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

Mississippi River & Woodlands Trail

Photographed by McGhiever, June 27, 2025

1. Mississippi River & Woodlands Trail Marker

Inscription.

The majestic river has been a current of travel and trade since people came to its banks, a maker of cities from Minneapolis to New Orleans, and an inspiration for generations of painters and poets.

"I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset."
—Langston Hughes, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," 1920

Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 45° 15.502′ N, 93° 32.52′ W. Marker is in Elk River, Minnesota, in Sherburne County. It can be reached from River Road Northeast. 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

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in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

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: The River Highway (here, next to this marker); Relaxing on the River (within shouting distance of this marker); Oak Woods—A Changing Forest (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harvest Time (approx. 0.2 miles away); Corn Country (approx. 0.2 miles away); What's a Farm without a Cow? (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memory of Lucy Earle Kelley (approx. ¼ mile away); Grange Shrine (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk River.

Mississippi River & Woodlands Trail Marker (right) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, June 27, 2025

2. Mississippi River & Woodlands Trail Marker (right)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 13, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.