The Oliver Kelley Farm to Open Next Weekend

I have to confess. I have never been to the Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River, MN.

You're probably thinking, "So what? Many people have never been there", and you would be right -- but I graduated from Elk River High School.

I have driven past the Oliver Kelley Farm thousands of times. Most of the time, I didn't think anything of it, but occasionally I felt I should stop by there sometime. Well, time passed, I got older, and eventually moved away.

When I moved back to Minnesota, I found myself driving past the Kelley farm again, when I was going to visit my mother or a friend in the area. I remembered that not only had I never been there, but I should go and bring my children.

COVID changed those plans. The Oliver Kelley farm had to shut down, just like everything else did, back in March. Now they're finally going to open their doors to the public again.

“Despite being closed to the public, we wanted to stay connected to our community...Minnesotans have a long history of supporting one another during times of hardship. Growing a victory garden and donating the produce to CAER felt like the perfect way to support our neighbors and continue that tradition.” - Anders Mayland / Site Manager Oliver Kelley Farm

While I spent some of my life on a farm, my children have not. I want them to experience at least a little of it. Mainly so they know how people farmed over a hundred years ago.

Beginning Aug. 22, 2020, visitors can once again explore the Oliver Kelley Farm where they can take in the beauty of the historic 1850s farmstead and trails located on the shores of the Mississippi River and get an up close view of the animals and gardens.

The Kelley Farm will be open five Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 22, Sept. 5 & 19, Oct. 10 & 24. The visitor center will be open for bathroom use only. Other indoor spaces, including the historic farmhouse, will remain closed. - Oliver Kelly Farm

If you're looking for something to do that's outdoors, historical, educational and good for the whole family, go check out the Oliver Kelley Farm. I plan to.

Oliver Kelley Farm