Department of Fish and Wildlife
Enjoy Wildlife Viewing While Paddling The Elkhorn Creek Near Frankfort

Join the Salato Wildlife Education Center staff for a guided wildlife watching trip on the Elkhorn Creek in Franklin County from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 8.

Paddling down the beautiful Elkhorn Creek in a canoe is a wonderful way to surround yourself in nature and see our native wildlife. Bring along a fishing pole and try your hand at catching one of the creek’s renowned smallmouth bass.

We will meet at the Salato Center at 8 a.m. We provide transportation to Canoe Kentucky on the Elkhorn Creek, located north of Frankfort. The canoe trip is six miles long with approximately two hours of paddling. This course is good for beginners and intermediate paddlers.

Paddlers should wear a hat, water shoes and clothes that can get wet. They should also bring a sack lunch, water and sunscreen. Bring a small cooler for food and non-alcoholic drinks. A waterproof bag is ideal for items that you don’t want to get wet. Salato will provide a limited number of field guides and binoculars, but participants may bring their own. Canoe Kentucky is providing life vests, paddles and canoes.

The cost of the program is $35 with a limit of 15 people. Bad weather or unsafe water conditions may force cancellation of this program. Registration and pre-payment are required.

The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, an eagle, snakes and fish. The center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free.

For more information, call 1-800-858-1549, ext. 4445. Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center, operated by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, is located at the department’s headquarters on U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.