Coon Rapids Dam

A road and trail ride.

Approximate distance: 28 mi (roundtrip)


The Coon Rapids Dam is on the Mississippi River northwest of Shoreview in Anoka County. The route includes sections passing through two regional parks: Long Lake Regional Park and Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. It also follows a portion of the Mississippi Regional Trail. The road sections of the route are along roads with wide shoulders in residential areas. The trail sections are mostly in the regional parks and offer scenic views. The route is mostly flat with a few small hilly locations on the trails.


Directions:

  • Go west from Shoreview CC along Hwy 96 to Old Hwy 8

  • Take trail on west side of Old Hwy 8 to entrance to Long Lake Park

  • Follow park trails northwest and exit park onto Mississippi St.

  • Take the Rice Creek Trail northeast to Cty Rd H in Mounds View

  • Take Cty Rd H west to W Central Ave

  • Turn north and go to Osborne Rd.

  • Turn west and follow Osborne to E.River Rd.

  • Cross E.River Rd and follow the Mississippi Regional Trail on Alden Way

  • Turn left at 79th Way which becomes Riverview Terrace and continue to follow the trail

  • Turn right on Kimball St and then left on Broad Ave.

  • Follow the trail straight at end of Broad Ave. to Mississippi Blvd.

  • Turn left onto to Mississippi Blvd and continue to 86th Ave NW.

  • Go straight on Mississippi Regional Trail (which is now a trail).

  • Follow the trail down to near the Mississippi River and turn left on trail going under Hwy 610.

  • Follow trails through the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

  • Arrive at the park Visitor’s Center near the Coon Rapids dam

  • Return to Shoreview CC via the same route.


Route section approximate distances (see map):

  • Shoreview CC to Old Hwy 8 - 3 mi

  • Old Hwy 8 to Cty Rd H Mounds View - 3 mi

  • Mounds View to E.River Rd - 3 mi

  • E.River Rd to Coon Rapids Dam trail - 3 mi

  • Coon Rapids Dam trail to the dam - 2 mi