Follow A Self Guided Driving Tour In Missouri To See Elk

Wildlife in Missouri is so beautiful it can often take our breath away. We have an abundance of places to watch the wildlife, too, from our state parks to our own neighborhoods. You can also see elk in their natural habitat by embarking on a self-guided driving tour in Missouri that will take you to two conservation areas.

Peck Ranch and Current River Conservation Areas both offer a front-row seat to view elk and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Trip Advisor/Taylor Pettit

The self-guided driving tour allows you to view elk up-close, to take photographs, and to explore at your own pace. However, the Missouri Department of Conservation warns that visitors should not interfere with the elk or disturb them in any way.

Facebook/Missouri Department of Conservation

More than a century and a half ago, elk disappeared in Missouri. With the hard work and dedication of the Missouri Department of Conservation, an elk herd has been introduced to a conservation area that spans from Ellington to Winona.

Flickr/Chris M. Morris

You can explore some of the “elk restoration zone,” which spans approximately 346 square miles, as you drive through Peck Ranch and Current River Conservation Areas.

Flickr/Greg Zenitsky

For your best chances of seeing the elk, head over to the conservation areas during sunrise or sunset, when the elk are usually most active.

Flickr/Bryce Bradford

Even if you don’t see many elk, you’ll still be treated to beautiful natural scenery, including lush forested areas.

Flickr/DMangus

Peck Ranch Conservation Area and Current River Conservation Area are open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, both are closed in special circumstances, including inclement weather and when managed deer hunts are scheduled.

Flickr/Caleb Zahnd

Click here to find a map and directions for the self-guided tour in both conservation areas.

Flickr/newwavegurly

Have you ever gone on this self-guided driving tour in Missouri? What was your favorite part of the experience? Join the conversation in the comments! If you love nature, you might want to add these spots to your nature bucket list.