Lone Elk Park was originally part of the Tyson Valley Powder Plant during World War II.

After the war the area became a county park and herds of elk and bison were established in 1948.

The land was reacquired by the federal government during the Korean War, and the wildlife herds were destroyed for safety reasons in 1958, but one lone bull elk survived.

The park officially opened on October 17, 1971, and six bison were acquired from the St. Louis Zoo in July 1973.

[2] There are driving routes that provide views of the elk and bison, often at close proximity.