World's Largest Elkhorn Arch
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24/7
- Duration
- 5-15 minutes
- Parking
- Free street parking is available along Main Street and nearby side streets.
- Access
- Fully accessible via paved sidewalks on both sides of the street.
Spanning US Highway 89, this colossal arch is made of over 3,000 naturally shed elk antlers. Weighing 15 tons, it has welcomed travelers to Afton since 1958. Amazingly, not a single elk was harmed to construct this unique mountain-town monument.
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Spanning the four lanes of U.S. Highway 89 in downtown Afton, the Afton Elkhorn Arch is celebrated as the largest arch of its kind in the world. Erected in 1958, this towering monument consists of over 3,000 naturally shed elk antlers woven together. It serves as a historic gateway to the Star Valley and a testament to the region's abundant wildlife.
Visitors can drive directly beneath the 75-foot-wide structure, which weighs an estimated 15 tons and stands as a focal point of the town. Well-maintained sidewalks on either side of the highway offer safe vantage points to admire the intricate interlocking design. At night, the arch is beautifully illuminated, making it a year-round landmark for travelers.
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roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Use the designated pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks on Washington Street to take photos safely without stepping into traffic.
- ◆ Visit after dusk to see the arch illuminated by its integrated spotlighting system.
- ◆ Explore the local shops, bakeries, and cafes lining both sides of the street directly adjacent to the arch.
- ◆ Look for the plaque near the base of the arch which offers quick historical facts about its creation in the late 1950s.
Heads Up
- ◆ Do not attempt to climb the arch or pull on any of the antlers, as this is highly dangerous and illegal.
- ◆ Be alert for distracted drivers on Highway 89 who may slow down abruptly to look at the monument.
Common questions
Are the antlers on the Afton Elkhorn Arch real?
Yes, the arch is constructed from over 3,000 real, naturally shed elk antlers wrapped around a steel frame. Most of the antlers were gathered from the National Elk Refuge in nearby Jackson.
Where is the best place to park to take a photo of the arch?
You can park in the free parallel parking spots located directly along Washington Street (U.S. Route 89) on either side of the arch. Wide pedestrian sidewalks provide a safe vantage point for photos without standing in traffic.
Can you walk under the Afton Elkhorn Arch?
Yes, you can walk under the arch using the sidewalks that run along both sides of Washington Street. The main span of the arch goes over a busy four-lane highway, so walking in the roadway is not permitted.