Residents of Minnesota know that it’s one of the most beautiful places to live in the United States. Here, you’ll find thick forests and sparkling lakes. The Twin Cities metro area is full of activity, both indoors and outdoors.
Coon Rapids is a suburb north of Minneapolis with a population of over 60,000. This location, about a half hour from downtown Minneapolis, means the city offers parks, beaches, and trails while also being close to any activities in the heart of the city.
The perfect city for those who enjoy the outdoors, Coon Rapids offers residents and visitors plenty of activities that won’t break the bank. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Minneapolis, specifically Coon Rapids.
Free Things to Do In Coon Rapids, Minnesota
The city of Coon Rapids offers dozens of activities for families, friends, and individuals to do. If you’re an outdoorsy or active person, you’ll never be bored!
Biking
Coon Rapids is a part of Anoka County, which offers over 85 miles of trails. Some of the best bike trails within Coon Rapids can be found at:
- Bunker Hills Regional Park
- Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
Cross-Country Skiing
It isn’t uncommon to see snow on the ground from mid-fall to mid-spring in Minnesota. To survive these long winters, it’s easiest if you find yourself a good winter outdoor activity. Many of Anoka County’s 85 miles of trails are cross-country skiing friendly. In Coon Rapids, this includes:
- Bunker Hills Regional Park
- Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
Skiing isn’t 100% free; if you need to rent skis, it will cost $6 per rental. Each trail user age 16 or older must have a ski pass, but these don’t cost much: $10 for a daily pass, $25 for a yearly pass, and $70 for a three-year pass. Again, kids under 16 are free.
Fishing
If you’re a fan of fishing, you don’t have to leave the city. Fishing opportunities are available at:
- Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
- Crooked Lake Park
Please note that you will need a fishing license.
Hiking
Hiking is incredibly popular within Coon Rapids, and the city hosts a trail system containing fifteen miles of paved walkways. Popular trails include:
- Marshland Park Trail
- Mississippi Regional Trail
- Pheasant Ridge Park Trail
- Prairie Oaks Park Trail
- Sand Creek and Coon Creek Trail
- Wedgewood Trail
- Wildwood Trail
Hit the Beach
Coon Rapids has several lakes within city limits and sits along the Mississippi River, meaning lots of waterfront access. You’ll find a free public beach at Crooked Lake.
If you’re willing to spend a little, visit Minnesota’s largest outdoor waterpark. Bunker Beach Water Park is within Bunker Hills Regional Park, a park in northwest Coon Rapids that stretches into neighboring Andover. The waterpark features a wave pool, splash pad, water slides, a lazy river, and a swimming pool.
Ice Skating and Hockey
There’s a reason Minnesota calls itself the “state of hockey.” It’s normal for the NHL to have at least 50 players a season from Minnesota. As such, many parks throughout the state have hockey and ice skating rinks. In Coon Rapids, you’ll find these rinks as well as warming houses at:
- Riverview Park
- Sand Creek Park
- Thorpe Park
- Windcrest Park
You can also visit the Coon Rapids Ice Center for a small fee. This complex offers public skating several times a week at their indoor and outdoor rinks. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and ages 6-18. Kids under five skate free with paid admission.
Sledding
Sledding is another winter sport favorite, and the parks department maintains several sledding hills within Coon Rapids. Sledding is available at:
- Marshland Park
- Peppermint Stick Park
- Riverview Park
- Rockslide Park
- Thorpe Park
- Wintercrest Park
- Sand Creek Elementary School
Take a Class
If you’re interested in learning a new skill or meeting new people, try one of the community programs available in Coon Rapids. Pricing varies depending on the activity and time of year, and scholarship help may be available.
Visit the Zoo
Though not within Coon Rapids, the half-hour drive to Como Zoo is worth it. Over a century old and open 365 days a year, the Como Zoo offers fun for the whole family. Not only will you see a wide variety of animals, but the zoo also boasts rides and a stunning Japanese Garden.
Parks in Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Coon Rapids has over sixty recreational parks within city limits. These parks provide places for outdoor activities, play areas for kids, and trailheads.
Boulevard Plaza Park
This west Coon Rapids park is perfect for families with kids. The splash pad and playground are the highlights of this park, but it also offers:
- Picnic shelters and picnic tables
- Restrooms
- Walking trail
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Bunker Hills Regional Park is in the northeast corner of Coon Rapids, crossing into Andover. This massive park has anything and everything you could ask for, including:
- Archery
- Biking
- Camping
- Cross Country Skiing
- Disc Golf
- Dog Park
- Golf (for a fee)
- Hiking
- Horseback riding (for a fee)
- Playground
- Water park (for a fee)
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is a 446-acre park along the Mississippi River. The park is open year-round for activities like:
- Biking
- Boat launch and fishing
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Observation areas
- Playground
- Cross-country skiing
Crooked Lake Park
This lakeside park sits in the northwest corner of Coon Rapids and stretches just over eight acres. This is the perfect park for a family reunion or day out with the kids, featuring:
- Beach area (no lifeguard on duty)
- Playground
- Ball field
- Basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts
- Fishing allowed
- Paved walking trail
- Indoor restrooms
- Picnic shelters with grills and electrical outlets
Lions Coon Creek Park
You’ll find Lions Coon Creek Park in the center of the city, just off Highway 10. Stretching about 15 acres and boasting the city’s largest playground, it’s one of the more popular parks in Coon Rapids. You’ll also find:
- Basketball and volleyball courts
- Indoor restrooms
- Picnic shelters
- Walking trails along Coon Creek
- The Lions Club Flower Garden
Riverview Park
Riverview Park is a newly renovated west Coon Rapids park. Usable all year round, this 14-acre park includes:
- Two softball fields and a regulation little league baseball field
- Basketball and tennis courts
- Skate park
- Skating rink and warming house
- Picnic shelter and picnic areas
- Playground
- Walking trail
- Restrooms
Walks in Coon Rapids, Minnesota
The Coon Rapids trail system doesn’t just span the city; it connects with other trail systems all over the Twin Cities metro. Running alongside its namesake, the Mississippi River Regional Trail is the heart of it all.
Follow it north to Anoka or pass through Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park on your way south to the St. Anthony Parkway system in Minneapolis. You can also follow the trail across the river or take one of the offshoot trails like the Rice Creek Regional Trail, Coon Creek Regional Trail, and the Rum River Regional Trail.
Other Popular Things to Do in Coon Rapids
Coon Rapids offers many great ways to pass the time that won’t totally break your bank but do cost a small fee. These include:
- Lilli Putt Miniature Golf and Family Entertainment Center: a family-friendly event center offering mini golf, bumper boats, and go-karts.
- Grand Slam Family Fun Center: a complex for all ages that includes laser tag, mini golf, a ninja course, an indoor playground, batting cages, and bumper cars.
- Urban Air Adventure Park: a trampoline park that also includes climbing walls and dodgeball.
- Bunker Hills Golf Club: a public golf course in Bunker Hills Regional Park that was rated one of the top 25 public courses in the country by Golf Digest.
Conclusion
Coon Rapids is the ideal city for those who want an outdoorsy lifestyle without being too far from big attractions and events. The city’s extensive trails and parks provide endless, free activities for those young and old.
The housing market in MN is hot right now. Coon Rapids is only one of the reasons why. The city is filled with free things to do and a beautiful landscape. If you’re ready to sell your house and find a home in Coon Rapids, contact cash home buyers in Minneapolis today. We buy houses in Minnesota and we even pay cash!