Just a half-hour drive north of Minneapolis is Coon Rapids, the largest city in Anoka County.
Coon Rapids is one of the northern suburbs of the big city and offers a mix of metropolis experiences paired with the abundance of nature.
There are so many great places in the city, from recreation centers, parks, and sports centers to delicious restaurants and proudly-local breweries.
With its location near the Mississippi River, Coon Rapids offers visitors lots of experiences to explore the water and delve into the different lakes and waterways surrounding the area.
Ready to explore Coon Rapids, Minnesota?
Here are the 15 best things to do in the city:
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Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is a gem of a destination in the city, offering beautiful views of the adjacent Mississippi River.
The park’s main attraction is the namesake dam, going across from the park all the way to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park on the other end.
There are plenty of things to do for recreation on the park grounds.
You can hike or bring your bike during the summers and ride along the trails or do cross-country skiing during the colder months.
You can also take advantage of the proximity to the river; paddle out your boat and try your luck at fishing your next big catch.
During the summer months, the park also hosts community concerts for free, so definitely don’t miss out on those.
Another gem in the city is the Crooked Lake Park & Beach, offering you both land and water activities paired with beautiful landscape views.
With its location on the cusp of Crooked Lake, the park makes for a perfect summer destination for those people looking to beat the heat.
Bring your swimming gear and wade the waters near the shores; be careful, though, as there is no lifeguard on duty.
If you want to stay high and dry, there are plenty of activities to do in the park.
There are multiple sports courts available for use, such as a ballfield, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and two tennis courts.
There is also an abundance of picnic groves and pavilions to set up and have a nice picnic at.
Take advantage of the grills to have a nice summer barbeque by the beach.
Minnesotans love their beer, and Alloy Brewing Company is a great place to get your fix when in Coon Rapids.
Started by a group of friends with a common love for beer, Alloy Brewing Company offers up a selection of different brews, all proudly made local.
Visit their taproom along Coon Rapids Boulevard and try them out for yourself.
Try out some sweeter cream ales like their Orange Creamsicle of Corrugated Cream Ale.
Those who prefer an IPA have many options, such as the Strawberry Earthshake, Rivet, or Dark Like My Soul IPA.
You can pair off these fresh brews with the rotating food trucks parked right in front, with varying menus including tacos, hot sandwiches, and grilled meats.
The alloy also hosts community events such as trivia nights and themed happy hours.
You’ll definitely have great food and drink and a great time at Alloy Brewing Company.
Located in the wide expanse of the Bunker Hills Regional Park, this destination is considered the biggest outdoor water park in the state.
Bunker Beach Water Park features multiple pools and water attractions fit for kids and adults of all ages.
Start off with some great playtime in the water by going on the slides and obstacles on the Twisted Towers, Plunge Pool, and the Splash Cove.
For some water playgrounds on shallow waters, come to the Lagoon and Adventure Pool; it’s perfect for playtime with little kids.
Grab your floaty and get on the Crazy River, a 900-foot pool that goes around the Big Island.
A water park experience isn’t complete without going to the wave pool.
At Bunker Beach, the waves go as little as 3 feet to over 5 feet for some gnarly waves.
After a day of frolicking around the water, you can hop over to the concessions and take your pick of a post-play snack from pizza, ice cream, and hot dogs.
You’re definitely guaranteed a great time when you come and visit Bunker Beach Water Park.
Looking for a fun family day out in Coon Rapids?
Lilli Putt Miniature Golf is the perfect place to visit!
The venue offers visitors a fun time on their miniature golf course, which is great for little kids and adults.
It also becomes more exciting at night as they level the game up with “Glow Golf,” illuminating the course, where you can play with neon balls and lit-up golf sticks.
The course also offers go-kart rides for both kids and adults.
Get on a kart after a round of golf and feel the rush as you speed through their track.
You can also have fun in the water with a ride on one of their Bumper Boats.
Lilli Putt is also a great place for events and parties, offering a lot of activities and a smashing great time for guests.
Definitely don’t miss visiting Lilli Putt Miniature Golf when visiting the city.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park offers a unique and active experience in Coon Rapids.
People of all ages can enjoy all the fun activities they offer here.
The park features different attractions, such as the APEX trampolines and the Runway Tumble Track, which are great for those who want to have fun and jump on the open course.
They also have more challenging courses, such as the Rope course and Warrior course, perfect for those looking for a bit more difficulty.
You can also try your hand at sports, from dodgeball to the climbing track, as well as the Battle Beam, where you can test your balance while battling with a friend.
There is also a Tubes playground that is perfect for little kids.
After a fun day on the courses, they have an in-house café serving yummy snacks like hotdogs, fries, and cold beverages.
Located in Northtown Village along Coon Rapids Boulevard, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is a place you should put in your list in Coon Rapids.
Located along Hanson Boulevard, Lions Coon Creek Park is a popular park in the city for locals and visitors alike.
The park is over 15 acres in size and contains the city’s biggest play area, great for families with little kids.
The park has many amenities for recreation and relaxation, including outdoor basketball and volleyball courts and various picnic areas spread throughout.
There are also ample nature spaces, including a wetland overlook that spans Coon Creek.
The walking trail in the park also trails along the creek, offering you beautiful nature views as you go through your exercise.
It’s definitely not a secret why Lions Coon Creek Park is a favorite – it offers nature and recreation, all located in the heart of the city.
Located in a small strip mall along Coon Rapids Boulevard, Rose Garden Restaurant offers up some of the most delicious Chinese fares you can find in the city.
