Elk River in Sherburne County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Oak Woods—A Changing Forest

Mississippi River & Woodlands Trail

Photographed by McGhiever, June 27, 2025

1. Oak Woods—A Changing Forest Marker

Inscription.

This forest has changed greatly over the past 170 years. Livestock turned loose in the woods to graze destroyed much of the low-lying plant life. Disease killed most of the old elms. And the absence of fires has allowed a layer of trash wood to accumulate. Climate change is causing the displacement of native vegetation by invasive species like buckthorn.

Erected by Minnesota Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment.

Location. 45° 15.562′ N, 93° 32.508′ 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 Woodlands 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,

the Western World,

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and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Relaxing on the River (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mississippi River & Woodlands Trail (about 400 feet away); The River Highway (about 400 feet away); Harvest Time (about 700 feet away); Corn Country (about 700 feet away); What's a Farm without a Cow? (about 700 feet away); In Memory of Lucy Earle Kelley (approx. ¼ mile away); Grange Shrine (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk River.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 40 times since then and 15 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on November 1, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.