Coon Rapids, MN, is one of the most exciting cities in Minnesota. It is located conveniently along the famous Mississippi River, just a couple of minutes from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Being the largest city in Anoka County, you are spoiled for choice, with options like lovely parks and vibrant nightlife.
It comes as no surprise that Coon Rapids is a top tourist destination. Whether you plan to travel alone, with family, or with a couple of friends, you can always find something to do, including many free things. Read on to find out more about how you can enjoy your stay in Coon Rapids.
Why Coon Rapids?
Coon Rapid is the sweet spot – a city big enough to offer you variety and small enough to give you the hometown feel. It’s known for several community events that you can check out. If you like sports, you won’t be bored in Coon Rapids. And, of course, so much more like we have outlined below.
Fun Things to do in Coon Rapids
Coon Rapids is such a fun city to spend your time in. Here’s a highlight of some of the fun things to do:
- Go Sightseeing at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
The Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park offers a variety of outdoor activities to do, from fishing and bird watching to exploring its 10 kilometers of trails on foot, bikes, or even snowshoes. Moreover, the visitor center has snowshoe and skis rentals, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own.
In addition to enjoying the park’s nature and wildlife, you can also head to the park’s dam, which features a breathtaking sight of roaring water and a rainbow that forms above it. However, for the best scenic view, head to the walkway at the top of the dam.
- Visit the Bunker Beach Water Park
If you love water attractions, don’t miss out on Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park. Whether you wish to relax floating on tubes on the Lazy River or have endless fun in the wave pool and more, Bunker Beach Water Park has all kinds of water activities for the whole family. There is also plenty of kid-friendly content for all ages to ensure they won’t get bored for a minute during their stay.
There are also cabana rentals perfect for hosting a birthday party and other private gatherings. It is worth noting that the water park is typically open from June till early September, so make sure you plan your visit during the open season.
- Grab some Drinks at Shortstop Bar and Grill Coon Rapids
Like we hinted, Coon Rapids has such a vibrant nightlife – it would be a disservice not to experience it. Shortstop Bar & Grill is the first joint that comes to mind. You can go there with your friends or family for lunch. Or you can wait till the sun goes down for a romantic dinner with your partner.
The menu has a wide range of options, such as beef tacos. And their bar has so much to offer, including soothing cocktails.
- Play Golf
Coon Rapids has so many hidden gems that are a perfect escape from the chaotic city life. One of these gems is Lili Putt, a mini-golf and entertainment center sitting in a peaceful lush neighborhood. The fun thing about Lilli Putt is that in addition to its mini-golf course, it also has bumper boats and go-kart rides!
And if you wish to experience golf on a more challenging course, Bunker Hills Golf Club is a top destination situated in the Bunker Hills Regional Park. They also have a state-of-the-art simulator center with a myriad of simulated courses to play golf on.
- Take a Walk
Would you like some quiet time in the woods? A walk down the Coon Creek Regional Trail sounds like the perfect idea. The trail spans over several miles, winding through several parks in the city. You can even spot expensive home sales in Minneapolis as you walk around. And since we buy houses in Minnesota, we can offer our assistance.
If walking doesn’t pique your interest, you can hire a bike or lace up your shoes for a run.
The good thing with Coon Creek Regional trail is that it has multiple access points to choose one most convenient to you. Remember to bring some water and snacks to enjoy as you take in the beauty.
- Go Shopping
Shopping is always fun – especially when you have so much to choose from. Lucky for you, that’s the scenario in Coon Rapids. The city has several boutiques and specialty stores spread across town. You might also consider checking out the Riverdale trifecta – Riverdale Crossing, Riverdale Village, and Riverdale Commons. You can shop for everything from gifts and pet supplies to souvenirs.
- Skate in the Sand Creek Park
Are you a skating enthusiast? Coon Rapids has something for you to test your adrenaline – the Sand Creek Park. While skating through the park, you can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
While still in Sand Creek Park, you might consider checking out other sports facilities, like the tennis court.
- Visit the Grand Slam Family Fun Center
The Grand Slam Family Fun Center is a must-visit if you are in Coon Rapids with the kids. But you too will have endless fun. This amusement park features fun activities like laser tag, batting cages, and bumper cars.
