About Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visitor Center
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, founded in 1984, runs a free visitor center at its headquarters on Grant Creek Road on Missoula's north side. Its centerpiece is the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Conservation Education Center, a 2,700-square-foot exhibit space on elk ecology and natural history and on the foundation's habitat, public access, research and hunting heritage work.
The exhibits are built for touching and trying. Floor-to-ceiling screens place you inside a moving elk herd, touchscreens let you join a biologist on an aerial elk count or a calf health check, and a hands-on table has elk hide, a hoof, ivory, and antler both in velvet and hardened. A winding habitat walk passes through Eastern forest, Southwestern sagebrush desert and Western conifer forest, and a display of trophy elk mounts fills out the hall. Visitors can also test what they know about elk sounds and body language.
The retail store sells the foundation's gear and apparel along with products from outdoor brands it partners with, and a walking trail outside gives you a stretch of fresh air before or after. The center is open year-round, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Sundays.
Big Sky Lavender Farms near Florence is about 40 minutes south via Interstate 90 and US 93 through the Bitterroot Valley. The farm's website lists no public visiting hours, so check with them before planning a stop; the elk center works well as a morning on its own.
What to do
- Step inside an elk herd on the floor-to-ceiling screens
- Try an aerial elk count on the touchscreens
- Handle elk hide, hoof, ivory and antler at the hands-on table
- Walk through three habitat zones inside the hall
- Stretch your legs on the outdoor walking trail
- Shop foundation gear and apparel in the retail store
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open year-round, Monday through Saturday
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sunday (posted 2026)
- Admission
- free
Tips for your visit
- It is closed on Sundays, so plan a weekday or Saturday visit
- Keep your receipt; store returns are generally accepted within 30 days, with exceptions such as optics, knives and footwear
- Pair the exhibits with a walk on the outdoor trail
Pair it with a lavender farm
Big Sky Lavender Farms · about 40 minutes away
Big Sky Lavender Farms grows about 2,400 lavender plants near Florence; its website lists no public visiting hours, so check with the farm before driving out.
Getting there
Questions
Does the elk foundation visitor center charge admission?
No. Admission is free year-round.
When is it open?
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays.
Is there a gift shop?
Yes, a retail store with foundation gear, apparel and partner products.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Florence & the Bitterroot Valley, Montana
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
