Lone Elk Park

Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area operated by St. Louis County. It was first acquired by the U.S. government in 1941 as a place to store ammunition during World War II. St. Louis County initially acquired the park in 1947 and started stocking wild animals there until it was reclaimed by the Federal Government in 1950 for the Korean War. At this time, all of the bison were removed to South Dakota and all of the elk were rounded up and killed. In 1963, when St. Louis County again took ownership, there was one bull elk discovered living in the park, the lone survivor and future namesake of the park.

Lone Elk Park is home to many large game animals including elk, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, water fowl, and bison. The staff feeds the animals first thing in the morning, so the best time to see animals is before 8 a.m., but animals can be seen at any time of day. The park can easily be enjoyed by car by following the main paved loop that winds through the park. It is required that you remain in your car in the bison area. Pets are strictly prohibited from the park, even if they just remain in the car. Motorcycles are prohibited as well.

The park includes a visitor center with bathrooms as well as covered picnic tables. There is one hiking trail that starts and ends at the visitor center and covers about 4 miles of steep terrain. Admission to the park is free.