PRESTONSBURG, Ky. – Elk viewing tours will soon return to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park for the fall season. The popular guided tours take visitors to reclaimed mines in the area for up-close views of the animals.
Elk were reintroduced to Kentucky in 1997 as a restoration project by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. From 1997 to 2003 more than 1,500 elk were transported into Kentucky, according to Kentucky State Parks. The animals are now thriving in the Commonwealth. Officials currently estimate Kentucky's elk population to be more than 10,000 elk. The best areas for elk are on reclaimed surface mines in Eastern Kentucky, making Jenny Wiley State Resort Park a prime spot for the magnificent creatures to live.
Elk tours at Jenny Wiley cost $30 per person, or $15 for children age 12 and under. Elk tour packages are available withlodging, dinner for two, and elk tour for two for $160.
Fall tours will be held on the following dates. Call (606) 889-1790 to book a tour reservation.
- September 21, 22, 28, 29
- October 12, 13, 19, 26
- November 2, 30
- December 7