Western Montana

Ever felt a snake’s skin? Or a mountain lion’s pelt? What do you think a Skunk’s fur feels like? How about the sound of a beaver’s tail hitting the water, or a big bull elk bugling? The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visitor Center in Missoula is a beautiful, modern facility where you can not only see the wildlife exhibits, but you can even touch them, feel their texture, and hear the sounds of nature.

The visitor center, newly constructed in 2005, is located at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s (RMEF) national headquarters in Missoula. This beautiful, spacious, energy efficient facility is located on 22 acres of natural wildlife habitat on the outskirts of Missoula.

Immediately to the right as I entered is a wonderful Habitat Diorama, featuring full-sized taxidermy exhibits of animals found in western Montana. I picked up the Self-Guided Tour pamphlet (check with the Gift Shop if you don’t see any handy nearby) and proceeded to learn that I didn’t recognize as many animals as I thought. (I was incorrect about some that I have “known” for years. Wow.) The Tour pamphlet identifies ALL of the exhibit animals and birds and even some of the plants. (There are over 30, including a HUGE porcupine, a beaver, a bear, a mountain lion, an antelope, a rattlesnake, and even a wild turkey!

A particularly exciting part of the exhibit for a child (of ANY age, including me) are the animal pelts that can be touched and stroked, including a mountain lion, fisher, rattlesnake skin, and a skunk (my favorite). Around the corner is an exhibit with nature sounds and animal vocalizations. I pushed every single button. I learned that a spike bull is a yearling, or one-year-old. I was amazed to hear the difference between a big bull elk bugle and spike elk’s “squeak”; between a cow elk “barking” a danger warning and those that are “mewing” to keep track of where everyone else is (just like any mom.) The funniest little sound was the elk calf in distress “bleating.” How fascinating! I also enjoyed hearing two bull elk “crashing antlers” in a brawl, the sound of an entire elk herd at a dead run, a beaver tail slapping the water, the babbling brook, and several others.

The Elk Foundation, started up in 1984 by four hunting and habitat conservation-minded Montana men, considers loss of habitat to be the most serious threat to the future of wild places and wildlife. The Foundation now counts 150,000 members, with 550 chapters in the USA and 10,000 volunteer workers who assist with conservation, education, and preservation projects around the country.

Other exhibit areas include a Wildlife Theater featuring an intimate and emotional film about elk in the wild. Please allow yourself enough time to enjoy this experience. There is also an exhibit of antlers and horns, (do you know the difference?), and a hefty elk antler you can lift to guess the weight. (The gift shop staff has the answer, but to me it felt like a gallon jug of milk, or maybe a little more.)

The primary focus of the Elk Foundation is Elk, of course, and the Visitor Center features an amazing display of mounted elk, many with antlers that are world records. There is a cool gift shop with many books, some kid’s items, western and wildlife-themed souvenirs and clothing.

Before I left, I took advantage of the opportunity to experience smell of trees, the sound of Grant Creek, flowing by, and the chance to see wildlife, so I hiked the one-half mile loop of the Washington Family Nature Trail that begins right at the parking lot, winds through the cottonwood forest and features many points of interest. It is partially paved and partially graveled. And that about wrapped up my day. I tried to allow plenty of time because I am a doddler and a reader of every information sign (much to my wife’s frustration). Even so, I know that I will return soon. There is so much more to enjoy.

The Visitor Center does not charge admission but suggests a donation: $2 for an adult or $3 for a family.

Hours of Operation:

From May 27 to December 22, the Center is open from 8-6 Monday to Friday and 9-6 Saturday and Sunday.

From December 23 to May 26, hours are 8-5 M-F, and 10-5 Saturday. Closed Sunday.

To Get There:

From Interstate 90, take Exit 101 and travel north for one-quarter mile on Grant Creek Road. A big bronze elk will guide you into the driveway. If you are on Reserve Street, continue heading north as Reserve becomes Grant Creek Road at the Interstate.

Here is a photo of the rattlesnake skin that you can feel.

This is a map of the Washington Family Nature Trail.
Mama with calf.

To visit online: Rocky Mountain ELK FOUNDATION web site