The Indians called it "Wich a wan" (where two rivers join). Early settlers built a trading post near the junction of two rivers, the Elk and Mississippi, and called it Elk River.

That tiny outpost in the rough Minnesota Territory of 1849 is now considered part of the second perimeter of the Twin Cities suburban area.
 
Elk River, the Sherburne County seat, is unique in that its location offers residents and visitors the opportunity to sample the best of two worlds as our slogan, "Where city and country flow together", indicates.  The friendly atmosphere and slower paced life of a small community flourishes just 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul, while Highways 10, 169, 101 and nearby Interstate 94 provide fast and easy access to the cultural and sporting events of the greater metropolitan area.

Elk River covers an area of 44 square miles, and has a population of more than 20,000.

Go to City of Elk River website
 
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
Over 500 businesses provide local employment as well as numerous commercial, financial, and professional services. An active economic development department is sensitive to controlled, but steady growth of businesses to help broaden the tax base.

ELK RIVER DEMOGRAPHICS
View statistical information and demographics by following this link to the City of Elk River's Community Profile or go here to the State of Minnesota's website of community profiles for the entire state.

MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND UTILITIES
The city's municipal utilities system provides complete power, water, and sewage treatment facilities. The chief of police, 26 officer police force, 2 community service officers and 15 police reserves provide protection and service.

The Elk River fire department and ambulance service is equipped with the most modern equipment available. The fire chief supervises a volunteer staff of 35 highly trained and dedicated firefighters.

RECREATION
A public park and beach at Lake Orono offers swimming, fishing, boating, and canoeing.  There are public boat landings on the Elk and Mississippi Rivers. City parks provide hiking, biking, and cross country ski trails. Parks provide sheltered picnic areas and playground equipment.

A softball complex, adjacent to the county fairgrounds, and two indoor hockey arenas are located within the city. An 18 hole golf course and a nine hole executive golf course are available to the public, as well as tennis courts and an indoor swimming pool. Canoeing is popular on both the Elk and Mississippi Rivers. Leisure time can also be spent at a miniature golf course, bowling alley or seventeen-screen movie theater.

Sherburne County offers many recreational opportunities. The county includes miles of scenic rivers, a number of lakes with public accesses, and several great attractions.

PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Elk River Public Library is maintained by the city, served by the Great River Regional Library System and is active in the inter-library loan system.