Lone Elk Park
Experience a free safari in St. Louis! Lone Elk Park offers drive-through wildlife viewing with elk, bison, and more in a beautiful 546-acre sanctuary...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Lone Elk Park
Best Time
Animals are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a free safari in St. Louis! Lone Elk Park offers drive-through wildlife viewing with elk, bison, and more in a beautiful 546-acre sanctuary.
"It's one of the most beautiful places in St. Louis if you wanna experience the beauties of nature and walk with elks."
🚗 Stay in Your Car for Bison
For your safety, remain in your vehicle when in the bison viewing areas.
🚫 No Pets Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; pets are not permitted in the park at all.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elk Encounters
Throughout the park
Witness majestic elk roaming freely, sometimes even resting on paths. A truly wild experience!
Bison Drive-Through
Designated bison area
See powerful bison up close from your car. A thrilling safari-like experience right in St. Louis!
Scenic Driving Routes
Park roads
Explore the 546-acre park by car, winding through forests and past lakes to discover diverse wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Wildlife Sightings
Navigating the Park Safely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Stay in Your Car for Bison
For your safety, remain in your vehicle when in the bison viewing areas.
🚫 No Pets Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; pets are not permitted in the park at all.
🦟 Tick & Chigger Alert
Wear insect repellent and long pants on trails due to potential infestations.
💰 Support the Park
The park is free, but donations are welcome to help with maintenance. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Stay in Your Car for Bison
For your safety, remain in your vehicle when in the bison viewing areas.
🚫 No Pets Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; pets are not permitted in the park at all.
🦟 Tick & Chigger Alert
Wear insect repellent and long pants on trails due to potential infestations.
💰 Support the Park
The park is free, but donations are welcome to help with maintenance.
🦬 Patience with Bison
Be prepared to wait for bison to cross roads; it's part of the wild experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lone Elk Park's free admission and the thrilling opportunity to see elk and bison up close, calling it a 'hidden gem' and a 'safari in St. Louis.' The natural beauty and scenic drives are highly praised, though some note that bison sightings can be hit-or-miss and advise caution regarding ticks on trails.
"This trail offered a great short hike with some nice views. Despite the very hot and sunny weather, the path was almost entirely covered by the woods, providing shade throughout.
The highlight of the hike was undoubtedly the multiple elk sightings. While we didn't spot any bison, the elk more than made up for it. We even had an encounter with one elk resting directly on the path, prompting us to turn around and find an alternate route to avoid disturbing it. This minor detour didn't detract from the experience at all.
Overall, it was a fantastic, brief outdoor adventure."
Bruno Diaz
"My son and I had a wonderful first visit yesterday! It was great seeing the free- roaming animals and the park is gorgeous! We just drove through the park and were lucky enough to see all the animals by the road. We had to wait for the bison to cross the road. You have to stay in the vehicle when you're in the bison area, but can walk trails and picnic in the rest of the park with the elk. Pets are not allowed at all... not even if you're just driving through. We'll definitely visit again!"
Fulita
"This park drips with natural beauty, offering everything from awe-inspiring forests, to stunning lakes, to roaming majestic animals.
We were lucky enough to see all three draws: deer, elk, and bison.
If you want to drive the whole thing, that's not a problem. Every path way sends you into a fairly intuitive loop, and their signage is decent enough to get you where you need to go. If you want to walk, they have a couple of trails. The one by the visitors' center is marked as difficult. I'm unsure if the other is easier. They also warn that there is a serious tick and chigger infestation around that area, so absolutely wear insect repellent and long pants.
If you take your time in the park, you'll probably spend between 1-2 hours to do it all.
It's free and it's fun. Come out and try it!"
Dan Blakeslee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lone Elk Park is located in St. Louis County, Missouri, west of Valley Park, adjacent to Interstate 44. Many visitors access it via car for the drive-through experience.
Yes, there are parking areas available, especially near picnic spots and trailheads. The primary way to explore is by driving through the park.
Yes, you can use GPS navigation to find Lone Elk Park. The address is 1 Lone Elk Park Rd, St. Louis, MO 63088.
Public transport options are limited for direct access to Lone Elk Park. It is best visited by private vehicle.
