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Anoka Minnesota Community Guide

Anoka is a city in and the county seat of Anoka County, Minnesota. Anoka lies at the confluence of the Rum and Mississippi Rivers, about 20 miles (30 km) northwest of Minneapolis. U.S. Highways 10 / 169 and State Highway 47 are three of the main routes, and a station on the Northstar Commuter Rail line to downtown Minneapolis is located in the city. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.17 square miles, of which, 6.66 square miles is land and 0.51 square miles is water. Adjacent communities include Dayton, Ramsey, Andover, Coon Rapids, and Champlin. The elevation is 879 feet (268 m).

From  The US Census Bureau, 2020 data

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The site which is now Anoka was first settled by immigrants in 1844. By the mid-1850s, a town had grown, including a school, store, and flour mill. The city was formally incorporated in 1878. The name Anoka was derived from two Indian words. The native Dakota used A-NO-KA-TAN-HAN, meaning "on both sides", or "from both sides", referring to its location on the banks of the Rum River. The native Ojibwa used ON-O-KAY, meaning "working waters".

Anoka makes a strong claim for providing the first volunteers to the Union Army during the Civil War, noted by a small historical plaque standing at the corner of West Main Street and Park Street. Alexander Ramsey, Minnesota's governor in 1861, was in Washington, D.C. when Fort Sumter was fired upon. He immediately offered a regiment to the War Department, and telegraphed former governor Willis Gorman and Lieutenant Governor Ignatius L. Donnelly that same morning. Gorman, attending a district court session in Anoka, received the note by messenger from St. Paul and called a court recess, asking for volunteers. Aaron Greenwald, who has an "island" named after him on Lake George, and five others stepped forward; Greenwald was the first to sign. He died July 2, 1863, during the 1st Minnesota Regiment's famous charge at Gettysburg.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

ANOKA was founded in 1850 by Orrin W. Rice, Neal D. Shaw, and others, by whom its name was adopted in May 1853; also known as Rum River by some local residents before 1853; the post office was established while part of Benton County as Decorri, 1852-54, changing its name in 1854. The "City of Anoka" was incorporated by the state legislature July 29, 1858, and later the "Borough of Anoka," March 5, 1869, but both these acts failed of acceptance by the vote of the township. Finally, under a legislative act of March 2, 1878, this city was set off from the township of the same name, the first city election being held on March 12.

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

Jackson Street, Anoka Minnesota, 1909 LakesnWoods.com Postcard and Postcard Image Collection - click to enlarge Visit The Anoka Photo Gallery for more recent and historic area photos

