Elk River in Sherburne County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
What's a Farm without a Cow?
Photographed by McGhiever, June 27, 2025
1. What's a Farm without a Cow? Marker
Pioneer farmers couldn't get along without their cattle. Oxen were used for work considered too tough for horses—like breaking the sod. Cows provided meat, milk, and even cash for the farm family. The introduction of cattle also changed the land—their grazing eliminated some native plants, and farmers were forced to raise more feed to supply their growing herds.
Erected by Minnesota Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals.
Location. 45° 15.562′ N, 93° 32.347′ W. Marker is in Elk River, Minnesota, in Sherburne County. It can be reached from Kelly Farm Road Northwest. The marker is at the Oliver Kelley Farm (fee area) on the Prairie Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15788 Kelley Farm Road, Elk River MN 55330, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Corn Country (here, next to this marker); Harvest Time (here, next to this marker); Oak Woods—A Changing Forest (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mississippi River & Woodlands Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); The River Highway (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memory of Lucy Earle Kelley (approx. 0.2 miles away); Relaxing on the River (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grange Shrine (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk River.
Photographed by McGhiever, June 27, 2025
2. What's a Farm without a Cow? Marker (left) overlooking the Oliver Kelley Farm
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 21, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2. submitted on August 23, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
