By Adam McCully
Whether you’re there for the elk viewing, the historic towns, or the scenic drives through rolling mountains, Wild Elk Country is one of the most majestic tourism destinations in Pennsylvania. Abundant in both history and natural beauty, Elk Country draws in thousands of tourists per year. Listed below are just a few of the places they like to frequent, separated by category for your convenience.
Shopping
The shopping in Elk Country is worthy of a trip itself. The local businesses offer everything a traveler, tourist, or local could ask for. Arts, crafts, hiking and canoe gear are just a few of the things you can find for sale in Elk Country.
Benezette Store & Restaurant
9682 Route 555
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-7456
BenezettStore.com
Cliffe’s & The Prescription Center
223 Main Street
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 773-3131
Country Squirrel Outfitters
3 Main Street
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 776-6285
CountrySquirrelOutfitters.com
Dan Smiths Candies & Gifts
219 Main Street
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 772-4707
DanSmithsCandies.com
Elk Country Store
23154 Quehanna Highway
Weedville, PA 15868
(814) 787-4460
ElkCountryStore.com
Quehanna Outfitters
689 Hicks Run Road
Driftwood, PA 15832
(814) 787-4287
South Street Botanical Designs
130 South Street
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 772-9660
SouthStreetBotanicalDesigns.com
Art/Antiques
Art is subjective, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Luckily, there’s enough variety in Elk Country’s art and antique scene to suit even the most persnickety critics. You’ll find modern art that stretches the limits of the imagination and landscape scenes that capture the natural beauty of the surrounding area, as well as a wide variety of antiques that will make a fine addition to you home décor.
Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center
34 East Fourth Street
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-4314
CameronCountyChamber.org
Appalachian Art Studio
17245 Boot Jack Road P.O. Box 554
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 772-0400
Appalachian-Arts.com
Donnell’s Gift Shop
13620 Route 555
Benezette PA 15821
(814) 787-5834
Elk County Council on the Arts
237 Main St.
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 772-7051
ECCOTA.com
Elkwood Arts
43 Servidea Drive
Ridgway PA 15853
(814) 776-2174
ElkwoodArts.com
Grant’s Pass Antiques & Wrought Iron
13405 Route 555
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-4622
GrantsPassIron.com
Museums/Educational Attractions:
Elk County is rich in history and full of interesting and educational landmarks your whole family will enjoy. If you’re the type of person that enjoys adding a little learning to your vacation, Elk Country has plenty to offer in terms of educational attractions.
Bucktail Monument
Route East 555
Driftwood, PA 15832
Cameron County Historical Society & The Little Museum
Route 120 Sterling Run
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-0334
Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park
4843 Park Road
Austin, PA 16720
(814) 647-8401
dcnr.state.pa.us
Decker’s Chapel
Decker Chapel Road
St. Marys, PA 15857
Elk County Historical Society
109 Center Street
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 776-1032
ElkCountyHistoricalSociety.org
Historical Society of St. Marys & Benzinger Twp.
99 Erie Ave.
St. Marys, PA 15857
(814) 834-6525
SMHistoricalSociety.com
Living Brooks Yoga & Wellness
431 Second Avenue
Johnsonburg, PA 15845
(814) 512-4984
LivingBrooksWellness.com
Elk Country Visitor Center
134 Homestead Drive
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-5167
ElkCountryVisitorCenter.com
Outdoor Fun
For many of the visitors to Elk Country, it’s all about getting back to nature or just enjoying wide open spaces, fresh air, and scenic views. It’s no surprise then that there are many local businesses and services dedicated to helping visitors achieve that goal.