Anoka City Hall 2015 First Avenue Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 576-2700 Fax: (763) 576-2777 Web: www.anokaminnesota.com   Regular Business Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm   City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 7:00 pm
Title	Term Ends	Name and Address		Phone
Mayor	12/31/2024	Phil Rice  1503 2nd Avenue S Anoka MN 55303		(763) 422-8710 (612) 702-8442
City Manager	appointed	Greg Lee 2015 First Avenue Anoka MN 55303		(763) 576-2711
Council Member	12/31/2026	Sam Scott 1806 1st Avenue Anoka MN 55303		(612) 695-5896
Council Member	12/31/2026	Erik Skogquist 314 Monroe Street Anoka MN 55303		(763) 576-9219
Council Member	12/31/2024	Jeff Weaver 314 Rice Street Anoka MN 55303		(763) 421-5522
Council Member	12/31/2024	Brian Wesp 4252 Parkview Lane Anoka MN 55303		(763) 576-2718(763) 350-6445
School Board - Anoka-Hennepin Independent School District #11
District 1 - Director Western Andover, Anoka, western Coon Rapids and southwestern Ramsey	12/31/2027	Linda Hoekman 5585 144th Avenue Ramsey, MN 55303		(763) 458-3111 (763) 506-4795
District 2 - Co-Chair Blaine and eastern Coon Rapids	12/31/2027	Zach Arco 12041 Madison Street NE Blaine, MN 55434		(612) 964-6856 (763) 433-4150
District 3 - Co-Chair Champlin, southwestern Coon Rapids and Dayton	12/31/2025	Kacy Deschene 11936 Mississippi Drive Champlin, MN 55316		(612) 412-1875 (763) 506-7743
District 4 - Treasurer Northern Andover, Ham Lake, Nowthen, Oak Grove and northeastern Ramsey.	12/31/2025	Matt Audette 1177 162nd Avenue NW Andover MN 55304		(612) 224-5934(763) 506-5847
District 5 - Director Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, southern Coon Rapids and Fridley	12/31/2027	Michelle Langenfeld 1128 97th Lane NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433		(651) 442-6482 (763) 433-4151
District 6 - Clerk Southern Andover and northern Coon Rapids	12/31/2025	Jeff Simon 12252 Thrush Street NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448		(763) 755-0554(763) 506-7742
County - Anoka
Commissioner District 4 western Andover	12/31/2026	Scott Schulte 11673 Tulip Street NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433		(763) 324-4712 (763) 300-6244
Commissioner District 5 central and eastern Andover	12/31/2026	Mike Gamache 2815 134th Avenue NW Andover MN 55304		(763) 324-4714 (763) 286-0167
Accounting	--	Brenda Pavelich-Beck 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-1715
Administrator (Interim)	--	Dee Guthman 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-4700
Assessor		Alex Guggenberger 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-1162
Attorney	12/31/2026	Brad Johnson 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-5550
Community Corrections	--	Dylan Warkentin 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-4524
Facilities Management	--	Andrew Dykstra 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-1903
Finance	--	Cory Kampf 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-1751
Human Resources	--	Steph Beito-Ziemer 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-4308
Human Services	--	Cindy Cesare 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-1411
Information Technology	--	Vijay Naravane 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-4102
License Center	--	John Lenarz 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-2101
Property Records & Taxation	--	Pam LeBlanc 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-1119
Public Health		Jonelle Hubbard 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-4224
Sheriff	12/31/2026	Brad Wise 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-2010
Social Services	--	George Borrell 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 314-1409
Transportation	--	Joe MacPherson 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-3199
Veterans Services	--	John Kriesel 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303		(763) 324-4502
State
MN House - District 35A	12/31/2024	Zack Stephenson 5322 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155		(651) 296-5513
MN Senate - District 35	12/31/2024	Jim Abeler Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 2207 St. Paul, MN 55155		(651) 296-3733
MN Governor	12/31/2026	Governor Tim Walz (DFL) 75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. Paul, MN 55155		(651) 201-3400 (800) 657-3717
Federal
US House - District 1	12/31/2024	Dean Phillips 2452 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515		(202) 225-2871
US Senate	12/31/2024	Amy Klobuchar (DFL) 425 Dirksen Senate Building Washington, DC 20510		(202) 224-3244
US Senate	12/31/2026	Tina Smith (DFL)   720 Hart Senate Office Bldg.  Washington, DC 20510		(202) 224-5641
US President	12/31/2024	Joe Biden (D) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500		not available

US Post Office 2168 7th Avenue Anoka, MN 55303-1713 Phone: (763) 421-1115 Fax: (763) 421-3940 Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS Web: www.usps.com Regular Business Hours: Week Days        8:30 am - 6:00 pm Saturday           8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Minnesota State Highway Map of the Anoka Minnesota area

