State, tourism officials officially debut elk viewing center in north-central Pa.

State debuts Pa. elk viewing center

BENEZETTE, Pa. — A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening Wednesday for a north-central Pennsylvania visitors center the state hopes becomes a prime destination for viewing elk.

The Elk Country Visitors Center in Benezette was built through a partnership between the state and the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. The commonwealth chipped in $6 million for the project, with another $6 million from private funding.

Leaders hope the center becomes a hub for viewing the one of the Northeast’s largest elk herds. Economic development officials hope that brings in dollars for a rural part of the state that has long struggled financially.

Fall is mating season for elk and considered a good time for tourists who want to catch glimpses of the massive animals.