Bucktail State Park Natural Area
260 Sizerville Road
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-3365
bit.ly/1XmnA6T
Fred Woods Trail
258 Sizerville Road
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-3353
bit.ly/X4xxJ2
George B. Stevenson Reservoir
8288 First Fork Road
Emporium, PA 16720
(814) 647-8401
dcnr.state.pa.us
Hicks Run Viewing Area
Route 555 Elk State Forest
Driftwood, PA 15832
(814) 486-3353
Johnson Run Natural Area
Rt. 120
Driftwood, PA 15832
(814) 486-5605
Quehanna Wild Area
Wykoff Run Road
Driftwood, PA 15832
Sinnemahoning State Park
4843 Park Road
Austin, PA 16720
(814) 647-8401
dcnr.state.pa.us
Sizerville State Park
199 East Cowley Road
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-5605
dcnr.state.pa.us
Square Timber-Big Run Wild Area
Driftwood, PA 15832
http://bit.ly/29WyD53
West Creek Trail
Emporium, PA 15834
Wykoff Run Natural Area
Wykoff Run Road
Driftwood, PA 15832
Allegheny National Forest
Marienville Ranger Station
131 Smokey Lane
Marienville, PA 16239
(814) 927-6628
www.fs.usda.gov/allegheny
Bavarian Hills Golf Course
251 Mulligan Road
St. Marys, PA 15857
(814) 834-3602
BavarianHillsGolf.net
Bendigo State Park
533 State Park Road
Johnsonburg, PA 15845
(814) 965-2646
dcnr.state.pa.us
Bennet Branch State Forest
Benezette, PA 15821
Dr. Colson E Blakeslee Memorial Recreational Area
23155 Quehanna Highway
Benezette, PA 15821
WaterLandLife.org/news/view/318
Brush Hollow Ski Trail
Rt. 948
Ridgway, PA 15853
Clarion/Little Toby Creek Trail
PO Box 115
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 772-9730
TriCountyRailsToTrails.org
East Branch Lake and Dam
631 East Branch Dam Road
Wilcox, PA 15821
(814) 965-2065
Elk State Park
P.O. Box A
Johnsonburg PA 15845
(814) 965-2646
dcnr.state.pa.us
Elk Country Visitor Center
134 Homestead Drive
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-5167
ElkCountryVisitorCenter.com
Laurel Mill X-Country Skiing and Hiking Trail
Laurel Mill Road
Ridgway, PA 15853
bit.ly/LaurelMillTrail
Pigeon Run Falls
PA State Gamelands 28
Marienville, PA 16239
(814) 849-5197
Quehanna Wilds Area
Quehanna Highway
Weedville, PA 15868
Timberline ATV Trail
Forest Road 232 off of Route 940
Russel City, PA 16345
fs.usda.gov/recarea/allegheny/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=6096&actid=93
Umbrella Rocks
State Gamelands 44
Ridgway, PA 15853
Restaurants/Wineries
There’s no doubt you’ll build up a huge appetite with all the exploring you’re doing in Elk Country. Good thing you’ve got no shortage of options when it comes to eateries, not to mention a large variety of excellent wineries. From fine dining to greasy spoons and everything in between. You’re sure to find something that suits your palette in Elk Country.
Aroma Café & Restaurant
51 East Fourth Street
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-7662
The Bear Den Bar and Grill
24426 CCC Memorial Hwy
Driftwood, PA 15832
(814) 546-2448
Buttonwood Motel and Restaurant
368 Sizerville Road
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-0522
ButtonwoodMotel.com
Cabin Kitchen and Bakery
24 West Fourth Street
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-0528
Charlie’s Friendly Tavern
534 E. Alleghany Ave.
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-0539
CharliesFriendlyTavern.webs.com
Emporium Country Club Restaurant
229 Country Club Lane
Emporium PA 15834
(814) 486-7715
EmporiumCC.com
Fox’s Pizza Den
41 East Fourth Street
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-3637
http://bit.ly/1P8oy3Q
My Place
439 East Third Street
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-0788
Pizza Palace Plus
19 West Fourth Street
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-1819
PizzaPalacePlus.com
Sinnemahoning Tavern
10426 Main Street
Sinnemahoning, PA 15861
(814) 546-2888
Driftwood Saloon & Grill
375 Driftwood Ave.
Driftwood, PA 15832
(814) 546-2447
The Willows Restaurant
10905 Main Street
Sinnemahoning, PA 15861
(814) 546-2383
Benezette Store & Restaurant
9682 Route 555
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-7456
BenezettStore.com
Benezette Hotel
95 Winslow Hill Road
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-4240
BenezetteHotel.com
Benezette Wines
196 Second Street
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-4000
BenezetteWines.com
Buddy Boy Winery
29 North Broad Street
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 772-3754
BuddyBoyWinery.com
Elk Mountain Winery
24670 Bennetts Valley Hwy.
Weedville, PA 15868
(814) 834-9463
ElkMountainWines.com
Gunners Restaurant & Inn
33 South Saint Marys Street
St. Marys, PA 15857
(814) 834-2161
GunnersPA.com
Jordan’s Bar & Grill
169 Main Street
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 772-3211
L & L Elk Wilds Mountain Top Distillery Outlet
8839 Route 555
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-4140
Medix Hotel
23155 Quehanna Highway
Weedville, PA 15861
(814) 787-5920
Facebook.com/MedixHotel
Old Bull Café
55 Church Street
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-7545
Royal Inn
17089 Boot Jack Road
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 773-3153
RoyalInnPA.com
Straub Brewery
303 Sorg St.
St. Marys, PA 15857
(814) 834-2875
StraubBeer.com
The Winery at Wilcox
1867 Mefferts Run Road
Wilcox, PA 15870
(814) 929-5598
WineryAtWilcox.net
Lodging
The fact of the matter is, the long list of activities offered by Elk Country have turned many day trips into overnighters, weekenders, or even week long vacations. You’re better off planning ahead by booking a stay at one of the many excellent lodging locations found in Elk Country.
