Local Attractions

The area has many attractions to visit while you are enjoying your stay with us. RMEF (Rocky Mountain Elk Federation) along with the DCNR, will be opening a visitors center in 2010. The Center is only 1 1/2 miles from the Castle. This center is going to be a state of the art Welcoming Center, which will focus on The PA Wild Elk herd.

FREE ROAMING PA ELK HERD

Majestic Bull Elk

One of the Majestic Bull Elk that frequent the Castle Grounds

Elk or as the Native American Shawnee called them "Wapiti" meaning white rump, are a large North American deer. The males are called "bulls" and can reach 700 + pounds, they are 5 feet at the shoulders and 8 feet from nose to tail. Cows are female elk and can reach 500 + pounds. They are 4 1/2 feet at the shoulders and are 6 1/2 feet from nose to tail. Elk vary in color from deep copper brown to light tan, their rump patch is light beige with legs and neck that are often darker than their body. Only male elk, or bulls have antlers, they shed and grow a new set of antlers yearly. They usually shed their racks in late February through March. New antlers are covered in a fuzzy skin called velvet. By September they shed the velvet and the antlers become solid bone. A set of antlers can weigh up to 40 pounds and sets of antlers have been found within 100 yards of the Castle. Cows, calves and yearlings live in herds or groups. Bulls live in bachelor groups or alone. During the rut, or breeding season, bulls form harems. Bull elk guard their harems from other bulls by using their enormous racks and powerful bodies in violent battles, occasionally even to the death. Bull elk bugle during the rut to attract cows and show their dominance to other bulls. Cows bark, mew and make whining sounds. Calves bleat for their mothers. Elk are best seen in the early morning and late evening, but are often seen bedded down in the wooded areas near the Castle during the day.

Our guests can view the elk herd that roams the private viewing area directly behind the Castle year round. As you enjoy a fire in our firepit you can watch the elk, deer and turkey in their natural habitat. Listen to the bull elk bugle during the Sept.-Oct. rut. Feb-April you can search for the huge racks that the bulls lose each year. We have found several sets within a couple of hundred yards of the Castle. Watch as the cows first emerge with their calves in June.

As you enter Benezette on the left hand side, you will see Big Elk Lick camp grounds. Horse trailers, primitive camping, RV's & cabin rental.

Bringing your horses in for a ride? Here is where you will want to stay. At The Big Elk Lick Gift Shop you will find something for everyone. Stop in and see Sandy to find gifts and souvenirs.

Nuthatch Studios

is a stonethrow away on the right. All of the works offered are original designs, handcrafted by their family of studio artists. They offer pottery, paintings, macram'e, crochet and jewelry. The store is open Sat. & Sun. from noon to 5:00 or when open sign is out.

Just ahead on your left find.

Bob Huff Creations

Most of us look at a log and see a conveniant place to sit, or a piece of firewood. Not Bob, he sees something altogether different. After he invisions what is actually in the piece of wood, he then goes about making it reality. From a single log, I have seen this master chainsaw artist make a bear, elk, deer, or castle. His artistic creativity in woodcarving will amaze you.

You can Email him at logart@usachoice.net

On the right at 71 Settlers Crossing Rd.you will find.

Classic Keystone Guides and Outfitters.

Call Jenny and Butch at 814-787-7970

to arrange horseback rides for your group.

Rates: $25.00 per person per hour. Enjoy guided horseback tours Saturday and Sundays by these friendly folks.

Grant's Pass Antiques & Wrought Iron.

13405 Rte. 555 Grant, PA 814-787-4622

Stop in and visit Sue at her quaint antique shop located in the heart of Elk Country in Grant, PA just minutes away from MacDarvey Castle. Sue buys and sells antiques and collectibles and can help you find the perfect piece for your home. The shop also has a wide selection of candles and gifts that are sure to please.

At the same location you will find the wrought iron shop run by Ken, a true artisan of wrought iron. Ken specializes in railings and gates. If you can imagine it, Ken can fabricate your unique one of a kind gate or railing that will set your home apart.

Monday- Friday call 814-787-4622

Saturday 10-5 Sundays 1-5

Visit Grants Pass Antiques and Wrought Iron @

http://kmeyerwelding.tripod.com