Visit Us
Conservation comes to life at the RMEF Visitor Center.
More than an exhibit, the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Conservation Education Center is an immersive journey into the heart of big game country.
Cutting-edge simulations with screens that run from floor to ceiling put you inside an elk herd—searching for food, traveling through rugged landscapes and evading predators. Touchscreens invite you to engage in the field work of biologists, counting elk during an aerial survey, capturing an elk calf to evaluate its health and determining the cause of a herd’s winter migration shift.
Spanning an area of 2,700 square feet, the exhibit houses state-of-the-art displays that highlight elk ecology and natural history, as well as RMEF’s work in conservation, habitat enhancement, public access expansion, research, advocacy and the promotion of our hunting heritage. All displays encourage hands-on interaction, and you’ll get the opportunity to touch an elk hide, hoof, ivory and antler in velvet and hard stages. Test your knowledge of elk sounds and body language, and take a winding stroll through Eastern forests, Southwestern sagebrush deserts and Western conifer forests, learning along the way how RMEF’s habitat stewardship impacts these ecosystems.
Other highlights of the RMEF Visitor Center include our redesigned retail store featuring RMEF gear, apparel and select products from leading outdoor industry partners, an impressive display of trophy elk mounts and a scenic outdoor walking trail.
Open year-round with free admission, the RMEF Visitor Center is your gateway to discovery, adventure and a deeper connection to big game and their magnificent habitat.
About James R. Wilkins, Jr.
RMEF Life Member No. 399, James R. Wilkins, Jr. has hunted elk and supported big game conservation for nearly 50 years. His desire to introduce others to habitat stewardship and hunting heritage drove the creation of a learning center where the connection between the two is both demonstrated and honored. Watch the film to learn more about what inspired the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Conservation Education Center and to get a look at some of the displays.
Exclusive RMEF & Partner Gear
While you’re here, take home apparel and gear that supports conservation. Can’t make it to Missoula? Visit our online store anytime.
RMEF Visitor Center
Address
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
5705 Grant Creek Road
Missoula, MT 59808
Phone
Admission
Free
Thanksgiving Hours
Wed, Nov 26 – Thurs, Nov 27: Closed
Fri, Nov 28 – Sat, Nov 29: 9 am – 5 pm
Sun, Nov 30: Closed
Normal Hours
Mon-Fri: 8 am – 5 pm
Sat: 9 am – 5 pm
Sun: Closed
Contact the Visitor Center
RMEF Visitor Center Return Policy: If you are not satisfied with your purchase at the Visitor Center, return the merchandise accompanied by a register receipt within 30 days of purchase for an exchange or refund in the original form of tender. A 10-day period is required for a cash refund on check purchases. NO RETURNS OR REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT A RECEIPT.
Merchandise that is used, worn or in unsellable condition will not be accepted for refund, merchandise credit or exchange. Returns may also be limited or declined based upon RMEF’s refund verification systems, which are used to process and track returns to help administer our loss prevention program.
The following items cannot be returned: used or defective optics, range finders, lights, footwear and knives. Purchasers must work directly with the manufacturer on defective product. RMEF gift cards cannot be returned or redeemed for cash or credit, except where required by law. Other restrictions may apply.