In 1846, a French-Canadian settler named David Fairbault built a trading post near the Elk and Mississippi rivers. An explorer from New Jersey named Zebulon Pike (of Pike's Peak fame) named the Elk River for the herds of elk he saw when he first arrived in the area in the early 19th century. The Elk River had excellent potential for water power and in 1851, Ard Godfrey built a dam and sawmill which led to the further expansion of commerce and trade in the region.
The hills surrounding Elk River are made from course materials not productive to agriculture, so the town's commerce focused on gravel mining and lumber. However, in the last part of the 19th century, potato fields began popping up across the area. This fact caused agriculture to replace mining and lumber as the base of the economy. Over the years, the various small posts and villages along the river merged together to eventually become the city of Elk River.
Today, Elk River has a population of over 25,000 with 44 square miles of land. During your visit, take time to explore Oliver Kelley Farm, Woodland Trails Regional Park, Rivers Edge Commons Park, and Hillside City Park.
Elk Pride Craft Bazaar – A tradition for over 50 years, this bazaar is hosted by Elk River High School every November. It has over 150 vendors, and the booth rentals go to a scholarship fund for graduating seniors.
Holly Jolly Market – This annual holiday event hosts over 30 vendors who offer locally-crafted furniture and artisan holiday decorations in November.
Karmel Apple Fest – This October annual festival happens at the Karmel Covenant Church. You can enjoy barrel rides, apple cannons, inflatables, car and tractor shows, a corn pit, and lots of great food.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Elk River, MN, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Elk River?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Elk River from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Elk River?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
