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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaThe Mississippi River flows through the autumnal color of the Mississippi River Gorge.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
East Coon Rapids Dam

Anoka County Parks
9750 Egret Boulevard Coon Rapids, MN

 
 
Water spills over the Coon Rapids dam beneath a blue sky and tree-lined shorelines.

Overview
The Coon Rapids dam was built in 1913 by the Northern Mississippi Power Company. It took 1,000 men just a little over 1 year to complete the entire dam system. During construction, a small town grew up on the Anoka County side of the river, complete with barracks, hospitals, fire stations and even dance halls.

Activities: There are extensive trails for hiking, bicycling, skiing and snowshoeing. Some of the best bird watching in the metro area can be found in this park.

There are also very good shore fishing locations here. Cenaiko Lake holds fish of several species, including trout. Fishing from shore below the dam yields fish of several different species and is a very popular fishing spot.

Hours: Please call for more information.

Contact Information: Call the East Coon Rapids Dam Visitor Center at 763-757-4700.

 

 
 
 
 
The wide Mississippi River  

Did You Know?
At Lake Onalaska, near LaCrosse Wisconsin, the Mississippi River is about 4 miles wide. Mississippi River water held behind Lock and Dam #7 and water held by damming the Black River form this broad reach of the Mississippi River.

Last Updated: January 15, 2009 at 13:56 EST