Top 18 Things To Do In Anoka, Minnesota

Swadeep Singh
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 8 min read
things to do in Anoka MN

The city of Anoka is a tiny tourist town in Minnesota, which is located just a few miles north of the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. We highly recommend you to visit Anoka whenever you visit the twin cities in the near future because this town features some great attractions regardless of its small size. You can stay in one of the top Airbnb vacation rentals that offer amazing amenities. You may not know the fact, but Anoka is also claimed to be the Halloween capital of the world, as they have hosted the first of its kind Halloween parade in the year 1920. This tradition is still on today, but it’s not like this city is completely dull before and after the annual festival. In the next few paragraphs, we will share the prime attractions of this city that are open throughout the year. Stay on this page to learn the best things to do in Anoka, Minnesota.

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1. Shop for antiques at Antiques On Main

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Antiques on Main Anoka on Monday, February 6, 2017

Shop for dated technologies, jewelry, rare magazine, and other interesting stuff at Antiques On Main. This antique store is about 30 years old, and it is based inside a century-old building. The interiors are rustic here, which goes well with this kind of shop. There are two floors and a basement, all packed with a huge collection. Explore this amazing store and see if something gets your attention. The staff is also friendly and very knowledgeable, they won’t mind people being too curious.

Antiques On Main

Address: 212 E Main St, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: Antiques On Main

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free admission

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2. Harvest fresh berries at Berry Hill Farm

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

WEATHER ALERT!!!! Due to the extreme weather our hours have changed. With the thunderstorms forecasted to come tonight...

Posted by Berry Hill Farm on Thursday, June 27, 2019

Berry Hill Farm is located a very short drive from the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, and it’s a wonderful place to spend a day. The farm is spread in 100 acres (40 hectares), and they grow strawberry, raspberry, pumpkin, and rhubarb. Depending on the time of year, you can plan a tour and harvest these produce farm-fresh. However, adding up the cost with your admission charge, the rates would certainly surpass your grocery market. But that’s not important anyway; the vital thing is that you get to feel the farm life loveliness.

Berry Hill Farm

Address: 6510 185th Ave NW, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: Berry Hill Farm

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

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3. Watch a live play at Lyric Arts Main Street Stage

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Lyric Arts on Thursday, March 11, 2021

Lyric Arts is a multi-functional theatre group in Anoka; they run workshops, do performances, and many times educate the community through the free learning programs. If you have an interest in drama or dance, you can join their classes. Otherwise, it’s always a nice idea to check out their stage plays. Unlike other theater companies, you will notice that Lyric Arts Main Street Stage is quite active. They run about 10 productions every season, which comprises mixed genres. Watch a play, if they have programming scheduled while you’re there. The performances are worth more than the ticket price.

Lyric Arts Main Street Stage

Address: 420 E Main St, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: Lyric Arts Main Street Stage

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Varies

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4. Get the most unique souvenirs at The Corner

Anoka Minnesota Main Street
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user w:Malepheasant used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Although we seldom realize the fact, souvenir shopping is a special thing we do on our trips. We may not look at the photo albums so often, but mementos that we take on during our journeys will forever help us recall the memories. For your Anoka trip, we’re recommending The Corner to shop for souvenirs. They sell the most unique kinds at a fair price, and they’re located in the heart of the city. From home décor to gnomes for your garden, and also cute furniture; The Corner features them all.

The Corner

Address: 224 E Main St #104, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: The Corner

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm

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5. Learn about the town’s history at Anoka County Historical Society

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

After sharing these Civil War artifacts from the collection with 6th graders from Anoka Middle School last week, we...

Posted by Anoka County Historical Society on Friday, March 5, 2021

Anoka possesses a rich history and folklore, and it’s impossible for an outsider to grasp the city’s background and stories without a master’s help. And for that cause, you wouldn’t find a better expert than the historical society of Anoka. It’s a historical fellowship with a museum. Inside of their exhibition area, you will see many of the Great War’s relics, and vintage items gathered from the county. They will also share with you the names of the haunted buildings of this county. In fact, they run ghost tours themselves for a very nominal charge.

