by Beth Price-Williams
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 is 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.
There are so many things to do in Benezette, Pennsylvania, but the coolest just might be seeing all of those wandering elk.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.
A day trip to Benezette means seeing a ton of wildlife; you definitely do not want to forget your camera.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 meatloaf and roast beef.
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.
Stop by the Elk Country Visitor Center website to plan your day trip to Benezette. Or, visit the Elk Country Visitor Center Facebook page.
Excited about your visit? Check out this video of roaming elk, which even includes two elk in a bit of a tussle at the end. The video was shared on YouTube by Harry Collins Photography.
Do you agree that Benezette is the perfect day trip in Pennsylvania? If not, what town would you choose? What are your favorite things to do in Benezette, Pennsylvania? 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.
More to Explore
Small Towns In Pennsylvania
Beth Price-Williams | March 24, 2023
What are some more of the best small towns in Pennsylvania?
A trip to see the elk makes Benezette one of the best small towns to visit in Pennsylvania, but there are plenty more to check out, too, including:
- A darling small town in Western Pennsylvania, Indiana is perhaps best known as the hometown of Jimmy Stewart and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). Visit during the holiday season for the “It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival.
- Lititz. Visit the adorable downtown, dotted with shops and restaurants, and make sure to visit Wolf Sanctuary of PA, a sanctuary for wolves. (There are no wild wolves in Pennsylvania.)
- Gettysburg. If you’re a history buff or a ghost hunter, you’ll absolutely love this historic town that’s teeming with the paranormal. Even if you just like quaint small towns in Pennsylvania, you’ll fall head over heels for this charming town.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the sweetest town in Pennsylvania, which is home to Hersheypark, Chocolate World, and Hershey Gardens.
- Jim Thorpe. Known as the Switzerland of Pennsylvania, the beautiful town of Jim Thorpe promises plenty to do. Stay at the haunted Inn at Jim Thorpe; climb aboard a scenic train ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, and check out the small shops and restaurants downtown.
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