- Night Out at Anthony’s Place
Another incredible joint to enjoy the Coon Rapids nightlife is Anthony’s Place. The nightclub is on 127th Avenue, Coon Rapids, MN, and has a wide range of fun activities. The club hosts dance parties, karaoke, and holiday parties.
Even better, if one of the people you are traveling with has an upcoming birthday, you can make a reservation with the club for the party.
And if you’d like a rather chilled evening, you can go to Anthony’s Playce and enjoy a movie.
- Try Archery
Do you think you can hit the bullseye without a struggle? How about finding out at Average Joes Archery? The archery shop – located on Coon Rapids Boulevard – is one of the largest in the entire state. It features an indoor shooting setup with 3D animal targets, 20 shooting lanes, and video simulators.
You can also host a party there.
Creative Things to do in Coon Rapids
You can never get bored in Coon Rapids. Here are some creative options to try out:
- People Watching
People-watching can be therapeutic – it is not the same as stalking or any other crazy thing. Notably, there is so much you can learn from watching strangers in Coon Rapids as they interact with the world around them.
It’s a good way to learn how to be mindful and present at the moment. You also develop empathy for other people and their situations since you see them in their lowest form.
- Ask the Locals Some Questions
While watching people from afar teaches you so much, you can learn even more from talking to the locals. People in Coon Rapids are pretty friendly, making it even easier for you. Once you strike up a conversation with a local, ask them about the area’s history, regional cuisines, and their general way of life. You will learn so much more than you’d ever find on Google.
- Set Up a Picnic
Going on a picnic is a great way to relax with family and friends as well as have interesting conversations without feeling the pressure of busy city life. And what better place to go on a picnic in Coon Rapids than the Bunker Hills Regional Park? The park has several picnic pavilions, ranging from small for up to 50 people to large for up to 256 people.
In addition, the park sits on a generous 1,600-acre (647.50 ha) of land and has plenty of great spots for camping, too, if you are looking to spend more than a day there. It’s also filled with adventure facilities like horseback riding, archery, disc golf, and cross country skiing.
- Attend a Festival
Coon Rapids hosts several events throughout the year. While in this lovely city, it would be a great idea to attend one. For instance, you can catch archery events, such as 3D hunter leagues and youth archery leagues.
- Visit a Museum
A visit to the museum is a creative way to spark your curiosity. You also get access to a trusted source of knowledge, developing civic awareness. If you are traveling with kids, a trip to the museum is a good way to build their listening skills.
Lucky for you, there are several museums around Coon Rapids. These include the Earth Museum, Brooklyn Historical Society, and Bruggeman Aviation History Museum.
Artistic Things to Do in Coon Rapids
You can never run out of ideas in Coon Rapids. Here are some ideas:
- Blogging
Would you like to bring your online community on the trip with you? By documenting your escapades in Coon Rapids on your blog, you can do so. By doing so, your readers might even recommend cool places worth checking out during your stay.
- Journaling
Maybe the idea of sharing your adventures with people online is not your thing. But that doesn’t mean you cannot document your trip. While packing, consider bringing your journal with you. After a long day of exploring Coon Rapids, it would be refreshing to have a moment of introspection with pen and paper.
- Photography
If you have a soft spot for photography, it would be a good idea to capture moments in Coon Rapids. When with family and friends, take group photos. Or capture various objects you come across. It would be a good way to ensure that the memories live on.
- Watch a Movie
What better way to pass a slow evening than going to a cinema? Coon Rapids has several theaters, such as AMC theater, Champlin Cinema, and Heights Theatre.
- Attend a Pottery Class
Clay has an inexplicable calming effect – especially while enjoying a hot cup of tea. Besides being therapeutic, it’s a good way to build your confidence. Creating something beautiful gives you a sense of achievement. You can make personalized gifts for your friends and family as you get better at it. You can check out Gray Gardens Home Store in Coon Rapids.
Selling Your Minnesota Home
Selling your house is no easy feat. You have to look for an ideal real estate agent, think about repairs, and set a reasonable asking price. But as one of the premier companies that buy houses in Minneapolis, we would like to help you through the process and share important knowledge that sellers often miss.
For instance, late spring and early summer would be the best time to sell a house in Minnesota. That means listing your home from May through August. Given the impressive livability score that Minnesota rakes, you can be sure that your home will get the perfect buyer.