TV channels & antenna towers in Elbow Lake, Minnesota
Elbow Lake has 24 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and Fox. About 3 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K33DB-D, 26 miles to the E.
Network channels in Elbow Lake
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKSAXABC | 42 | 44 mi | 118° ESE | Fair | Alexandria, MN |
| FOXKVRRFox | 15 | 49 mi | 346° NNW | Good | Fargo, ND |
Over-the-air TV in Elbow Lake
Elbow Lake, Minnesota has a population of about 1,140. There are 24 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 3 full-power, 17 low-power and 4 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 3 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Elbow Lake, 18 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 6 are more than 45 miles out.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 42 (KSAX) and Fox on channel 15 (KVRR). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KCCW-TV in Walker, MN, 97 miles to the northeast. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KVLY-TV in Fargo, ND, 112 miles to the northwest. 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Elbow Lake
The main network towers around Elbow Lake are in different directions: ABC 118° ESE (44 mi) and Fox 346° NNW (49 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Elbow Lake, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Elbow Lake
The farthest main network tower for Elbow Lake is KVRR (Fox), 49 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Elbow Lake
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K33DB-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K22DV-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K30AF-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K18DG-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K14LZ-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K36KH-DTranslator | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K16CO-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K20AC-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K27KN-DTranslator | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K34AF-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K26CL-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K32EB-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K21GN-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K25QV-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | St Cloud, MN |
| K29NY-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K17NW-DLow power | 26 mi | 99° E | Weak | Alexandria, MN |
| K08QE-DTranslator | 34 mi | 356° N | Weak | Fergus Falls, MN |
| K17FE-DTranslator | 51 mi | 58° ENE | Poor | Wadena, MN |
| K22NL-DLow power | 52 mi | 54° NE | Poor | Wadena, MN |
| KWCM-TVFull power | 57 mi | 181° S | Fair | Appleton, MN |
| KFGX-LDLow power | 70 mi | 329° NNW | Poor | Fargo, ND |
| K15MR-DLow power | 70 mi | 329° NNW | Poor | Fargo, ND |
How Elbow Lake compares with the rest of Minnesota
With 3 stations at fair strength or better, Elbow Lake ranks 335th of 371 places in Minnesota: fewer than the typical Minnesota town (13). Its nearest major network tower is 44 miles away, against a state median of 24 miles.
33% of Minnesota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Elbow Lake: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 346° NNW, the direction of KVRR (Fox), 49 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 3 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is ABC in Elbow Lake, MN?
ABC is on channel 42 from KSAX, broadcasting from 44 miles ESE of Elbow Lake. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Elbow Lake, MN?
Fox is on channel 15 from KVRR, broadcasting from 49 miles NNW of Elbow Lake. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Elbow Lake?
24 transmitters within 70 miles of Elbow Lake; around 3 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Elbow Lake?
The main network towers around Elbow Lake are in different directions: ABC 118° ESE (44 mi) and Fox 346° NNW (49 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Elbow Lake?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below. The towers are spread over about 132° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Elbow Lake?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Elbow Lake?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby Minnesota cities
- Fergus Falls21 mi
- Wheaton28 mi
- Morris28 mi
- Alexandria30 mi
- Parkers Prairie33 mi
- Starbuck34 mi
- Breckenridge35 mi
- Glenwood37 mi
- Pelican Rapids40 mi
- Osakis41 mi
- Perham46 mi
- New York Mills46 mi
Nearby cities in other states
More: all TV stations in Minnesota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Elbow Lake; signal estimates ignore terrain.