![Two children looking at a herd of elk from the bed of a carriage in a snowy landscape with mountains in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/2021-02/winter-sleigh-ride-on-national-elk-refuge-natalie-fath-usfws.jpg?itok=V3h6XPlX)
The refuge is a great place to watch wildlife. Hiking the Platte River Trail provides opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, throughout multiple different habitats, while enjoying a leisurely hike. Keep an eye out for waterfowl on the river and Rice Lake, bald eagles in the sky and white-tailed deer in the oak savanna. Driving county and township roads between refuge units can be a great way to view wildlife from the comfort of your vehicle.