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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaA sparrow sings his spring song from a perch high in a tree.
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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.

 

 
 
 
 
Itasca, Headwaters of the Mississippi River  

Did You Know?
At Lake Itasca, the river is so shallow, children can walk across the Mississippi. Between Governor Nicholls Wharf and Algiers Point in New Orleans, the Mississippi is more than 200 feet deep.

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