BENEZETTE — The Elk Country Visitor Center will host public programs in the month of January 2026.

Saturday, Jan. 3

First Hike of the Year, 2 p.m.

Join staff as they hike the grounds of the Elk Country Visitor Center for the first hike of 2026. They will discuss the habitat work done in our fields, explore different parts of the property, and learn about amazing Rocky Mountain elk.

Sunday, Jan. 4

Elk Bones, 2 p.m.

Have you ever wondered what an elk skeleton looked like? Come join a staff member as they take a look into how elk bones and human bones compare. Giving guests an insight into evolution and the mechanisms of biological evolution.

Saturday, Jan. 10

Bird Adaptations, 2 p.m.

Join Pennsylvania Game Commission educator Jake Smith to explore the world of birds and their adaptations. This hands-on learning is geared towards ages 12 and under.

Sunday, Jan. 11

Mountain Lions of Pennsylvania: Fact, History, and Ongoing Discussion, 2 p.m.

This program examines the documented history and biology of mountain lions in Pennsylvania, including their past range, ecological role, and current scientific understanding. Staff will also review reported sightings, leaving time for informed discussion about what these observations may mean today.

Saturday, Jan. 17

Make & Take Tree Cookies, 2-4 p.m.

Visiting elk country is always an exciting adventure, and you may even want to grab a souvenir to capture all the memories you made. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out which one to get. Well, the Elk Country Visitor Center may have just the thing and it’s free. Join staff in decorating a tree cookie of your very own in your own unique way. It’s sure to be the perfect way to remember the time you spent here in elk country.

Sunday, Jan. 18

Fire, Cocoa, & Stories Oh My! 2 p.m.

Come experience an educational story time around the fireplace. With hot cocoa to sip on, staff will read a children’s story book about nature and the elk. The family friendly activity will be fun for younger visitors.

Saturday, Jan. 24

Winter Fun Day! Noon-4 p.m.

Join the staff at the Elk Country Visitor Center for a winter fun day full of sled riding, hot chocolate, cross-country skiing, and a campfire to keep us warm. Staff do ask you bring your own sleds and cross-country skis and they will provide the rest. Dependent upon weather, if there is not enough snow for the winter activities, staff will provide an interpretive hike around the visitor center grounds, s’mores, games, and a craft.

Sunday, Jan. 25

PA Elk Hunt 2025 Recap! 2 p.m.

Did you know we have three elk hunting seasons? With a total of 140 tags allocated, 13 zones, and check station information lets dive into a total recap of this year’s elk hunting results. Come find out more about why we hunt the elk and how it benefits the herd.

Saturday, Jan. 31

PA Hibernators, 2 p.m.

Hibernation is an important metabolic process or some animals to survive the winter. Learn about hibernation and what animals in Pennsylvania are true hibernators.

If you have any questions, call 814-787-5173.