Public Art
Slipstream
Designed by Milligan Studios of St. Paul, the sculpture is comprised of bronze, steel, and kiln-formed architectural recycled glass can be read from afar as a leaping fish or a river. Up close, one will see a community of diverse fish swimming along in two slipstreams, encircled with intertwining steel arteries representing highways.
Slipstream honors Charles Merritt Babcock who developed the Minnesota Highway system and pays homage to the rich history of the city which grew along the Mississippi River whose banks it will enhance.
Slipstream is located at the eastern entrance to downtown Elk River, visible from Highway 10/Main Street/Parrish Avenue on the east side of Granite Shores Luxury Apartments.
Whimsical Windmill
A beautiful piece placed at the entrance of the Elk River Public Library that was inspired by Elk River and its Powered by Nature brand.
The windmill sculpture was created by Carl Zachmann who said "It is my hope that the piece will serve as a reminder of those who view it to always keep the connection between history, nature, and progress at the forefront of their minds."
Downtown Murals
Main Street - 717 Main Street
In 1991, K.S. "Bud" Houlton commissioned the painting of the first downtown mural. The mural, depicting the former buildings on the south side of Main Street circa 1960, captured the spirit when downtown was the center of the business community. The artist is Michael Russell.
River's Edge Commons Park - 679 Main Street
A mural of earlier days along the Mississippi River. The desire was to draw attention to the Mississippi River for its beauty and solace as well as its historical significance to Elk River. Local artist Frank Gosiak created and painted the mural in 2001.
Elk River Lutheran Church - 729 Main Street
Powered by Love mural, east side of church building.
Outdoor Interests
Bailey Point Nature Preserve - 1 Morton Avenue
Hillside Park - 10801 181st Avenue
A destination attraction for mountain bike enthusiasts!
Home to six miles of challenging mountain bike trails through 79.62 acres of oak forest.
Rivers Edge Commons Park - 679 Main Street
Woodland Trails Regional Park - 20135 Elk Lake Road
Considered the "crown jewel" of Elk River's park system, this 427-acre park offers miles of paved and natural trail options, cross country skiing, and access to the 4.75-mile Great Northern Trail.
In 2020, Woodlands Archery Range was constructed, featuring eight targets ranging anywhere from 10-40 yards, with 16 different shooting positions, along with Glacial Ridge Nature Play Area, and a 100-person pavilion.
Orono Park - 18599 Gary Street
New and improved!
This popular destination park on the shores of Lake Orono recently added amenities including a skateboard park, splashpad, expanded parking, enhanced beach area, a modern restroom, picnic pavilion, pickleball and volleyball courts, in addition to trail connections making the playground, boat launch, and dog park area already on site that much more accessible.
Pinewood Golf Club
Pinewood Golf Club is a beautiful, family-friendly public 9-hole executive length course located just north of the beautiful Mississippi River, in Elk River.
Historical Landmarks
Korean Veterans Memorial - 1104 Lions Park Drive
Veterans Memorial - Highway 10 and Oxford Avenue
Oliver Kelley Farm - 15788 Kelley Farm Road
Red River Ox Cart Trail
The Red River Ox Cart traveled from Pembina, North Dakota, which was in the Red River Valley area and Canada, down through primitive Minnesota territory to St. Paul. Elk River was one of those primitive territories this trail traveled through.
Jackson Street Water Tower
Constructed in 1920, this out-of-service tower located north of Highway 10 near downtown Elk River is on the National Register of Historic Places and was given a facelift in 2021.
Elkhi Stadium/Handke Stadium - 1133 4th Street
Prehistoric glacier movements created "The Pit" which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, and serves as one of Elk River's most popular outdoor skating rinks.
A century ago, Elkhi Stadium was the place for high school football and hockey games, physical education classes, band concerts and homecoming bonfires.