Anoka Classic Car Show 4th and Van Buren Downtown Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 587-3076 Web: www.anokaclassiccarshow.org Saturdays June - Mid-September We are located directly behind the Anoka County Courthouse in Anoka, MN. Our entrance for cars is at 4th Avenue & Van Buren Street. Go 2 blocks north of Main Street on 4th Avenue to show entrance. Note: All streets will be barricaded closed during the show hours EXCEPT 4th Avenue show entrance. These streets will be attended by show officials at all times !!
Farmers Market on the Rum 2201 2nd Avenue N Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 576-2980 Web:  www.anokaminnesota.com Wednesdays 3-7pm Mid-June through September The City of Anoka is planning a fresh season of the farmers market with a plentiful amount of produce and a great selection of cottage foods, farmstead products, flowers, etc . Selection will grow as the season grows!  The Farmers Market on the Rum is located just two blocks north of Main Street in the parking lot adjacent to City Hall and Riverfront Memorial Park, 2201 2nd Ave, Anoka.
Anoka County Fair 3200 St. Francis Boulevard NW Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 427-4070 Web: www.anokacountyfair.com Fourth week in August Anoka County Fair will be held on July 23-27, 2024. It will include 4-H/livestock shows and exhibits, moto cross, bull riding and mutton bustin, tractor pull, demo derby, ATV big air event, rides, live entertainment, kid's activities, exhibits, vendors, fair food, fireworks, and more.
Food Truck Festival 2015 1st Avenue S Downtown Anoka, MN 55303 Web:  www.mnfoodtruckfestival.com/anoka  Third Saturday in August One of the Twin Cities most popular & delicious free events – The Anoka Food Truck Festival– will invade Downtown Anoka for its 7th year on Saturday, August 17th.  We are showcasing 50 superstars of the streets with dishes ranging from crispy pork belly and green papaya salad to gourmet mini doughnuts and wood fired pizzas. Wash it all down with a hefty variety of local craft brews and classic favorites. We don't discriminate, you'll also be able to find ciders and non alcoholic drinks as well.
Riverfest Downtown Anoka, MN 55303 Web:  www.anokariverfest.org Second Saturday in July Browse through the outdoor market offering hand-crafted good created by 150+ artists. You'll find clothing and accessories, jewelry, soaps, lotions, home and outdoor decor,, furniture, food, and more. And, you're steps from downtown Anoka merchants. Extend your shopping experience by checking out the shops.
Halloween Capital of the World 1925½ 2nd Avenue S Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 576-2980 Web:  www.anokahalloween.com Events throughout October Multiple events throughout October, including a pumpkin weigh-off, children's costume contest, pumpkin carving contest, medallion hunt, and the Grande Day Parade. See website for dates, times, and more info.
Summer Concert Series - "Rockin' On The Rum" Riverfront Memorial Park 2201 2nd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 576-2980 Web: www.anokaminnesota.com Wednesday evenings during June, July, and August.  Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and last  2-hours. These concerts feature a variety of family-friendly music by popular metro area and regional performers. Some concert dates will include food trucks or concessions.  Bring your lawn chair, pack a picnic or grab a meal to go from one of the restaurants in the downtown area.

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Akin Riverside Park 1721 River Avenue Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 576-2980 Web:  www.nps.gov The 6.5 acre Akin Riverside Park lies on the east bank of the Rum River just north of the Rum's confluence with the Mississippi River. Akin is a suburban park with the usual city park amenities of playground and picnic areas. The Anoka Historic Rum River Regional Trail runs through the park and a footbridge crosses the Rum River. The park also has two fishing platforms, a boat launch, playground, and picnic tables/shelters and grills.
Anoka Nature Preserve 4301 Parkview Lane Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 576-2980 Web:  not available   Nature Preserve on the Rum River on 200+ acres: oak savannas, rolling terrain, river front, flat lands. Gravel path encircles most of the property. There are 3.5K of cross country ski trails.
Downtown Anoka Social District Downtown Anoka Web: www.anokaminnesota.com A "Social District" is a specific area which allows people to purchase and drink beer, wine, or a cocktail from a licensed business and walk through a defined area of the city including public spaces such as a sidewalk or street to allows for participation in a district event/activity.
Riverfront Memorial Park 2201 2nd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 576-2980 Web:  not available