The restaurant has been in business for over 14 years, also having a branch open in nearby Blaine.
They offer up simple Chinese dishes that offer great value for money.
Order their Lo Mein noodle dishes with a choice of protein from pork, chicken, beef, and shrimp.
They also have a variety of vegetable dishes, from stir-fry to tofu and veggie egg foo young.
You can grab Chinese favorites such as beef with broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, General Tso’s chicken, and garlic shrimp.
They offer a great lunch menu deal from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Pick a main dish from their selection, and it will come with turkey fried rice, an egg roll, or cheese wonton.
Have a plate of comfort and order from Rose Garden today.
A popular Minnesota chain, Caribou Coffee in Coon Rapids Boulevard offers locals and visitors great options for coffee and tea drinks.
Caribou has a large menu of drinks, from classic coffee combinations to more unique flavors.
From their coffee menu, order some of their unique blends, such as the Campfire Mocha, Hot Honey Oatmilk Crafted Press, or the Berry White Mocha.
For their tea drinks, they have options such as the Matcha Vanilla Latte, Ice Spiced Chai Tea Latte, or the Bousted Peach Black Tea.
Don’t forget to try their selection of Nitro Cold Press drinks, from a regular latte to amped-up flavors like Malted Mocha and Happy Camper, which comes with a campfire cake pop.
They also have some breakfast sandwiches and a good bagel selection on their food menu to accompany your drink.
Stop by Caribou Coffee for a yummy drink before you go off your Coon Rapids adventure.
Coon Rapids Ice Center offers locals and visitors a state-of-the-art skating facility easily accessible in the area.
Opened in 2011, the center includes an indoor ice rink, a refrigerated outdoor rink, and multiple meeting rooms perfect for events and parties.
The center offers lots of programs and activities such as public skating, drop-in hockey games, as well as hockey tournaments.
The center is also home to Coon Rapids Skating School for those who want to train and know the basics of the sport.
The center is also the base of some local sports groups and teams like Coon Rapids Youth Hockey, Coon Rapids High School Girls and Boys Hockey, Figure Skating Junior Club, Minnesota Blue Ox, and Minnesota Wild Sled Hockey.
Get into the spin of things and drop by Coon Rapids Ice Center when you visit the city.
Right along Coon Rapids Boulevard is the Cheap Skate Roller Center, offering a fun roller-skating experience in the city.
Have fun as you spin around the rink on your skates to the sound of the lively music pumping through the speakers.
Don’t have any skating experience?
It’s okay! The rink offers lessons for kids and adults who want to get on their feet and try their hand at walking and grazing around on those wheeled skates.
Cheap Skate also hosts themed parties and events, including Disco Nights, Pride Night, and more.
Located in the southernmost part of the city is Al Flynn Park, spanning over 20 acres in size.
The park is most known for having multiple regulation-size softball fields perfect for men’s and women’s sports.
These facilities are used mainly by the Coon Rapids Athletic Association for their softball games and tournaments.
You can come and play a game with friends on the fields during the off-season, seeing what it’s like for the pros.
If you’re not into playing softball, you can also use the other amenities available at the park.
There are a lot of open areas and picnic spaces to take advantage of, as well as grills that you can use for a great summer barbeque.
You can bring your racquets and play a round of tennis on the court available on-ground.
Kendall’s Tavern & Chophouse offers elevated American favorites served in an upscale setting.
Have a wonderful gastronomic experience in Coon Rapids by reserving a table here.
Try out their delicious selection of different dishes, such as their charbroiled burgers and hot sandwiches.
They also have great flatbreads baked in their brick oven, as well as salads made with the freshest local vegetables.
From the chophouse menu, try some of the wood-fired meats like the rotisserie chicken, pork chop, or steak cuts – USDA prime sirloin, rib-eye, or filet mignon.
Don’t forget to pair those dishes off with a drink or two from their extensive menu.
From a selection of more than a dozen beers to their unique cocktail combinations, it definitely makes for a well-rounded culinary experience.
Want to get a good workout in a while on vacation in Coon Rapids?
Drop by Life Time to get those calories burning.
Located in the Village Ten Shopping Center, Life Time features state-of-the-art fitness facilities perfect for anyone looking to get into shape or optimize their training even when on vacation.
Apart from the abundance of gym machines and equipment like treadmills, spin bikes, and weights, they also have group classes available for booking.
You can choose between pickleball lessons, yoga, dance and cardio, and many more.
They also have an indoor pool if you want to take a dip and get your laps in.
Drop by Life Time to get your exercise minutes in and power your energy up when in Coon Rapids.
Looking for a place to play a game of baseball in Coon Rapids?
Get your bats ready and drop by Wintercrest Park.
Over 20 acres in size, the park is best known for the regulation baseball courts on-site.
This field is home to the Anoke Ramsey Community College Baseball team, as well as local little and adult league teams.
Wintercrest hosts multiple games and leagues throughout the year.
Apart from baseball, you can also play games of disc golf and hockey on the grounds.
There is also an open skating rink that’s open during the winter.
There’s also ample space on the grounds, perfect for a quick run or jog.
Go and gather your team and play a few games at wintercrest Park.
With its ideal location close to the city and nature, Coon Rapids has a wide variety of experiences for every traveler coming here.
From the abundance of breweries being an ode to Minnesotans love for beer to many spaces dedicated to fitness and recreation, there is something for everybody coming by and getting a taste of what the city has to offer.
Definitely put Coon Rapids, Minnesota, on your list of places to visit today!
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