Anoka County Historical Society

Address: 2135 N 3rd Ave, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: Anoka County Historical Society

Opening hours: Tue: 10am - 8pm; Wed - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free admission

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6. Go fishing at Rum River

Rum River in Princeton, Minnesota (29572111696)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tony Webster used under CC BY-SA 2.0

When you go out fishing, you improve your physical and mental health. It reduces your stress, improves concentration, tops up the Vitamin D level; and most of the times, you catch fishes as well. In every sense, fishing is a rewarding thing. Luckily, the city of Anoka has a slow pace river where you can enjoy this activity nearly all year round. Rum River flows through the middle of Anoka and meets the Mississippi on the south of the city. Here, you will get an abundance of bass, bluegill, crappie, and pike. Rivers Bend Park at Ramsey and Rum River North Park are some good locations.

Rum River

Address: Anoka, Anoka County, MN

Website: Rum River

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7. Explore the Big White House

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Big White House is another tourist attraction, but a pretty unusual one. Fortunately, it’s a popular place and there’s this garden sign-board too. Else, no one would have guessed that this classy villa was an antique store. They sell the very best of antiques, vintage items, and historical memorabilia. The house is huge as you’re seeing the image, thus you may have to spend at least a couple of hours to explore their antique and artifact collection. In recent years, they have introduced home décor and a furniture collection too. Do check that section as well.

The Big White House

Address: 1900 S 3rd Ave, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: The Big White House

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free admission

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8. Tee off at Green Haven Golf Course

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Green Haven Golf Course on Thursday, July 8, 2021

The city of Anoka has a championship-level 18-hole golf course too, so if you’re a player, you might want to check that out. It’s located quite near to the city side, so that’s an advantage. But what we liked the most about Green Haven Golf Course is that they have a daily rate along with their membership plan. The membership charges are obviously reasonable if you’re thinking for the whole season, but daily charges are also extremely inexpensive. Most of the playing slots are available under 20 USD. They have a banquet restaurant as well.

Green Haven Golf Course

Address: 2800 Greenhaven Rd, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: Green Haven Golf Course

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 7pm

Price: Starts from 18 USD

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9. Have dinner at Serum’s Good Time Emporium

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Go Minnesota Gophers!! Come watch the game at Serum's Good Time Emporium #rowtheboat #gogophers

Posted by Serum's Good Time Emporium on Saturday, November 9, 2019

This place has a good combination of modern dining with a blast from the past. Serum’s Good Time Emporium is based within a century-old building, which is technically one of the oldest buildings of this city. Additionally, there are age-old antiques on display everywhere, but the food and the entertainment are spectacular. The menu here is very extensive, and people often say that Serum serves the best wings in this region. But the live band performance is their specialty; you can check out the monthly band scheduling information on their website.

Serum’s Good Time Emporium

Address: 213 Jackson St, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: Serum’s Good Time Emporium

Opening hours: 11am - 1am (daily)

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10. Chill out at Anoka-Champlin Bridge

Anoka-Champlin Mississippi River Bridge
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user McGhiever used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Also known as the Ferry Street Bridge, it is built over the Mississippi River and links Anoka to the neighboring city, Champlin. This structure turned exactly 90 years old this year, and it is comprised of a total of 10 open-spandrel granite arches. A bridge might not be a key location for tourists, but people frequently visit the spot for recreational purposes. So, visit and do spend time here; by the way, it’s a great spot for fishing.

Anoka-Champlin Bridge

Address: S Ferry St, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: Anoka-Champlin Bridge

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11. Play baseball at George Enloe Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by City of Anoka, Minnesota on Friday, February 19, 2021

This is a multi-purpose public park of this city, and it features recreational as well as athletic facilities. The 23 acres (9 hectares) of George Enloe Park comprise a jogging trail, a playground for toddlers, an open gym, a picnic area, and restrooms. Additionally, there are three fields of baseball, two of soccer, and two tennis courts. Evidently, there is plenty of room at the park, so we guess it wouldn’t be hard for you to have your place in a game. By the way, baseball should give you high chances since there are more fields of that.

George Enloe Park

Address: 631 Lund Blvd, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: George Enloe Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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12. Find positive vibes at White Buffalo Spiritual Healing and Gifts

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is a Self Love Smudge Wand, just 1 of 4 smudge wands we will be making at Smudging Class with Make and Takes on May...

Posted by White Buffalo Spiritual Healing and Gifts on Tuesday, April 27, 2021

This is a metaphysical healing and supply store. If the word is confusing, please allow us to explain. Positivity and negativity leave an impression on our soul. Too much time spent near a tragedy and your body will feel the heaviness. On the other hand, moments spent with your loved ones gets your energy replenished. You may call this a science or even pseudoscience, that’s metaphysics for you. And here, you can have products/services related to that discipline. For example, incense and perfume oils, crystals, and anything that feels positive.

