Breakfast with Bison at Lone Elk Park | Missouri
#loneelkpark #stlouisparks #mostateparks
Bison and elk and deer, oh my! Who knew there were bison in St. Louis?! That’s what you’ll find at St. Louis County’s Lone Elk Park. If you’re want to see wildlife in St. Louis, Lone Elk Park is for you, and it’s completely free!
AllTrail Stats
Lone Elk Park | Missouri
Type: Loop | Rate: Moderate | Traffic: Heavy | Length: 3mi | Elevation Gain: 314ft
Not only did I start my AllTrails recording late, but I also got blocked by elk eating breakfast.
When to visit Lone Elk Park
The park officially opens at 7am, but the few times I’ve been there the rangers haven’t opened the gate until 7:30am. Don’t let that discourage you though, because early morning is definitely the time to visit Lone Elk Park. The whole park is alive with wildlife activity from the bison, elk, and deer grazing in the fields, to the geese lazily floating on the lake, to even the squirrels and woodpeckers rustling in the trees. It’s very cool to be a part of the hustle and bustle of natures morning routine.
Why is it called Lone Elk Park?
In 1948 bison and elk were introduced to the 546 acre St. Louis County park, which used to be a part of the Tyson Valley Power Plant. During the Korean War the federal government took over the park and the herds were destroyed in 1958 for safety reasons, all but one lone bull elk - who I guess was really good at hide and seek. It wasn’t until 1966 that a herd of elk were acquired from Yellowstone thanks to elementary school children from the Rockwood School District. Good work! A herd of bison from the St. Louis Zoo were later introduced to the park in 1971.
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Hiking or Driving Lone Elk Park
Lone Elk Park is really designed as a drive through park. There is a one-way road that takes you through the two sections: 1) Elk, Deer, and Lake section which you can get out of your car, and 2) Bison section where staying in your car is required, but you’re guaranteed to see wildlife. The elk and bison often use the roads as well, almost as if they are leading a slow tour through the park for guests.
The single hiking trail in the park, the White Bison Trail, is a 3 mile loop around the lake. The problem is you’re sharing the trail with very large elk. I wasn’t able to complete the trail due to elk blocking the way. Kind of a bummer, but still well worth the trip!
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APP
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