Sun, boats, ice cream, farmers markets, oh my! Summer is in full swing in Elk River, Minnesota, and this charming town has so many fun things to do! We’ve complied a bucket list with some of our favorite local activities, so grab your pen, lather up that sunscreen, and get out there!
One: Farmers Market
Elk River Farmers Market
Get some excellent farm fresh fruit and vegetables. Buy some fantastic homemade soaps, jewelry, and goods from excellent artists!
- Free to Visit
- Thursdays, June 13 through October 10
- 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Two: Hiking & Biking
If you want to enjoy your summer day by getting outside, Elk River is home to some of the most fantastic walking and biking trails with beautiful scenery of the Mississippi River.
Hillside Park Trail
A beautiful single-track mountain biking trail surrounded by trees, ponds, and creeks!
- Open June – August
- Location: 10801 181st Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330
- Length: 4.9 Miles
- Level: Intermediate
Great Northern Trail
Wide paved path perfect for biking, running, or walking!
- Open March – October
- Location: 12495 Elk Lake Road, Elk River, MN 55330
- Length: 8.5 Miles
- Level: Easy
Prairie Loop & Poplar Loop
Paved trails off the Elk River Golf Course are perfect for biking and hiking!
- Open March – October
- Location: 20135 Elk Lake Rd, Elk River, MN 55330
- Length: 1.4 Miles
- Level: Easy
Three: Swimming
When the summer heat kicks in, there’s no better way to cool off and enjoy the sun than by visiting some of the best swimming spots.
Orono Park
- Location: 18599 Gary St NW, Elk River, MN 55330
- Features: splash pad, park, skatepark, fishing dock, pickleball courts, dog park
YMCA
- Paid Day Pass Required
- Open Monday – Friday from 5:00am – 9:00pm
- Open Saturday & Sunday from 7:00am – 8:00pm
- Location:13337 Business Center Dr. NW, Elk River, MN 55330
- Features: kiddy pool, lap pool, free swim, playground, gym, & splashpad
Four: Water Park
If you’re looking to take making a splash to the next level, check out this fun-filled, family-friendly option.
YMCA
- Paid Day Pass Required
- Open Monday – Friday from 5:00am – 9:00pm
- Open Saturday & Sunday from 7:00am – 8:00pm
- Location:13337 Business Center Dr. NW, Elk River, MN 55330
- Features: kiddy pool, lap pool, free swim, playground, gym, & splash pad
Five: Concerts
Kick back and relax, or put on your dancing shoes for a night of live music under the summer sky.
Riverfront Concert Series
- Free Admission
- Select Thursdays at 7:00pm
- Dates
- June 27: World According to Garth (Garth Brooks tribute)
- July 11: Wicked Garden (90s grunge era)
- July 25: Free & Easy Band (70s funk era)
- August 1: Fabulous Armadillos (Classic Rock)
- August 15: Arch Allies (80s Metal)
Six: Ice Cream Tasting
Cool down and indulge in a sweet summer tradition with a delicious scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Amore Ice Cream
- Open Tuesday – Sunday from 1:00pm – 9:00pm
- Location: 260 Carson Ave Elk River, MN 55330 United States
Dairy Queen
- Open Sunday – Saturday from 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Location: 403 Morton Ave, Elk River, MN 55330
Cold Stone
- Open Monday – Thursday from 4:00pm – 8:00pm
- Open Friday from 4:00pm – 9:00pm
- Open Saturday from 11:00am – 9:00pm
- Open Sunday from 11:00am – 8:00pm
- Location: 9010 Quantrelle Avenue NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Seven: Fishing
Embrace the tranquility of summer by heading out for a day of fishing, where you can relax by the water, enjoy the great outdoors, and maybe even reel in a big catch.
Orono Park
- Fishing License Required
- More Features: Park & Swimming
Mississippi River: Downtown Elk River
- Fishing License Required
- More Features: Splash pad & Shopping
Eight: Golfing
Tee off this summer with a round of golf. Enjoy the great outdoors while perfecting your swing.
Elk River Golf Course
- Open Tuesday – Friday from 3:00pm – 8:00pm
- Open Weekends from 9:00am – 7:00pm
- Location: 20015 Elk Lake Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330