Road Trips Starting from Elk River, MN
Best National Parks Near Elk River, MN
Elk River is a short 32 miles from Voyageurs National Park. This park is a transitional area between land and aquatic ecosystems. You can find cliffs, wetlands, exposed rock ridges, lakes, streams, and forests in this park. At certain times throughout the year, you have an amazing front-row seat to the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis in this park. You can also enjoy guided tours, camping, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.
A 150-mile drive and a ferry ride will get you to Isle Royale National Park. Visitors come to this rugged, isolated island park to escape. Encompassing over 400 separate islands, the park's largest island is 50 miles long and nine miles wide and sits in Lake Superior. While visiting, you can go hiking, backpacking, boating, paddling, and diving.
Driving 473 miles will take you to Indiana Dunes National Park. This national park fully surrounds the smaller Indiana Dunes State Park. While the park's environment, history, and ecology make it a special area, visitors come to experience clear, blue water, warm sand, and miles of hiking trails. While in the park, you can also enjoy swimming, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding, and paddling.
Popular State Parks Near Elk River, MN
Interstate State Park is located near Taylor Falls, Minnesota. It is known for being home to the world's deepest explored pothole. The Glacial Potholes area has a wide variety of potholes of all sizes.
Home to both the Willow River Gorge and Willow Falls, Willow River State Park is packed with gorgeous views. It also offers a large system of hiking trails, beautiful campgrounds, a lakeside picnic area, and a helpful nature center.
The best part of the Gooseberry Falls State Park near Two Harbors, Minnesota in Lake County is the scenic waterfalls and river gorge. However, the Lake Superior shoreline and Civilian Conservation Corps log and stone structures are also worth seeing.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Elk River, MN
One of Minnesota's top landmarks is the Kathio Site at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. At this site, you can find 19 identified archaeological sites, some of which are nearly 5,000 years old.
Another excellent landmark is the Mill City Museum in nearby Minneapolis, Minnesota. This National Historic Landmark allows visitors to experience the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is also a top landmark in Minnesota. This 11-acre park is a free outdoor exhibit with over 40 pieces of sculptural art to explore.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Minneapolis Southwest KOA is one of the top RV and campgrounds near Elk River. This RV campsite has excellent amenities, including a fantastic playground and a heated indoor pool.
Another great RV park is the Dakota County Fairgrounds in nearby Farmington, Minnesota. They offer level drive-thru sites with grass, electricity, and water.
Besides having showers and cell phone reception, Baker Campground in Maple Plain has a beautiful play area, hiking trails, sandy beaches, and much more. Choose from more than 200 sites.
RV Dump Stations Near Elk River, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a vibrant city with many activities to keep you entertained. While you're RVing to Minneapolis, you'll find that there are several free and paid dump stations in and near the Twin City area. Review our list to browse the options and their corresponding addresses, costs, and features. By preparing ahead of time, finding the best RV dump station for your journey will be easier. Don't forget to also check out the top campgrounds and RV storage options in Minneapolis before your trip.
