The best views come between November and May, and when snow is on the ground, visitors can take an hour-long sleigh ride right through the herd. Bison can also be spotted in the northeast corner of the refuge, and moose, bighorn sheep, and coyotes can pop up at any time. Bird lovers can look for some of the refuge's 175 feathered species, though most go south for the winter.
Ducks do winter over on some of the refuge's hot spring-fed pools, which stay free of ice.
No reservations are taken. Contact the National Elk Refuge at 675 East Broadway, or write P.O. Box 510, Jackson, WY 83001. No admission charge.