Elk, Exploration, and an Epic Upgrade: The National Elk Refuge is Getting a Makeover
The National Elk Refuge is gearing up for an exciting $39 million upgrade to its visitor center, and this isn’t just a fresh coat of paint — we’re talking about a complete transformation designed to inspire, educate, and make your visits even more unforgettable. After all, when you’ve got 500,000 human visitors and thousands of majestic elk dropping by every winter, it’s only fitting that the space be as awe-inspiring as the wildlife it celebrates.
The current visitor center is 1960s-era building originally used as a Wyoming Department of Transportation office. If it were human, it would be thinking about retirement, complaining about back pain, and watching reruns of NCIS every night. But thanks to $14 million in federal funding from the Great American Outdoors Act and a $25 million fundraising campaign led by the Friends of the National Elk Refuge, a revamped, state-of-the-art Nature Discovery Center will soon become a reality.
Early plans for the upgrade include:
• Immersive exhibits: Experience virtual elk migrations and explore the high country alongside the herd.
• Expanded observation deck: More space for spotting elk, eagles, and bison, with full accessibility and connections to nearby trails.
• Educational resources: Interactive displays and hands-on learning stations ideal for school groups.
• Multipurpose event space: A flexible hub for local events, meetings, and conservation talks.
The refuge will stay free for all visitors, ensuring this natural wonder is accessible to everyone.
What’s next? The Friends group has launched a capital campaign, with an initial $2 million goal to finalize architectural drawings and secure design proposals. If all goes well, construction could start as early as next year, with completion by 2028 or 2029.
In the meantime, you know where to find the elk. Catch them on the Flat Creek Inn East Webcam or experience them up close with the popular Sleigh and Stay Special (last time we plug this till next year, we promise).
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Ryan Kunz is a copywriter and freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics, including media, the outdoors, and whatever else strikes his fancy. This is the third week in a row he's written about elk.
