elysian Population: 658 • Founded: 1857 • Incorporated: 1884 Visitors Center: City Hall, 110 W. Main St., 507-267-4708 • elysianmn.com
A great place to visit, a nice place to live
Check it out • Elysian Tourism Center - The center, adjacent to the Sakatah Trail, offers helpful information about the area. Visit elysianmn.com/#!tourist-info/cj1y • Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail - Elysian is the midpoint on the first segment of the 39-mile state trail on an abandoned railroad grade, taking hikers, joggers, skiers, bikers and snowmobilers through what was the “Big Woods” and the vast prairie. A restroom/picnic shelter looks like the town’s old railroad depot. Visit dnr.state.mn.u s/state_trails/sakatah/index.html. • Fourth of July - One of the largest Independence Day parades in southern Minnesota. Elysian celebrates the nation’s birthday in style beginning June 26 with the Miss Elysian pageant and continues the festivities until July 11. In between there’s a parade, a turtle race, fireworks and a wealth of family friendly activities. Visit elysianmn.com • Rookie’s Triathalon - Held July 11, the test of endurance is to swim 0.4 miles, bike 8 miles, and then run a 4-mile course. • Okaman Elk Farm and Petting Zoo - The farm is located 1.5 miles east of Elysian, and offers the visitor a chance to view majestic herds of elk. Free petting zoo features miniature donkeys, pygmy goats, alpacas, kittens and more. A playground is also on site. Visit www.okamanonline.com. • Christmas in Elysian - Shopping boutique, breakfast with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, wine tasting fundraiser and the Community Christmas Party, all on the first weekend in December.
• Ice Fishing Contest - Ice anglers compete for prizes at the event held the first Sunday in February. All are treated to Elysian’s famous Hunter’s Stew. Sponsored by the Elysian American Legion Post 311.
Important numbers City Hall - 110 W. Main St., 507-267-4708 Elysian Area Chamber/Tourism Center 300 SW Third St., 507-267-4040 Fire Department - 507-267-4626 (non-emergency) Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office - 507-357-8245 (non-emergency) Post Office - 120 E Main St., 507-267-4477 Elysian Library - 132 Main St. E, 507-267-4411 wasecalesueurlibraries.com/elysian.html
Churches • Bethlehem Lutheran Church 200 NW Park Ave., 507-362-8381
• Elysian United Methodist Church 201 NW Fourth St., 507-234-5350
• Elysian Assembly of God 212 NE Park Ave., 507-267-4762
• St. Andrew’s Catholic Church RR 1, 507-267-4928 le sueur county community & visitors guide | 2015 | 15