Dad Hikes: Lone Elk Park

Lone Elk Park in West County St. Louis is the only place where you are guaranteed to see elk or bison in a gated park.

Here you can hike the 3.2-mile earthen and rock White Bison Trail in the elk section or you can see the wildlife by driving through the park on a mostly one-lane road.

While you are here be on the lookout for other wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and waterfowl.

History of Lone Elk Park

The park was once part of the Tyson Valley Powder Plant used for the testing and storage of ammunition during World War II. After the war, the area served as a County Park, and in 1948 herds of elk and bison were established. The land was re-acquired by the Federal Government during the Korean War, and for safety reasons, the wildlife herds were destroyed in 1958. However, one lone bull elk survived, hence the name.

In 1964 St. Louis County once again acquired the land and elk were brought in from Yellowstone National Park and bison were acquired from the St. Louis Zoo.

Our Time Here

Driving Into the Park

A donation box is set up at the entrance of the park. You enter through opened gates under a wooden sign that reads Lone Elk County Park. My son was accompanying me here and had been looking forward to seeing the animals this week.

Elk by the first parking area — Elk by the first picnic area

First Stop

The main road goes towards the lake and we headed down into a back area with a picnic shelter. Here we saw a female elk with a calf and a bull elk with large horns lying down by the shelter. I stopped to take a few photos.

Second Stop

Across from the next shelter near the lake was another bull elk lying down in some mud. We parked by this shelter and then headed across the road to gain a better view.

Main Parking Area

After driving around part of the lake we came to the main parking area. Here was the visitor’s center, which is closed due to Covid-19 and restrooms. The trailhead for the White Bison Trail is also located here. We stopped for a moment and used the restroom.

I asked Andrew if he wanted to hike next or go to the bison area. He voted to head into the bison area. You can reach the parking area before and after the bison area so we would come back here next.

Bison Area with a Turkey Stop

Turkeys in a field near a small grove of trees

As we headed into this area we stopped for a moment along the side of the road. A small group of turkeys was heading into the woods. I took a few photos. In the distance on the other side of the hill are some cement remains from when this area was used by the military. If you hike around you can see more foundations for structures.

One last look at the bison. — Adult and baby bison.

Bison Break

We did a lot of driving until we came across a small herd of bison right along the road.

Cars were lined up in front of us so we had plenty of time to watch them. They seemed content to be lounging near the roadside watching the vehicles stop for the view.

“Wow, they’re big,” Andrew said.

“Yeah, we have to stay in the car here,” I said.

“Look there is a baby one.”

“He is so small.”

Finally, the cars ahead cleared out and we were on our way.

Elk Break

After the bison area, there is another road that goes into the elk area with parking, restrooms, and a shelter.

I decided to check it out before heading to the main parking area.

This was a good idea since right in the middle of the circle drive near the shelter was a small herd of elk.

Next time we’re here I will make sure to check out the outer roads. It is a better chance to see more elk and away from the throngs of vehicles.

Back at the Main Park Area

I sprayed Deet on him and stopped to look at the map on the information kiosk to get orientated for the hike.

Canadian geese were out and about at the parking area.

In this area were some Canadian geese.

“Do you want to go up into the hills first?” I asked him. I could easily see the trailhead on the right from the parking area since there were a green trail marker and bridge.

“Sure, let’s go up first,” he said.

Starting the Trail

The trail wound around the hills and we watched out for tree roots as we walked. The trail is well marked with an occasional wood green pillar with a white buffalo on it.

Today was beautiful with fall color. Yellow leaves with the bushes and reds, oranges, and greens with the tree leaves. The changing colors enhanced the walk in the woods.

I saw a tail move and looked down to see a chipmunk. I signaled Andrew to come over and quietly told him to look down. The chipmunk watched us for a moment before scurrying under a log.

We went around a bend and the wind began to pick up and the sky darkened. A small storm was coming into the area. So I had us end the trail when I saw on the map it went near the road.

I wished we could have walked further, but the weather was not cooperating.

Two elk walking out of the mud flats along the lake.

Back Along the Road

At least the road was one way and not too busy. As we came around the curve near the lake were two elk walking along the valley.

We stayed at a distance. I warned Andrew to stay with me along the road. This way the elk was always at a distance. We were all walking in the same direction but always a ways away.

This walk was a cool experience since I’ve never had elk at a distance like this. We made it back to the main parking area and I asked what he wanted to do next.

“Do you want to go through the bison area or head for lunch?”

Last Drive

He opted to go through the bison area one last time. It began to rain so being in the car now was a good idea. The bison we had seen earlier was still in the same place. We took our time here before heading out of the park.

Final Thoughts

I wish we could have done more hiking, but the rain came in and spoiled these plans. That being said since it is also a drive-through experience we were able to see plenty of wildlife here and Andrew wants to come back here again for more elk and bison viewing.

DETAILS:

Park Amenities: A 546-acre park with a hiking trail, picnic shelters, barbecue pits, restrooms, and fishing is allowed in the lake.

Drive: Go down Interstate 44 out of the St. Louis Area. Take Exit 272 for MO-141 toward Fenton/Valley Park. Keep right and follow signs for North Outer Road. Continue on Outer Road West Drive to Lone Elk Park Road. At the traffic circle take the second exit onto Meramec Street/Outer Road West. Then at the next traffic circle take the first exit and stay on Meramec Street/ Outer Road West. Outer Road West turns right and becomes Lone Elk Park Road.

Hours: 7 a.m. in the summer and 8 a.m. in the winter. However, the gates are physically opened and the public is free to enter by 6:30-7 a.m. year-round. The park closes at sunset.

Admission: Free, but donations are accepted

Address: 1 Lone Elk Park Rd, St. Louis, MO 63088