Drive cautiously as you make your way through the enchanting town of Benezette, the perfect destination for a day trip in Pennsylvania. After all, you never know when an elk is casually going to wander in your path. The elk on the side of the road are just one hint that you’re in for a fun day in one of the most unique towns in America.
You’ll probably run into far more elk than you will people when you visit the charming town of Benezette where the population tallies just under 200 residents. That pales in comparison to the estimated 1,400 elk that call the area home.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
If you’re making your first trip to Benezette, keep an eye out for the elk on the road. However, don’t stop or slow down, which could risk you and others on the road. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the elk.
Flickr/marktesta124
Make one of your first stops in town the Elk Country Visitor Center. Admission is free, and the visitor center itself offers numerous attractions – a 4D theater and a Discovery Room, for example.
Facebook/Elk Country Visitor Center
Slip on a pair of comfy shoes, especially if you plan to follow one of the three trails outside of the Visitor Center. Each of the trails features viewing areas where you can watch the elk in their natural habitat.
Flickr/marktesta124
For a one-of-a-kind viewing experience, climb aboard a horse-drawn covered wagon for a scenic ride. Covered wagon rides are generally offered from early June through the end of October.
Facebook/Elk Country Visitor Center
Stop by the gift shop, too, where you can stock up on souvenirs of your visit to Elk Country. The shop sells an assortment of unique items, all of which were made in the United States.
Facebook/Elk Country Visitor Center
Once you’re done at the Elk Country Visitor Center, grab a bite to eat at The Benezette Hotel. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, dishing up such favorites as meat loaf and roast beef.
Google/Tom Shaner
If you want to explore more of the Pennsylvania Wilds, follow the 127-mile Elk Scenic Drive. The scenic byway passes through five counties and offers even more chances to see the elk roaming free.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Stop by the official website of Elk Country Visitor Center to plan your day trip to Benezette. Or, go here for Facebook.
Flickr/marktesta124
Do you agree that Benezette is the perfect day trip in Pennsylvania? If not, what town would you choose? Let us know in the comments! On the hunt for more fun? Here are 10 unique day trips in Pennsylvania that are an absolute must-do.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Flickr/marktesta124
Facebook/Elk Country Visitor Center
Google/Tom Shaner
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
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Address: Elk Country Visitor Center (Keystone Elk Country Alliance), 134 Homestead Dr, Benezette, PA 15821, USA