Lone Elk Park is a large, beautiful, and picturesque park. There are some areas that encourage picnicking or hiking. There are large warning signs about the ticks and chiggers and other insect infestations. No animals (like dogs) are allowed in the park or in vehicles that drive through the park. Not sounding like a big draw? Wait for it.
The best way to enjoy the park is to drive through it. Some parts of the park are only for driving through (getting out of the car is not allowed). This is because Lone Elk Park is more like a wildlife refuge than a typical park. It is bordered by a high fence and the entrance and exits have metal tubes to drive over that deter wildlife from leaving the park. There are all kinds of animals. Obviously, there are elk. There's also deer, wild turkeys, and a large herd of bison. We have never driven through this park without getting to see some type of wildlife. It is a different experience every time, but every time, it is also exhilarating and exciting. Often, the animals are very close to the road. While driving through, there are always other hidden animals throughout. I think of it like a Where's Waldo of wild animals. The husband and I drive slowly and randomly yell out, "I see it!" while pointing emphatically. If other drivers have stopped or slowed, do the same. Something is waiting to be seen. Sometimes animals are crossing the road or taking a short rest in the road, and getting to let them pass is a major highlight of the visit (instead of an annoyance or frustration).
One time, the elk were all going down to the lake. They came slowly through a small, nearby parking lot and across the road. 4 or 5 cars (including us) were at the right place at the right time. We got to sit and see them come within inches of us. There were a few giant males with impressive antlers, a large number of females, and some calves.
This weekend, we drove in and my husband immediately went down the road we usually skip (since it's short and a turnaround, unlike the rest of the roads that lead lots of places and turn into one another). As usual, I was saying something about how we might not see any animals this time. I say that every trip, and every trip we see something.
We were on the road about 2 seconds when we came upon this. Just beyond the shot on the left hand side are a couple picnic tables.
I squealed in glee. We drove right up and parked between the herd. Oh! Babies still with their white spots on their backs! Oh!
It is always a source of pure joy when we get to see things up close. I had the window down and was taking pictures. I talked to them and told them they were pretty and sweet. This one baby kept looking right at me. There was also another fawn-spotted baby in this picture (in front of the mother on the right hand side - see it's little ears?).
We sat in the car for a while and just enjoyed watching them graze and rest. Although uninterested in people and also not afraid, it's important to remember they are wild creatures. Interaction with them is prohibited. Feeding them is also not allowed. I think these rules allow the perfect balance of letting these creatures live their lives while letting us see them (vs having them bombard the car for food or get into accidents with cars and/or people). We drove on after awhile, leaving them in the exact same state they had been, for the next car to come and enjoy them. They were in no rush on this lovely morning.
I figured we wouldn't see anything else. Of course, we almost immediately saw some wild turkeys a little bit off the road, up in some dense forest. I started singing, "Turkey, turkey, turkey" and rubbing my belly. I voiced a happy thought about Thanksgiving coming before we know it. My husband found this funny. Maybe that makes me a bad animal lover? I don't know. We also saw a deer hidden among the trees a little more down the road.
I thought we'd seen all we'd see. About halfway through the park, we turned a corner and saw 2 cars parked at the side. We pulled up and there were the bison. The bison area is where visitors must remain in their cars. They were grazing on a steep hill.
Their calves were spread throughout the grass and 3 of them were right up (or on) the road resting. I got such delight out of this one.
I again had the window open and was talking to it. It's little horns just got me. I put my hands at the side of my head and stretched up my index fingers, showing that I had little horns, too. "Oooooh, you're such a little warrior!" My husband just shook his head at me.
I couldn't stop myself if I tried. "Look at your itty bitty ferocious horns! Who's a little fighter? Who's a little tough guy? You are!" In all honesty, if he wanted, he probably could give me a good, solid injury to the lower body. But those horns were just too much. Adorable.
The adults just kept eating away. We watched for a little while, and when my husband could take no more of my cooing at the tiny horned calf, we headed out of the park to go on our actual, planned date.
I can't wait until the fall when all the leaves start to change. When the trees become more bare, showing more of the animals hidden in the forest. This is a park so inviting in all seasons. We found it by accident and have been in love with this secluded, off the beaten path park ever since. One of the best kept secrets in St. Louis.
Did I mention it's free? Yeah. In the future, we will definitely be planning a longer, more elaborate date at this location. We might even get out of the car and eat at one of the picnic tables! After the first (or second) frost.
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