An extensive network of trails in Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park offers a range of outdoor activities: skiing, snowshoeing, biking and walking. Winter conditions vary. There are fishing spots along the Mississippi River, and the park also offers good birdwatching opportunities.
Parks, Water and Trails
The landscape at Bunker Hills Regional Park includes oak savannas, sand dunes, and restored prairie and savanna areas. The park also offers cross-country ski trails; use depends on seasonal conditions. Beyond the individual park areas, Anoka County Parks preserves natural resources across more than 11,500 acres.
Located within Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Bunker Beach Water Park offers zero-depth entry at the Wave Pool, Lagoon, Adventure Pool, Lazy River and Splash Pad. ADA-compliant pool lifts are available at the Wave Pool and Rocky Bay. The Twisted Towers & Plunge Pool area has two body slides and two tube slides; the Lazy River is 900 feet long. Facilities may change, so check the details before your visit.
At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, two beginner-friendly singletrack trails add to the trail network. Both are one-way loops connected to an existing paved trail. The Rice Creek Water Trail follows a different route: it begins in Lino Lakes and runs about 15.2 miles to Long Lake in New Brighton. These offer different points of reference: short loops and a water trail with named endpoints.
In Anoka, the four-mile section of the Rum River Regional Trail follows the Rum River and connects with the Mississippi River Regional Trail and the Central Anoka County Regional Trail. The Anoka section of the Mississippi River Regional Trail passes through King's Island and Mississippi River Community Park. Anoka Nature Preserve offers another view of the Rum River: the 200-acre park has nearly a mile of riverfront along the Rum River, which is federally designated as a “Wild and Scenic River.”
The Anoka County park system includes more than 85 miles of trails. Regional trails connect key destinations, including Northstar commuter rail stations. For your particular outing, it’s a good idea to check trail conditions and possible closures in advance.
Seasons and History
The seasons also bring different highlights. Skiing and snowshoeing are among the winter activities at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, though conditions vary. Large flocks of birds can be seen at George Watch Lake near Wargo Nature Center, especially in spring and early fall. These seasonal highlights help distinguish winter trails from nature-watching opportunities at other times of year.
Coon Rapids Dam was built in 1913 by the Northern Mississippi Power Company. For a look at the county’s history, the Anoka County History Center tells the story of Anoka County and its people through objects, photographs and documents from its collection. It has about 2,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Walking tours of Anoka start at the Anoka History Center, last no more than an hour of walking and standing, and can be customized. Costumed tours also take visitors on foot through Anoka’s historic neighborhoods. Tour availability may change, so check in advance if you’d like to plan your visit around one.
Anoka’s Halloween celebration began in October 1920 and has been held every year since, with the exception of two years during World War II. This longstanding tradition adds a recurring part of local culture to the area’s nature and history attractions.
Discover more destinations: Lino Lakes, Fridley, Blaine, Anoka, Ham Lake, Oak Grove, Coon Rapids, Ramsey, Columbus, Columbia Heights.
For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.
