Experience Elk Country during the 2019 Elk Expo
- by Beau Martonik
- August 9, 2019
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The summer heat is in full swing and we are already into August. Where did the time go?
Besides the rapidly approaching elk rut and beautiful fall colors that the PA Wilds has to offer, the 2019 Elk Expo will be kicking off on August 17th and 18th at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette.
The Keystone Elk Country Alliance and the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau host this event, which is the largest in the northeast! Personally, I’ve been going to this event for the last three years and recommend it to everyone.
Events and Attractions
The Elk Expo will have over 100 vendors of all kinds to provide you with food, drinks, art, outdoor products, apparel and much more. Check out the vendors list here.
There will be seminars going on both days. Do you want to learn more about Pennsylvania elk from the PA Game Commission’s elk biologist, Jeremy Banfield, or how to use trail cameras effectively? There will be seminars on these topics as well as many others. In addition, you can expect to listen to some great live music from Mis’ B Havin, The Wrangler Band, and Nick Forsyth. Here is a schedule so that you don’t miss one that you are interested in!
The Pennsylvania Game Commission will be drawing the annual elk tags live at the Elk Expo in the ECCO building on Saturday, August 17th. There has been some major changes to the hunting seasons and tag allotments this year giving more opportunities to hunters to help better manage the growing, healthy elk herds. For more information on how to draw elk tags and everything else that you need to know, check out this article.
The Elk Country Visitor Center is a great place to visit year round, but especially during the Elk Expo. There is information to learn about elk, their history in Pennsylvania and a 4-D theater experience. In addition, you can help support the elk conservation by stopping by their gift shop.
What You Need To Know
Location
Elk Country Visitor Center: 950 Winslow Hill Road, Benezette, PA 15821
Lodging and Camping
For lodging and camping in the area, click here or visit www.visitpago.com. Some popular camping destinations include: Big Elk Lick Horse Camp, Dark Hollow and Gas Well Equestrian Camping Area, and Hicks Run Camping Area.
Places to Eat
The Elk Expo has many vendors with food offerings available, but don’t let it stop there. Check out the local restaurants and wineries in the area for that small town feel and homemade tasting food! Local offerings include the Benezette Hotel Restaurant, Medix Hotel Restaurant, Old Bull Cafe, and Weedville Hotel Restaurant.
Parking
There are designated parking areas for the Elk Expo.
- Elk Country Visitor Center – 950 Winslow Hill Rd.Benezette, PA 15821
- Benezette Community Center – 105 School House Rd, Benezette, PA 15821
- Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area – 2313 Winslow Hill Rd, Benezette, PA 15821
- Woodring Farm Viewing Area – 2792 Winslow Hill Rd, Benezette, PA 15821
- Dents Run Elk Viewing Area – 950 Winslow Hill Rd, Benezette, PA 15821
Parking and entrance to the Elk Expo is free, but there is a $3/car fee for the shuttle service. The last shuttle will leave on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m.
If you haven’t attended the Elk Expo in the past, I highly recommend blocking off the weekend of August 17th and 18th on your calendar. It will be well worth your time to take a trip to Elk Country for an event that is great for the entire family and explore the PA Wilds!
For more information on the event, check out www.elkexpo.com.
