have a trip to Estes Park during this Sept.-Oct. season and an adventurous co-worker, so we woke up early to hear the elk in the Rocky Mountain National Park. I took the above photo at the Yellowstone National Park. National Geographic's 100 Places That Can Change Your Child's Life lists Yellowstone National Park as a must see site, "To maximize your child's wildlife spotting, Gafney suggest investing in some high-powered binoculars and heading to Haden Valley and Lamar Valley for a day devoted to animals." My family found the most elk in the Mammoth area (North side) where they wandered among the campground lawns. The kids favorite memories were the animals in the park. Here's 5 more places you can take your kids to see elk:
1. Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Elk were released in 2001 and now there's 140 elk in the area. Besides elk, visit the 9 historic buildings. If you need a nearby cabin, contact me or check out Lightning Bug Lodge or Indigo Moon Lodge.
2. Ponca Elk Center in Ponca, AR
Drive into the Boxley Valley near the Buffalo National River, elk were re-introduced and now there's nearly 450 elk along the river. Visit the center for education; open 5 days a week (closed Tue/Wed); free admission.
3. Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, PA
Learn at the center which opened in 2010. Most people drive to Winslow Hill with viewing areas and off road parking. If you want to camp near elk, try Sinnemahoning State Park which has a small herd.
4. National Elk Refuge, near Jackson, WY
Approx. 5,000 elk in the area. Check for events. Elk Fest antler auction in April. Horse drawn rides Dec.- April for $20 in 2014.
5. Utah - Logan Canyon, Mount Nebo, Mount Timpanogos
Population exploded and has reached 63,879 elk in the state.
