National Elk Refuge
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Why go
- Trumpeter swans gather along Flat Creek, which flows south from the refuge into Jackson.
Opening hours
Today00:00 – 23:59Show all
Don't miss
- Wintering elkAn average of 7,500 elk spend winter on the refuge.Across the refugeWinter
- Bighorn sheep on Miller ButteBighorn sheep can be seen on the butte from autumn through spring.Miller ButteAutumn through spring
- Trumpeter swansLook for trumpeter swans along Flat Creek.Flat Creek
History
Local conservation efforts gained support through Stephen Nelson Leek’s campaign. Wyoming funded elk hay in 1909, federal support followed in 1911, and Congress funded the refuge in 1912.
- 11,000 years agoPeople have lived in Jackson Hole and the refuge area for about 11,000 years.
- Several millenniaIndigenous peoples followed herds between seasonal ranges in the area.
- Late 19th centuryJackson’s growth and livestock fencing blocked some elk migration routes. Severe winters and food shortages later reduced the herd.
- 1888Rancher, hunter, and photographer Stephen Nelson Leek began campaigning to protect the Jackson elk herd, using photographs and presentations.
- 1909Wyoming provided $5,000 for elk hay.
Show all
- 1911Federal funding supported protection of the herd. William Temple Hornaday featured Leek’s photographs and appealed to Congress.
- 1912Congress funded the refuge to protect winter habitat and shelter elk. The initial land parcel was later expanded.
Tips for your visit
- Drive Refuge Road to view wildlife and take photographs; the road passes meadows, rolling hills, and rocky cliffs.
- Visit the visitor center for indoor interpretive displays, area orientation, and educational programming; staff can answer questions.
- In summer, walk, cycle, or watch birds along the paved Multi-use Pathway linking Jackson with Grand Teton National Park.
- Hiking within the refuge is limited.
Best time to visit
- Elk are typically visible from mid-December through early April.
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides run daily from December to April, depending on snow conditions.
- In summer, use the Multi-use Pathway for walking, cycling, and birdwatching.
- Refuge Road offers wildlife viewing at sunset.
Know before you go
- The refuge is open 24 hours every day.
How to get there
- CarReach the refuge via U.S. Highways 26, 89, and 191 on the west, or National Elk Refuge Road on the east. Refuge Road is the official entrance.
Shorts
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Bighorn Sheep in the National Elk Refuge, Jackson, WyomingBighorn Wilderness Tours
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The national elk refuge is an American treasure!Hidden Gems History
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National elk refuge near Tammah Jackson Hole!Tammah Jackson Hole
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The Elk are leaving the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole.IN CINDERS
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Monster Bull on National Elk RefugeEastmans Hunting Journals
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National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole WyomingBurns Adventures
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National Elk Refuge - Jackson WYSkip Joslin
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Hurd of Elk moving through the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, W…Chapman Land & Ranch Group
Interesting facts5
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Elk travel to the refuge from as far as southern Yellowstone National Park.
National Elk Refuge - Wikipedia -
The elk migration from Yellowstone is the second-longest hoofed-mammal migration in the contiguous United States.
National Elk Refuge - Wikipedia -
1,000 bison
More than 1,000 bison winter on the refuge, forming the largest federally managed herd.
National Elk Refuge - Wikipedia -
47 mammal
The refuge has documented 47 mammal species and 147 bird species.
National Elk Refuge - Wikipedia -
The refuge’s elk population has not been affected by chronic wasting disease.
National Elk Refuge - Wikipedia
Sources: National Elk Refuge - Wikipedia · Jackson (Wyoming) - Wikivoyage (see) · National Elk Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Serv… · National Elk Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Serv… · National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visit… · National Elk Refuge - Wikipedia · National Elk Refuge - Wikipedia · checked 27 Oct 2026
- Website
- fws.gov/refuge/national-elk
- Phone
- +1 307-733-9212
Plan from here: Evening walk →
Questions and answers
How much does it cost to visit National Elk Refuge?
The refuge is open 24 hours every day. No admission price is provided.
How do I get to National Elk Refuge from Jackson?
The refuge is beside Jackson. Reach it via U.S. Highways 26, 89, and 191 or National Elk Refuge Road.
Can children visit National Elk Refuge?
The visitor center has indoor interpretive displays, and horse-drawn sleigh rides offer close views of wintering elk.
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