Feb 04 2010
Oliver H Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota
When the weather outside is frightful, I like to remember adventures we had when the days were warmer, the grass greener, and coats not necessary.
Last year, we spent the 4th of July at one of our favorite Minnesota Historical Society sites, the Oliver H Kelley Farm in Elk River. This working 1850’s farm was owned by Oliver Kelley, who started the Grange movement. Today his story is told at the site’s visitor center, and his farm is open to anyone who wants to learn what agriculture was like 150 years ago.
At the Kelley Farm, visitors can:
Help with chores
Play old-fashioned games
Work in the one-acre garden
Pump water from the well
Sit on the porch
Pet the animals
Help in the kitchen
Special events are held frequently–you might get to be part of a barn dance, harvest, or winter on the farm. Check the farm’s website for event details and museum hours.
When my son was little, this was his favorite place. I never saw him work as hard as he did on his visits to the Kelly Farm. Then he graduated to the Air Guard Museum. (www.mnangmuseum.org) If you haven’t taken your kids there yet, you are in for a treat.
Susan, we have been to the Air Guard Museum. The kids loved that one too!
Linda
[...] the Oliver H. Kelley Farm and Gale Woods Farm, Farmamerica helps keep our agricultural heritage alive. Whether you grew up [...]