Anoka Aquatic Center 1551 7th Avenue N Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-7740 Web:  www.anokaminnesota.com   The Anoka Aquatic Center offers a great opportunity for summer fun for the whole family, featuring a 200-foot wide slide, shallow play area, large concession stand, a sand volleyball court and large shaded areas to cool down on a hot summer day. A 12-foot climbing wall offers something a little more adventurous and if you fall off the wall, you fall into the pool. A picnic area and playground can be found at the adjacent George Green Park.
Green Haven Golf Course 2800 Greenhaven Road Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 576-2970 Web:  www.greenhavengolfcourse.com   Green Haven Golf & Banquet Center is located in the heart of beautiful and historic Anoka, Minnesota. 18 Championship Holes A park-like setting within easy driving distance to all major metro areas First Class Banquet facility, Full Service Restaurant & Bar Playable for the high handicap player while providing a solid test for the single digit handicap player
Peninsula Point Park 1460 S Ferry Road Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 576-2980 Web: www.nps.gov Peninsula Point Park is a historical site located at the junction of the Rum and Mississippi Rivers in Anoka, MN. Some of the park features include a playground, fishing access, and a concession stand with water and electricity. Picnic areas are available at Peninsula Point Park with both open and sheltered picnic tables and cooking grills. There is a playground available for children, and seating is provided near the play area for parents. Other activities include biking and hiking.

Lake Name	Size (acres)	Lake info	Lake Map	Rec Map	Topo Map
Round	253

Clinics
HealthPartners Riverway Clinic Anoka 2621 Greenhaven Road Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (952) 967-7075 Web: www.healthpartners.com HealthPartners Riverway Clinic Anoka helps you make your health a priority by providing a variety of appointment types, including in-person, video and phone visits. We also have evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your busy schedule, as well as the convenience of online scheduling. Your online account offers quick access to medical records, immunization records, lab results and bill pay. Our clinic includes an on-site laboratory, mammograms, IV infusion therapy, X-rays and ultrasounds so you can get the care you need without making multiple stops.
Hospitals
Mercy Hospital 4050 Coon Rapids Blvd NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Phone: (763) 236-6000 Web: www.allinahealth.org/mercy-hospital Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids operates alongside Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus in Fridley as a single system of hospital care on two campuses. With both campuses combined, we build on our strength as the premier tertiary/specialty hospital in the North Metro, with expert physicians and staff providing leading-edge care.

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Anoka Technical College 1355 US Highway 10 Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 433-1100 Web:  www.anokatech.edu We have served as the leading provider of higher education and training in the North Metro since 1967 offering more than 70+ career/technical programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. A member of the Minnesota State system, the college serves more than 2,200 learners of all ages as they pursue certificates, diplomas and Associate in Applied Science degrees designed to lead immediately to rewarding, in-demand careers.
Anoka Hennepin Schools Independent School District #11 2727 N Ferry Street Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 506-1000 Web:  www.ahschools.us   The Anoka-Hennepin School District serves approximately 40,000 students and 248,000 residents living in 13 suburban communities north of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The largest school district in Minnesota, Anoka-Hennepin operates 24 elementary schools, six middle schools (grades six through eight), five high schools, and alternative middle and high school programs.    Grades:  PK-12 Students:  38,590
Anoka High School 3939 7th Avenue N Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 506-6200 Fax: (763) 506-6203 Web:  www.ahschools.us/ahs Grades:  9-12 Students:  2,322
Anoka Middle School for the Arts 1523 5th Avenue S Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 506-5000 Fax: (763) 506-5003 Web:  www.ahschools.us/amsa   Grades:  6-8 Students:  1,678
Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts 540 South Street Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 506-3100 Fax: (763) 506-3103 Web: www.ahschools.us/lincoln Grades:  K-5 Students:  363
Wilson Elementary School 1025 Sunny Lane Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 506-4700 Fax: (763) 506-4703 Web: www.ahschools.us/wilson Grades:  K-5 Students:  560
St. Stephen's Catholic School 506 Jackson Street Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-3236 Fax: (763) 712-7433 Web:  www.ststephenschool.org Grades:  PK-8 Students:  376

