Beautiful Lake Tustin as seen from Elysian's History Hill
Sakatah Singing Hills TrailOkaman Elk Farm
Elysian City Park & Beach
Klondike Hill
Le Sueur County Historical Society Museum
Other Attractions in Elysian
Sakatah Singing Hills Trail
 Sakatah
Singing Hills Trail runs through the center of Elysian |
Elysian is at the center of the Sakatah Trail and in the heart of the Southern Minnesota Lakes Region. Whether you are hiking, biking, skating or snowmobiling the 39 mile trail, you will find Elysian to be the perfect rest stop. In 1991, a group of 25 Elysian residents met to discuss the idea of hard-surfacing the Sakatah Trail.
Working in conjunction with the Minnesota DNR, the group
lobbied local legislators to gain the necessary funding to have the entire
trail black-topped in 1995. A convenient wayside rest was built right on
the trail in Elysian reminiscent of an earlier train depot located there.
 Elysian's Tourism Center on Hwy. 60 |
The Tourism Center is also the site of meetings for community groups and their events.
Because of the amenities, the Sakatah Trail is one of the nicest and most travelled in the state of Minnesota.
For more information on the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail call 1-800-507-7787 or (507)267-4040.
 Okaman Elk Farm features a majestic herd |
Okaman Elk Farm and Petting Zoo
The Okaman Elk Farm is located 1-1/2 miles east of Elysian and offers the visitor a chance to view a majestic herd of elk. The mid-1800's historic farm was once the site of a sorghum mill attracting people from the area to buy the sweet dark syrup. Okaman is more than elk. Over 1,000 visitors each year enjoy the free petting zoo featuring miniature donkeys, pygmy goats, alpacas, kittens and more. A playground is also on site.
Quality elk meat is available - federally inspected, packaged steaks, roasts, burger, sausages, jerky and stix, quarters, halves or whole elk packages.
Now hosting the NEW Elysian Farmer's Market on Sundays from 10-4:00 p.m.
Okaman Elk Farm encourages visitors, call (507)267-4054 or evenings or weekends
at (507)267-4716
 Elysian is family-friendly & geared for kids |
Elysian City Park and Beach
A complete playground, volleyball court, ball field and picnic shelter provide a recreation spot on the south shore of Lake Francis. Ample parking spots and restrooms are available at this location only blocks from the trail and Elysian's Main Street shops and restaurants.
Perfect spot for a picnic lunch and fun afternoon by the lake.
Klondike Hill
 Aerial view of Elysian's many lakes |
Le Sueur County Historical Society Museum
 Elysian's
Museum and History Hill |
Dedicated in 1967 and nicknamed "the schoolhouse that never quits teaching", the Museum is a community landmark located on a high hill overlooking Lake Tustin. The two-story red brick structure designed by George Pass and built in 1895, is one of the few remaining examples of late 19th century schoolhouse architecture.
The Museum interprets the history of Le Sueur County through a collection that includes a pre-historic bison skull, one-room school, a general store, vintage toy displays, church artifacts, Victorian rooms and a Native American collection. An Art Room showcases area artisans and exhibits honoring the work of Adolf Dehn, Roger Preuss and David Maass.
Elysian's History Hill also features a fully restored log cabin. Originally built in 1869, the cabin was moved and reconstructed on the grounds in 1976. It is complete with a sleeping loft and pioneer furnishings including items donated by descendants of the original settlers who called the little cabin home. In addition, visitors can tour the Louis Hruska building which is packed with tools, farm implements and a well-preserved birchbark canoe. A pioneer corn crib and a cell from the old Elysian jail are also on the grounds.
The County Genealogy Center is housed in a quaint 1894 country schoolhouse at this location. Access to print, microfilm and computer-based resources along with assistance from the County Genealogist and volunteer staff help researchers discover their family history.
History Hill can be found at 301 NE Second Street. Facilities are open Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-5:00 p.m. during May and September. During the summer months June, July and August, it's Thursday through Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. with other times by appointment.
Elysian Museum (507) 267-4620
County Genealogy Center (507) 267-4091
Other Attractions in Elysian
Check the Events page for dates!
4th of July Celebration
This special festival features one of the largest parades in Southern Minnesota. Other attractions include the Elysian Downs turtle races, a vintage car show, flea market, street dance, concession stands and a fireworks display over Lake Francis. All make for summertime family fun and a wonderful way to celebrate our independence!
Elysian Rookie's Triathalon
Held annually on the Saturday after July 4th, this event attracts athletes from the Upper Midwest area to compete in swimming, biking and running. The test of endurance is to swim .4 mile, bike 8 miles, and then run a 4 mile course.
Lake Francis Ice Fishing Contest
Elysian extends a hearty winter welcome to ice fishermen, women and youth the 1st Sunday in February. Ice anglers are invited to compete for cash and merchandise prizes. All who enter are treated to Elysian's famous "Hunter's Stew"! This annual event is sponsored by the Elysian American Legion Post 311.
For more information, call the Elysian Tourism Center at (800) 507-7787 or (507) 267-4040.
