Have you been cooped up in the house for too long due to the bad weather?
Are you longing to get out into the woods, but are deterred by the weather, or mobility problems, or small children who can’t navigate the woods yet?
If so, I’m going to lead you on a virtual tour of two of St. Louis’s best kept secrets. Just west of St. Louis is a small patch of forest, which houses some of the area’s most amazing and easily visible wildlife—ALL FOR FREE!
At the front entrance make a right turn into the tree lined driveway
At the intersection of Hwy 44 and Hwy 141 proceed onto the North Outer Road heading west. When this stretch of road, which starts out looking like a barren commercial area, crosses a small creek, you are suddenly transported into another world. The road winds through a pristine oak/hickory forest such as one would expect to find in the Ozarks. A few hundred yards after you crest the top of the ridge you will see the entrance of the World Bird Sanctuary on the right. This is only the beginning of your adventure!
Dumpling, the Cochin Chicken, is the official "greeter" at the EEC
As you pull into the parking area you will find an easily accessible interpretive center right in front of you—the Environmental Education Center (EEC). Stop in here to see some of the exhibits and let the kiddies explore some of the activities, as well as viewing some of our small birds almost nose to beak. You might have to keep an eye out for Dumpling, the Cochin chicken, who may be underfoot. She considers it her job to greet visitors.
The weathering area is an excellent spot to get some up-close photos of the birds
Outside, behind the EEC, is the weathering area for a number of birds of prey. If they are not doing educational shows for some school or organization, the birds will be sitting on their perches in clear view of the public, with only a short fence separating them from guests with cameras.
An easy walk past the Wildlife hospital leads you to Owl Row, Eagle exhibits and a number of other exhibits
After visiting with the Weathering Area birds you may take a short, easy walk down the level, gravel-paved road past the Wildlife Hospital.
Tigger, the Tawny Owl, is housed just a few feet away from the path at "kids' eye" height with no wire fencing to obstruct their view
Just beyond the hospital you may meet some of our other raptors who are housed at “kids eye” height only a few feet away from the path. Next is Owl Row, where a variety of owls are housed that are normally not seen by most people. 
One of several Bald Eagle exhibits
As you stroll further down this path you will encounter a variety of other birds, including but not limited to: Bald Eagles, a flock of Thick-billed Parrots (the only parrot indigenous to the U.S.), Golden Eagles, an Andean Condor, a flock of Araucana chickens (which the kids can feed), White Pelicans, and many other unusual and seldom seen birds. The birds on exhibit along this path may change from time to time depending on the weather.
Children love to feed the flock of Araucana Chickens
When you return from your stroll along this trail there is yet more to see in the Nature Center building at the bottom of the hill. A leisurely walk down the gravel road just past the Hospital will take you to the amphitheater and Nature Center. This building can also be accessed via a paved Handicapped accessible path—or steps that wind around the amphitheater.
It seems Armadillos have only two speeds, "Stop" and "Go". When he's not sleeping Rustle the Armadillo is one of the most entertaining residents in the Nature Center
A variety of animals are housed in the Nature Center building, among them a Northern Shrike, a Saw-whet Owl, several species of parrots, an armadillo named Rustle, Straw-colored Fruit Bats, a variety of reptiles and a number of other interesting creatures. There are also bunnies and a guinea pig for the little ones to pet. Behind this building is another weathering area where guests can see a variety of Birds of Prey from the comfort of a large wooden deck. The Nature Center also houses a gift shop with a good selection of nature and bird related items.
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under one of our shaded pavillions
For those guests who plan to make this a day-long outing there are several picnic tables under covered pavilions in the area near the EEC, which you first visited upon your arrival. There are also new modern restrooms nearby.
Keep your eyes peeled for Lone Elk Park's resident Elk such as this cow--they could be anywhere!
Once you’ve finished exploring all that the sanctuary has to offer there is more to see just down the road. As you exit the World Bird Sanctuary driveway, make a right turn.
In the Spring and early Summer you may see one of the many Bison calves
This will take you to the entrance of Lone Elk County Park where you may see a free roaming herd of Elk and a herd of Bison (Bison are in their own enclosed area which is drive-through only--no getting out of the car here where these two-ton behemoths roam free). If they are not hiding in one of the many valleys you may be fortunate enough to see them just feet from the road.
These young bulls are jousting to prove dominance - they could be right beside the road as these were!
These animals are free to roam their respective areas of the park, so there is no guarantee that you will find them on any given day. However, the elk are usually easily found by those sharp-eyed enough to spot them. Right now the Elk breeding season (rut) is over, and they are traveling in two distinct groups. The cows are spending their time peacefully grazing, awaiting the Spring calving season. The bulls are spending their time in a bachelor group, jousting with each other to see which is the dominant male. Be sure to explore all the roads in the park as you never know where you might find the inhabitants.
Even if you've already seen the Elk and Bison, stay on the lookout. Deer are everywhere--if you're sharp-eyed enough to spot them!
This park also has a good population of deer, turkey, Canada Geese, Pileated Woodpeckers, and a variety of songbirds. There are also a number of picnic tables and barbecue pits scattered throughout the park for those who wish to use them.
So bring your kids, bring your grandparents, bring your friends, and plan to spend the day exploring these two gems hidden within a stone’s throw of the St. Louis area.
Both facilities are open 363 days of the year. However, in the case of bad weather, ice and snow on the roads may force a temporary closure. So check the World Bird Sanctuary Facebook or Twitter pages if the weather is questionable.
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