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Anoka Covenant Church 752 Grant Street Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-5194 Web:  www.anokachurch.org Pastor:  Steve Thompson Sunday Service:  10:00 am
Anoka United Church of Christ 1925 3rd Avenue S Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-3375 Web:  www.uccanoka.org Pastor:  Rev. Chris McArdle Sunday Service:  8:30 am and 10:30 am (9:30 am June - August)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2742 Yellowstone Boulevard Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 445-9787 Web:  local.churchofjesuschrist.org Pastor:  n/a Sunday Service:  9:00 am
Eagle Brook Church 1100 US Highway 10 Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (651) 429-9227 Web:  www.eaglebrookchurch.com Pastor:  Jason Strand Sunday Service:  9:00 am and 11:00 am
First Baptist Church of Anoka 1235 Park Street Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-5808 Web:  www.fbcanoka.org Pastor:  Jon Campbell Sunday Service:  10:30 am and 6:00 pm
Grace Life Church 822 W Main Street Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 422-1482 Web:  www.glcanoka.org Pastor:  n/a Sunday Service:  10:00 am
Immanuel Church - OPC 850 E Main Street Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 228-3046 Web:  www.Immanuelchurchopc.org Pastor:  Jim Carr Sunday Service:  10:15 am
Light in Anoka - COGOP 1033 Jefferson Street Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (320) 295-9581 Web:  www.lightinanoka.org Pastor:  Alfred Best Jr Sunday Service:  11:00 am
Mount Olive Lutheran Church 700 Western Street Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-3223 Web: www.mtolive-anoka.org Pastor:  James Bender Sunday Service:  8:00 am and 10:00 am
Ramsey Cornerstone Church 2665 4th Avenue N Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 427-0147 Web: rccgracechurch.mailchimpsites.com Pastor:  Pat Coughlin Sunday Service:  10:00 am
RCCG Cornerstone Church 540 E River Road Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (612) 298-7743 Web:  www.rccgcornerstoneparishmn.org Pastor:  E.A. Adeboye Sunday Service:  9:00 am
Restoration Church 503 Polk Street Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-8124 Web: www.restorationanoka.org Pastor:  Jon Engen Sunday Service:  10:00 am
Riverview Church 1930 Branch Avenue Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (612) 470-0068 Web:  www.jumpintheriver.com Pastor:  Benjamin J Fischer  Sunday Service:  10:00 am
St. Stephen's Catholic Church 525 Jackson Street Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-2471 Web: www.ststephenchurch.org Pastor:   Fr. Bennet Tran Sunday Mass:  8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm (Spanish) and 6:00 pm
Solid Rock Free Lutheran Church - AFLC 737 Bob Ehlen Drive Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 433-8610 Web: www.srflc.org Pastor:  Brett Boe Sunday Service:  9:30 am
Trinity Episcopal Church 1415 6th Avenue S Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-1196 Web: www.trinityanoka.org Pastor:  Father Bob Pierson Sunday Service:  10:00 am
United Methodist Church of Anoka 850 South Street Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-2378 Web: www.anokaumc.org Pastor:  Rev. Karen Evenson Sunday Service: 9:30  am
Zion Lutheran Church - ELCA 1601 4th Avenue S Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 421-4656 Web: www.zionanoka.org Pastor:  Connie Tiede Sunday Service:  8:00 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am

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Media:

Local
Anoka County Union Herald 4095 Coon Rapids Blvd. Coon Rapids, MN 55421 Phone: (763) 412-2400 Web: www.hometownsource.com/abc_newspapers Weekly newspaper published on Fridays with a circulation of 4,233
Total Country Bob FM 14443 Armstrong Boulevard Anoka MN 55303 Phone: (763) 450-0100 Web:  www.mybobcountry.com Total Country BOB FM 106.1 Twin Cities | 105.5 St. Cloud | 107.5 Faribault
Metro
see the Twin Cities Media Guide page for Twin Cities metro area newspapers, radio and TV

see also Coon Rapids and Ramsey

Regency Inn & Suites 1129 US Highway 10 Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: (763) 422-8000 Web:  www.regencyinnmn.com The Regency Inn & Suites, where you’ll experience an intimate, casual atmosphere with personalized service, contemporary amenities and customer-oriented features   Whether you’re visiting our location on a relaxing getaway vacation or an important business venture in Twin Cities area, Minnesota .You’ll appreciate our peaceful ambiance, hospitable service and convenient location...without spending a fortune, no matter where you stay! Wireless Internet access, Deluxe continental breakfast, coffee are available to all guest at No charge.

Topographic map is courtesy of the Minnesota DNR - click map to zoom or enlarge

 
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