10360 W. River Road, Brooklyn Park
763/694-7790
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

The Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is one of Three Rivers Park District's most unique parks! With the mighty Mississippi River flowing right through the middle of it, this park offers visitors opportunities not found at many other places in the metro area.

What Can You do here?

Mark Twain once said that the Mississippi River is like a wonderful book that tells a new story every day!

A 12-foot pedestrian walkway spans the Mississippi, offering a unique vantage point for viewing the magnificent river and connecting Hennepin and Anoka counties. The rushing waters below provide a good fishing spot for bald eagles in both summer and winter, and many kinds of waterfowl stop here in early spring. Osprey fish here all summer and also nest in the park.

Many kinds of fish, from eels to smallmouth bass, live in the river here and anglers never know what they might catch next! A group of islands below the dam create narrow channels and backwaters, giving hikers a quiet, more intimate river perspective from two miles of trails that wind through floodplain forest and field. Miles of bike trails are accessible from the Dam, which connects to both the North Hennepin Regional Trail (including Elm Creek Park Reserve) and Anoka Country bike trails on the east side of the river.

Park naturalists encourage the public to learn about the river environment. What is in the river barrel? Where would an American eel hang out? The answers to these and other questions can be found by stopping in the West Coon Rapids Dam Visitor Center! The Visitor Center invites park guests to learn about the river environment through exhibits and hands-on displays. Various live fish and turtles, a mounted osprey with nest, and an interactive computer provide opportunities to explore Mississippi River natural history and learn more about the river in our area.

Naturalist staff provides family and adult programs in summer. School programs are offered year-round. There's always something to do at the West Coon Rapids Dam Visitor center!

Room Rental

Rooms at West Coon Rapids Dam are available for rental. Call (763) 694-7790.

History
The park takes its name from the dam, built in 1913 to produce hydro-power. The dam and powerhouse were closed in 1966 and the park was opened in 1978. A new dam with inflatable rubber gates was built in 1995-97. It maintains a summer pool for recreation, not power production.

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