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Elk View Park has been a favorite stop for visitors to Gaylord since the 1980s. Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’ve been coming for years, you may have a few questions about the park and the elk that call it home. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.

How many elk are there?

About 45 elk call this enclosure home. Each spring, new calves are born, so the herd size changes slightly from year to year.

When’s the best time of year to view the elk?

They’re great to see during every season, but September and October are especially exciting because it’s the elk rut, or mating season. Bull elk compete for the attention of the cows by bugling and sparring with one another. It’s one of the most exciting times of year to experience the herd, and their bugles can often be heard throughout much of Aspen Park.

When’s the best time of day to view the elk?

During the warmer months, your best chance to see elk near the viewing platform is in the morning or evening. As temperatures rise, they often head for the shade near the original viewing area, which is still a great place to stop and watch them. In the fall season, they roam more often and can be seen just about any time of day.

Why are the elk in an enclosure?

The elk park has been a part of Gaylord for nearly 40 years. After the closure of Project Nature, a former wildlife sanctuary, the City of Gaylord took in the herd and has provided care for it ever since.

What’s with the deer?

Many visitors notice white deer in the enclosure and wonder if they’re albino. They’re actually Fallow Deer. The enclosure also includes small Sitka Deer; both have shared the habitat with the elk for many years and have become a unique part of the Elk View Park experience.

How much does it cost to get in?

Nothing! Elk View Park is completely free to enjoy and is open year-round.

Can you walk into the enclosure?

The inside of the enclosure is not open to the public. Visitors can enjoy the elk safely from the viewing areas and walking paths surrounding the habitat.

Why can’t I always see the elk?

The enclosure covers more than 100 acres, giving the elk plenty of room to roam. Some days they’re grazing near the viewing platform, while other days they’re relaxing under the trees or exploring other parts of the habitat. If you don’t spot them right away, take a walk (or drive) to the original viewing area or check back a little later.

What happens to the elk antlers?

Bull elk shed their antlers every spring before growing a brand-new set over the summer. The antlers collected from the enclosure are donated to local charitable organizations, which often auction or sell them to help raise funds for their cause.

Can I feed the elk?

Please do not! The elk are cared for by the City of Gaylord and receive a specialized diet. Feeding them human food or other treats can be harmful to their health.

Can I see the elk before I visit?

Absolutely! Elk View Park features a live elk camera that streams the herd 24 hours a day on both our website and YouTube. Checking the live feed before your visit is a great way to see where the elk are hanging out and whether they’re near the viewing platform.

My GPS took me to the Department of Public Works garage?!

Okay, this is a strange one, and honestly, we’re not sure why some navigation systems take visitors there. If you find yourself in this spot, don’t panic! The DPW staff are very friendly, and they’re used to people viewing from this location. To help you find the official viewing areas, we’ve created a map to get you to each of the main viewing areas. You can find it here.

We hope this has answered some of your questions about Elk View Park! If there’s something we didn’t cover, or you’re still left scratching your head, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help and look forward to welcoming you to Gaylord’s favorite wildlife experience.