From downtown St. Louis, take I-44 West towards Springfield. Take Exit 274 for MO-141 South and follow signs for Lone Elk Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lone Elk Park offers free admission to all visitors. Donations are accepted at the entrance to support park maintenance. +2
The park is generally open daily from dawn to dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to check local listings if possible.
No, tickets are not required as the park is free to enter. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
The main restriction is that pets are not allowed in the park, even if you are just driving through.
There is a donation box located by the entrance where visitors can contribute to the park's upkeep.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see elk, bison, wild turkey, deer, and various waterfowl. Some visitors have also reported seeing bald eagles and other birds of prey nearby. +3
You can walk trails and picnic in most areas of the park, but you must stay in your vehicle when in the designated bison area for safety.
Yes, there are trails available. The White Bison Trail is recommended for seeing wildlife up close. The trail by the visitor's center is marked as difficult.
Driving through the park is the most popular way to see elk and bison. Arriving in the morning or after rain can increase your chances of sightings.
If you take your time driving through and perhaps a short walk, you can expect to spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the park.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food concessions within Lone Elk Park. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
Yes, Lone Elk Park has designated picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing or a relaxing lunch surrounded by nature.
Bring your own food, drinks, and any picnic essentials. Remember to pack out all trash to keep the park clean.
You'll find various dining options in the nearby towns of Valley Park and St. Louis if you prefer to eat out after your park visit.
Park regulations regarding alcohol consumption should be checked, but generally, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid bringing alcohol to natural areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere you spot wildlife is a prime photo opportunity! The White Bison Trail offers great chances for close-up shots.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a safe distance. A standard lens is good for landscape shots. +1
Drone usage is typically restricted in wildlife management areas and county parks to avoid disturbing animals. It's best to assume they are not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for photography. This is also when animals are often most active.
While you can see animals up close, maintain a safe distance, especially with bison. Respect their space and never feed them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated picnic areas, making it a full day of fun. While pets are not allowed, the abundance of wildlife and scenic beauty provides plenty of entertainment. Be sure to prepare for potential ticks and chiggers if you plan on using the trails, and keep a close eye on little ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1While the park itself is free, consider bringing your own snacks and drinks to save on costs. If you wish to contribute to the park's maintenance, a donation box is available. This makes it an ideal spot for a cost-effective outing that still provides a memorable experience.
📸 Nature Photographers
Bring your telephoto lenses to get the best shots of the wildlife from a safe distance. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting conditions. Remember to be patient, as wildlife sightings can be unpredictable, and always respect the animals' space.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Viewing at Lone Elk Park
To maximize your chances of wildlife sightings, arriving in the early morning or after a rain is often recommended by locals and frequent visitors. This is when animals tend to be most active and visible. While elk are frequently spotted, bison sightings can be more hit-or-miss, adding an element of surprise to each visit. Remember to always maintain a safe distance and never feed the animals, as this can disrupt their natural behaviors and pose a risk to both you and the wildlife.
Beyond the main attractions, the park's diverse ecosystem supports a variety of bird species. Nearby attractions like the Wild Bird Sanctuary and an endangered wolf center are also worth exploring for a more comprehensive wildlife experience in the St. Louis area.
Exploring Lone Elk Park Trails
For those seeking a more challenging hike, the trail near the visitor's center is marked as difficult. It's crucial to be prepared for these trails, as there are warnings about potential tick and chigger infestations. Visitors are strongly advised to wear insect repellent and long pants to protect themselves. Always check for ticks after your hike.
Even with the potential for encountering wildlife on the trails, such as an elk resting on the path, the experience is generally rewarding. A minor detour to avoid disturbing an animal doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the park's natural beauty.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips
Safety is a key consideration. When driving through the bison area, it is imperative to stay in your vehicle. Pets are strictly prohibited in the park, even if you are just passing through. This rule is in place to protect the wildlife and maintain the natural environment.
For a comfortable visit, consider bringing snacks and drinks, as there are no food concessions within the park. Picnic areas are available for those who wish to enjoy a meal amidst nature. The park is best explored at a leisurely pace, with most visitors spending 1-2 hours to fully experience its offerings.
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