Buttonwood Motel
368 Sizerville Road
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-0522
ButtonwoodMotel.com
Camp Eagle’s Nest
1625 West Liberty Road
Reynoldsville, PA 15851
(412) 216-1191
Vrbo.com/841594
Creekside Inn
73 Crooked Run Road
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486-2043
CreeksideInnMotel.com
The Willows Inn
10905 Main Street
Sinnemahoning, PA 15861
(814) 546-2383
Antler Shed Cabins
27 Elk Country Road
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 594-2592
AntlerShedCabins.com
Benezette Hotel
95 Winslow Hill Road
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-4240
BenezetteHotel.com
Bennett House Bed and Breakfast
14039 Route 555
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-4842
BennettHousePA.com
Bennett’s Branch Lodge
973 River Road
Weedville, PA 15868
(814) 787-8926
Best Western Plus
1002 Earth Road
St. Marys, PA 15857
(814) 834-0000
http://bit.ly/1KjM8oT
Big Elk Lick Horse Camp
91 Elk Lick Lane
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-4656
Camp Can’t Keep Up
603 Hicks Run Road
Benezette, PA 15821
(412) 216-1191
VRBO.com/490885
Camp Critter
561 Hicks Run Road
Benezette, PA 15821
(724) 579-0889
Vrbo.com/436324
Camp Waterfront
127 Walck Lane
Benezette, PA 15821
(724) 209-7062
Vrbo.com/700308
Cobblestone Inn and Suites-St. Marys
328 Depot Street
Saint Marys, PA 15857
(814) 245-2020
StayCobblestone.com/PA/St-Marys
The Cozy Afghan Bed & Breakfast
152 Center Street
St. Marys, PA 15857
(814) 834-2699
CozyAfghan.com
Elk Country Hideaway
146 Treasure Hill Lane
Benezette, PA 15821
(724) 388-1007
ElkCountryHideaway.com
Elk County Elk Farm Bed & Breakfast
27821 Lake City Road
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 772-6810
ElkCountyElkFarm.com
Elk Mountain Homestead
401 Homestead Drive
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-5168
ExperienceElkCountry.com
Elk Terrace Lodge
75 Elk Terrace Road
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 772-4854
ElkTerraceLodge.com
ElkStone Lodge
458 Buck Drive
Benezette, PA 15821
(877) 818-1013
BenezetteRentalCabins.com
Gunners Restaurant & Inn
33 S. St. Marys Street
St. Marys, PA 15857
(814) 834-2161
GunnersPA.com
Hazelnut Cottage
24 Front Street
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-4977
HazelnutCottageBZ.Weebly.com
Holiday Inn Express and Suites-St. Marys
195 Comfort Lane
St. Marys, PA 15857
(814) 834-2030
HolidayInn.com
MacDarvey Castle
153 Elk Terrace
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-5356
MacDarveyCastle.com
Medix Hotel
23155 Quehanna Highway
Weedville, PA 15861
(814) 787-5920
Facebook.com/MedixHotel
Medix Run Lodges and Cabins
1997 Rock Hill Road
Weedville, PA 15868
(814) 787-5214
MedixRunLodges.com
Misty Pines
157 DeGregorio Ave.
Driftwood, PA 15832
(814) 546-9185
MistyPinesRentals.com
Royal Inn
17089 Boot Jack Road
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 773-3153
RoyalInnPA.com
Ruffo Lodge
172 Second Street
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-4000
BenezetteWines.com
Sleeping Elk Lodge
8722 Route 555
Benezette, PA 15821
(717) 859-4886
SleepingElkLodge.com
The Cottage
83 West Cardott Street
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 594-2559
TheCottageRidgway.com
The Towers Victorian Inn
330 South Street
Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 772-7657
TowersInn.com
Wapiti Woods
5186 River Road
Weedville, PA 15868
(814) 787-7525
WapitiWoods.com
Weedville Hotel
625 River Road, Route 555
Weedville, PA 15868
(814) 787-8079
Winslow Hill Bed & Breakfast
2313 Winslow Hill Road
Benezette, PA 15821
(814) 787-4212
WinslowHillBB.com
Find more information online at VisitPAGO.com or call the PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau at (814) 849-5197.
