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Elk River, MN Real EstateThe city of Elk River came into existence when Elk River Township and the Village of Elk River consolidated in 1978. Otsego became a city in 1990 and remains a smaller, but steadily growing community just across the Mississippi River from Elk River. The land on which Elk River currently sits was first occupied by Dakota and Ojibwa Indian tribes. Elk River's history as European settlers began to arrive is that of a lumber town: the first natural crop in the area was hardwood forests, and later becoming agriculture as grist mills and a starch factory were erected. A trading post was built at the Elk River and Mississippi River junction in 1846, and a dam built on Elk River in 1851 began the city's long-standing reputation as an energy town. It was named an "Energy City" and in the coming years will be a location for companies to demonstrate their cutting-edge renewable energy and efficient energy technologies. Besides its association with smart energy, Elk River possesses a strong hockey identity, putting three NHL players on the ice, and boasting an ice arena with Olympic sized rink. Other activities around town include several parks and nature preserves, some of the highlights include: Hillside City Park--six miles of mountain bike trails; Lions Park--picnic areas, paved trails, 9-disc golf course, off-leash dog park, playground and lake; Orono Park-a highly recreational park that includes, among the usual amenities, sand volleyball, swimming beach, boat launch, and fishing pier; Woodlands Trails Park--268 acres of woods, prairies and wetlands with biking, hiking and cross country ski trails as well as an Olympic biathlon training course. Other, more refined, outdoor activities include the Elk River Country Club, an 18-hole Championship par-72 course, or Pinewood 9-hole, Executive course. Food and retail options in the area are in the typical urban sprawl vein: supersized and chain. Shopping is best found a few miles Southwest at Albertville Premium Outlets (formerly known as the "Albertville Outlet Mall"), or Southwest in Maple Grove. Otsego is home to Nate's 101 Market, a local garden center unique because it began as a roadside produce stand operating from a pole barn along Highway 101 and has flourished into a full-service garden, landscaping and floral design center. Some of Elk River's history can be appreciated in its Historic Downtown District, spanning several city blocks of picturesque shops and dining, as well as at the Oliver H. Kelley living history farm. Homes in Elk River really range from the very old, almost historic and well-preserved, to the brand new and luxurious. Like its neighbor to the South, Rogers, Elk River will continue to see growth and expansion of residential, retail and business as the Highway 169 corridor continues to develop and Interstate 94 offers easier access to commuters and visitors alike. This is another city, with a long history, is now experiencing a modern-day rebirth that will continue to shape the identity of the community in significant ways in the coming years. Official sites:
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Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul Real EstateMinneapolis (Neighborhoods)St. Paul (Neighborhoods)
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