Kentucky is an outdoor lover’s paradise with so many unique destinations and activities to experience in the Bluegrass State. We shared some of the can’t miss opportunities in a previous article here, and you should also add this unique adventure to your list. Elk tours are offered through Kentucky State Parks and the events are about to start in a few weeks at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. This is a one-of-a-kind chance to view these incredible animals right here in Kentucky and learn about them from a knowledgeable guide.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is located in scenic Prestonsburg in Eastern Kentucky. This mountainside park offers a little bit of everything, including a unique opportunity to learn about the elk that roam the hills of Kentucky.
Facebook/Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
If you didn’t know herds of elk call our state home, you’re not alone. These large animals were actually reintroduced by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife in 1997. Over the next six years, over 1,500 elk were brought into Kentucky.
Photo Courtesy of Kentucky State Parks
This project proved to be quite successful; there are now over 10,000 elk roaming our state. The reclaimed surface mines in Eastern Kentucky make for ideal habitats for these fascinating animals.
Photo Courtesy of Kentucky State Parks
The park offers guided tours of the elk herd, and the first one is coming up on September 15, 2018. These tours are then offered nearly every week throughout the rest of the year and will again be offered after the holidays in 2019.
Photo Courtesy of Kentucky State Parks
You can purchase a ticket for a morning or evening tour through the website linked below. The fee includes transportation to the elk sites with a guide who will be able to share information and answer any questions you may have.
Photo Courtesy of Kentucky State Parks
If you’d like to extend your experience, you can also purchase a ticket that includes an overnight stay and dinner for two. The lodging accommodations and restaurant at the park are just two of the highlights, so it’s definitely worth spending more time at Jenny Wiley.
Photo Courtesy of Allen Bolling
The Bluegrass State is filled with unique outdoor adventures, and this tour is definitely one of them. It’s a safe and enjoyable way to witness the elk of Kentucky, while also experiencing the natural beauty of this area.
Photo Courtesy of Kentucky State Parks
The elk tour at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is a unique outdoor adventure that you may not have realized takes place right here in Kentucky. Would you go on one of these fascinating tours? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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Photo Courtesy of Kentucky State Parks
Photo Courtesy of Allen Bolling
For more information on the elk tours and upcoming dates, visit here. And for more on Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, check out our previous article here.
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