Elk River is just far enough from the Twin Cities to still consider itself a small town rather than a suburb. Look around, however, and the small town charm is perfectly blended with all the conveniences of a suburban area. Once a small town 35 miles away from Minneapolis, today Elk River is part of the rapidly growing and expanding “Northwest Corridor.” Proof of this comes from a state report indicating that Elk River had the largest net growth in employment of any city in central Minnesota.

History

Because it is located at the confluence of two rivers, Elk River has been a prime location for centuries, beginning with the first people to enter the region. Up until 1850 it was called the St. Francis River. When world famous explorer Zebulon Pike explored the area in the early 1800s, he renamed it Elk River and the name stuck. Two Native American tribes, the Dakota and Ojibway, fought several major battles over who would control the area in the late 1700s. The Ojibway ended up the winner only to cede the land to the U.S. government in 1837. Not long after, David Faribault came into the area and built the first trading post. The city grew quickly after the end of the Civil War only to slow down again after 1870. There were a few surges in development and population through the years but it wasn’t until the mid-1980s when the city experienced another population boom that still continues today. 

A Major Thoroughfare 

The odds are pretty good that most Minnesotans have driven through Elk River either on their way up north to Mille Lacs or to the Brainerd Lakes Area. The city of Elk River is located at the confluence of two rivers as well as the confluence of two major state roadways—Highway 169 and Highway 10. Both are well-traveled routes, especially for vacationers, and have been that way for decades. The first paved road through Elk River was built not long after the invention of the automobile and was one of the first in the nation. Elk River has long served as a stopping point for travelers whether they were fur traders on the river or tourists on the highway. 

Parks and Recreation 

The city features a public park and beach at Lake Orono where residents spend time swimming, fishing, boating and canoeing. Lake Orono Park and Lion’s Park have sheltered picnic areas and playground equipment for the kids. The city also has an 18-hole municipal golf course and a nine-hole executive golf course that is open to the public. Numerous public landings on the Elk and Mississippi Rivers provide access to some of the best fishing water in the country not to mention numerous slow-moving backwater areas perfect for canoeing, tubing or lounging. 

Schools

Elk River Area School District 728 serves a broad area of the northwest suburbs and surrounding towns. The teachers of the Elk River district create innovative learning environments that support the education of all students. These teachers work with over 10,000 students each day in the seven elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools of the district.

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