Elk River: River, Trails and History

Explore Elk River through several distinct landmarks: Rivers Edge Commons Park, where Main Street meets the Mississippi River; the paved Great Northern Trail; historic landmarks; and a weekly farmers market. These features offer different perspectives for your trip. First, consider whether you’d like to get to know Elk River through its river and downtown, outdoor activities, history or local products. That way, you can start looking for a vacation rental based on the daily rhythm you want, rather than on a generic idea of the place.

River connections and a paved route

Rivers Edge Commons Park connects Main Street with the adjacent Mississippi River. The park is therefore clearly linked to two defining local landmarks: the river and the street. This connection provides a concrete point of reference for finding your way around Elk River if you’d like to explore the town through its downtown and waterfront.

The Great Northern Trail offers a different way to get your bearings. It is about 4.75 miles long, paved, and runs from County Road 1 to the northern city limits. Its length, surface and endpoints make it easy to plan as a longer route for the day. While the park is defined by its connection between Main Street and the Mississippi River, the trail’s route is its central feature. You can weigh whether the river connection or a route with clearly named endpoints better suits your travel plans.

Two historical perspectives

The Elk River Water Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012; its listing number is 12000284. Union Congregational Church is the oldest church building still visible in Elk River today. Together, they offer two different historical perspectives: a dated register listing and the place of a church building in the town’s visible architectural history. For the tower, the dated listing is what matters; for the church, it is its standing among the visible church buildings.

A weekly market with a changing selection

The Elk River Farmers Market adds a culinary dimension to your travel plans. It takes place weekly downtown and offers handmade goods, homemade food and baked goods, as well as fresh farm-grown fruit and vegetables. Other products include meat, cheese, eggs, honey, maple syrup and more. The selection therefore goes beyond fresh produce, bringing together food and handmade goods. Unlike the historic landmarks, the vendors’ specific offerings may vary. If you have particular products in mind, check the current selection before your visit.

Plan your stay around your interests

When traveling with children, the group’s different interests may shape your plans: who would like to include a longer paved route, who is interested in local history, and who would like to explore the market’s goods?

Discover more destinations: Becker, Big Lake.

View the broader travel guide: Sherburne County.