White Buffalo Spiritual Healing And Gifts

Address: 104 E Main St, Anoka, MN 55330, USA

Website: White Buffalo Spiritual Healing And Gifts

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun - Mon: 11am - 5pm

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13. Play tennis at Sunny Acres Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

We sincerely hope that you still remember George Enloe Park; the name is written in a previous head. That’s a very nice playground where people can relax or enjoy athletic sports. But you should also consider Sunny Acres Park, we have reasons for that. The number one reason is that people play other sports as well, and this park is large and has more features. Secondly, this park has a handicapped-accessible pathway so your disabled friends can also join the fun. Sunny Acres has four tennis courts, and multiple fields for baseball, soccer, and lacrosse.

Sunny Acres Park

Address: 3302 Colfax Ave, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free admission

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14. Swim at the aquatic center facility in George Green Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is another splendid park with a playground, pavilion, and tennis courts, but we’re keeping this on this list for its additional feature. George Green Park comprises an aqua park by the name Anoka Aquatic Center, which stays open during summer. The center has a zero-depth swimming pool, several water slides, lounge chairs, and more water play structures. Do remember this park’s name, if you are coming in summer.

George Green Park

Address: 1498 S 6th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: George Green Park

Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: Free admission to the park, 40 USD season pass for aqua center

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15. Go skating in John Ward Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

John Ward Park is better known as the Rocket Park. It’s because of the iconic rocket-shaped playground slide that was installed here in the 1960s. This place features a playground and a picnic area, and it is considered good for families with little kids. The parenting part doesn’t get very crucial here since the ground is not very close to the streets. Anyway, the most important highlight of this park is its skating and bike ramps. If you’re into either of those activities, now you know a place where you can go.

John Ward Park

Address: 2400 Forest Ave, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: John Ward Park

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free admission

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16. Walk along the Rum River at Peninsula Point Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Peninsula Point Park is the southern edge of this city, and it is situated adjacent to Ferry’s Bridge. This is the location where the Rum River meets Mississippi, and it’s literally a peninsula. This park has a playground and a pathway by the river, and everything is shrouded by trees. Except for the weekends, you wouldn’t see a lot of people here in Peninsula Point Park. Remember the name of this splendid park if you’re searching a well-known location for morning walks, or need some quiet time in Anoka.

Peninsula Point Park

Address: 1460 S Ferry St, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: Peninsula Point Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free admission

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17. Enjoy a karaoke night at Billy’s Bar & Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Billy's Bar and Grill on Sunday, February 21, 2021

Another recommendation is Billy’s Bar & Grill; it’s a fair-priced food establishment that is also very entertaining. It’s a normal sports bar during the week but it turns into a karaoke bar on the weekend. You can enjoy your time here listening to some talented and funny guys and sing along with them. However, there’s also a quiet room and an outside patio if you’re into singing. But we would still advice you to join the fun.

Billy’s Bar & Grill

Address: 214 Jackson St, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: Billy’s Bar & Grill

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 1pm; Sun: 9am - 12pm

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18. Have afternoon tea at The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Tea House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Of course, you can find many teahouses in this city, but not even one is at par with The Mad Hatter. This Victorian house turned into this teahouse is known for its excellence. The staff is polite here, and their service seems almost ceremonial. They follow the traditional 17th-century tea etiquettes, when the guests are served their tea with soup, scones, savory, dessert, etc. Since this looks already too much, you can expect the pricing to be a bit on the higher side. But that’s still far from expensive, plus you have a reasonably priced brunch menu.

The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Tea House

Address: 1632 S Ferry St, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Website: The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Tea House

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 11am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

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Lots to do in Anoka

There is a lot to do in this town but we have decided to skip activities, which are periodic and depend on certain conditions. Anoka County celebrates a number of events and festivals annually, however, we haven’t added them so they may not go with the time of your arrival. As our final advice; we suggest you check for the list of local events when you finally arrive, so you can have more to do here in Anoka.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Also known as Bobby, Swadeep Singh is a businessman since 2013 but he has forever nurtured a passion for writing. Traveling never makes him exhausted, which is why he's never known turn down any...Read more

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