Located about 30 minutes from Minneapolis, Elk River is a small community with a large number of parks. The mission of the Parks and Recreation department is to "serve the current population yet ensure that future generations will have wild and scenic areas to enjoy." With this in mind, the expansion of parks and purchase of new land has contributed to the current 900 acres spread across 44 parks in the city. Some of the parks feature activities such as playgrounds, hiking trails and archery ranges.
A natural woodland amidst fields and wetland, Alba Ridge is a barely disturbed span of wilderness, with unpaved walking trails and an archery range on 20 acres. Targets are erected, but archers should bring their own bows and arrows.
Alba Ridge Park
10801 Co. Road 121
Elk River, MN 55330
The City of Elk River considers Woodland Trails "the crown jewel of the Elk River Parks System." Spread out over 330 acres of forests, prairies and rivers, the largely untamed park features walking, hiking, cross-country skiiing and biking trails. The trails include an Olympic biathlon training course. The park is accessible year-round.
Woodland Trails
20135 Elk Lake Road
Elk River, MN 55330
This is one of the larger neighborhood parks and sits in a subdivision called Country Crossings. The 3-acre space features a large playground, complete with swing set and jungle gym, a basketball court, a paved waking trail through greenery and a large, open green space with grass and local trees and shrubs.
Country Crossings Park
17970 Joplin St.
Elk River, MN 55330
For daily or seasonal fees, you can ride more than 6 miles of off-road cycling trails and courses. The natural area includes woods and clearings as the singletrack trail winds through tight turns and twists with log piles, rock features and bridges designed into the course.
Hillside City Park
10801 181st Ave. NW
Elk River, MN 55330
763-635-1150
Formed in three tiers along the Mississippi River in downtown Elk River, a gazebo overlooks the river's edge, while the hillside is home to concerts and special events along the grassy hill of the outdoor amphitheater. The Riverfront Concert Series runs from June through August and features styles such as folk, rock, pop, country and blues.
Rivers Edge Commons
679 Main St.
Elk River, MN 55330
Home to the Parks and Recreation headquarters, this 34-acre park features hockey rinks, picnic areas, a golf course, skate park, sliding hill, playground and dog park. The space also has a facility with space for 250 and is used for dinners, meetings and receptions.
Lions Park
1104 Lions Park Drive
Elk River, MN 55330
763-635-1150
The 28 acres of Orono Park are situated between City Hall, the local library, and the shores of Orono Lake. Fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, and beach volleyball are available within the park. It is also home to 4th of July activities in Elk River and is convenient to the local fairgrounds and the YMCA.
Orono Park
18599 Gary St.
Elk River, MN 55330
