OIiver Kelley Farm

15788 Kelly Farm Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330, USA

Address:	15788 Kelly Farm Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330, USA
Phone:	+1 763-441-6896
Site:	mnhs.org
Rating:	4.8
Working:	Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 17

mikinaak Minnesota

I visited the farm in 2008 during Minnesotas Sesquicentennial. Our group walked the Pembina Trail from Pembina, North Dakota to Saint Paul, Minnesota with an ox and two-wheeled cart. My wife and I walked with the Orlin Ostby family and their Holstein ox, Pum. Orlin wanted so much to go to the Kelly Farm in Elk River with Pum, but I think we were judged not realistic enough, although we dressed somewhat like the Metis ox cart drivers and women folk who drove the miles long ox cart caravans from Fort Garry (Winnipeg) to Saint Paul in the early 1800s. Stopping for a day at Kelly Farms was an education, bar none. Every person on the farm was dressed in period clothes and never broke character. I was so impressed when a young woman came from the garden, her hands encrusted in dirt from working there, her vegetables were carried in a woven basket in her long-sleeved arms, her head covered in a bonnet; her reddened cheeks dusty from the heat of the day. The house windows were open, but there were no screens on them; I felt like I had passed through a time warp, and there I was as an invisible observer of an early American household living there on the Minnesota prairie. The barn and corrals of cattle and horses; the harnesses shiny with wear; the men and boys busy in their chore work. Amazing stuff; simple stuff. A team of shorthorn oxen from Kelly Farm, were working a small field at the Nowthen (a real town near Elk River) Fair or Threshing Event (I dont recall what the event was exactly) They were plowing a sandy field with a little grade to it. After walking nearly 200 miles to get there, all in the spirit of 150 years of celebrating Minnesota statehood, when an opportunity came to plow with those oxen I readily took the challenge. The temperatures were into the nineties; the oxen wore baskets over their noses to keep them from taking a bite of grass as we walked the field. It wasnt until the 2nd pass that I finally got the hang of plowing; pushing the handles down only serves to force the plowshare out of the ground. Lifting the handles somewhat, tips the plowshare into the ground. Ill never forget that dusty experience. Behind oxen or horses,walking behind a plow is something my father, his father and his father before him all had done as Iowa farmers. What a great experience! Although I havent been there recently, Kelly Farm remains as a fond memory. Go there with a inquisitive mind; participate with sincerity. Appreciate the re-enactors willingness to give of their time to energize this pastoral painting.

Tim Hahn

Wonderful farm experience for children. My kids are 3 and 5 and they love being able to "work" on the farm. My son like petting the horses and my daughter chases the barn cats. The staff is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Bring your camera because there are tons of photo opportunities as well. It is a different experience every time because like a real farm there is different things happening each day. We now have a membership and come back often and our kids are always excited to go. I would recommend that children are 3 yrs. old to get the full experience of "working" on the farm, but there are lots of strollers around the farm as well. I would highly recommend this day on the farm.

Mary S

We visited at the end of September when the farm was making sorghum molasses. The kids got to help press the canes through a horse-powered press to extract the juice. We later helped the ladies in the kitchen make molasses candy with the boiled down and cooled "syrup". It was very delicious. For the price of admission, we took a horse drawn carriage ride through the property, petted many animals, toured the grounds and learned all about life on this historic 1860s property. This was a nicely preserved and beautiful farm. It is a great place to relax and get away from modern conveniences for the day. I highly recommend a visit or two throughout the year.

Erik Hughes

Easy parking. Would like more staff at the beginning telling customers about attractions and what/where should start. Polite staff as "old time farmers" were knowledgeable and very friendly. Staff member Peter "old time staff" put my daughter to work in the field and she absolutely loved learning and participating. Looked through gift shop and didnt see as much Kelley Farm specific merchandise as I had hoped. Enjoyed the comfortable chairs under the awning overlooking the trees and fields. Kids loved getting up close with the animals and feeding the sheep. Good place to let the kids run and explore.

James Brecht

Its great to visit an old farm place, brings back memories of going to the grandparents farm when I was younger. The place is neat and well kept, and kept in original working order with all the old building and equipment. Everything that is repaired is done with original technique even using the old square nails. All the workers on the farm were very nice and very informative. About 3 miles of trails you can walk, cant wait to go back in the fall to see the colors of all the trees.

Angel Bergstrom

Love all the new buildings and additional info about modern day farming. I love that when you makebthe little trek back to the original farmstead its like going back in time and being able to experience What it was like for yourself. Very hands on. You get to cook, haul water and wood when needed. Garden and do farm chores just like they did in 1850. Always a wonderful time!

Dan H

New additions to the Kelly Farm expand the learning opportunities to the present era. The old farm still provides the historic perspective as it has in past years. Its worth multiple visits during the year to experience farm life throughout the growing season.

Jeromy Carlson

Great place to bring the family, as youre allowed to explore and experience everything at your own pace. Staff is interactive and does an exceptional job getting kids involved with chores/activities, all while adding context and history to enhance the learning.

Jaime Johnson

Amazing experience everytime. Become a member and get access to all of what the Minnesota historical society has to offer plus discounts to special events. We are proud members of over two years and never a dull moment.

Jeff Hampe

Always a fun day out with our little one. We go once or twice a year. Its a little expensive but they have really added to the experience this year with their expansion. Its worth a visit.

christine smith

Great place for kids to experiance some hands on ways like it was back in the day before all the tech stuff and machines that we have now. Staff are great.

Michelle Weston

Very interesting and educational. Kids and adults both enjoyed the farm. Two hours was definitely not enough time. Will go back another time.

Jerry Hewitt

Very friendly staff clean and new facilities. A great historical place well worth a visit. Bring a picnic basket as well.

Jason Haupt

Awesome. Love the new facilities! Plus they keep the kids engaged and involved and not afraid to get their hands dirty.

Shawn Organ

An exceptional historical place, not just taught but lived. Programs and learning for kids and adults if all ages.

domino time

All nice things to say Ive been there 4 times But once when I went the guid threw a cow pie at me and my friend

guy Munson

Well run. My kiddo loved it. Learned a little about farming and the history of Kelley farm. Beautiful area