Cities and Towns in Anoka County, Minnesota
Founded in 1857, Anoka County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Anoka County was formed from Ramsey County. The city of Anoka is the county seat. With FIPS code of 3, Anoka County has a population of 367,018 and area of 423.61 square miles (1,097 km²).
List of all cities in Anoka County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Andover, MN | 55303 | 763 |
| 55304 | 763 | |
| Anoka, MN | 55303 | 763 |
| 55304 | 763 | |
| Bethel, MN | 55005 | 763 |
| Blaine, MN | 55434 | 763 |
| 55449 | 763 | |
| Cedar, MN | 55011 | 763 |
| Cedar East Bethel, MN | 55011 | 763 |
| Circle Pines, MN | 55014 | 763 |
| Columbia Heights, MN | 55421 | 763 |
| Columbus, MN | 55014 | 763 |
| Coon Rapids, MN | 55433 | 763 |
| 55448 | 763 | |
| County Market, MN | 55304 | 763 |
| East Bethel, MN | 55005 | 763 |
| 55011 | 763 | |
| Fridley, MN | 55421 | 763 |
| 55432 | 763 | |
| Ham Lake, MN | 55304 | 763 |
| Hilltop, MN | 55421 | 763 |
| Lexington, MN | 55014 | 763 |
| Lino Lakes, MN | 55014 | 763 |
| Linwood, MN | 55005 | 763 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 55421 | 763 |
| 55432 | 763 | |
| 55433 | 763 | |
| 55434 | 763 | |
| 55448 | 763 | |
| 55449 | 763 | |
| Nowthen, MN | 55303 | 763 |
| Oak Grove, MN | 55011 | 763 |
| Oak Grove, MN | 55303 | 763 |
| Ramsey, MN | 55303 | 763 |
| Saint Anthony, MN | 55421 | 763 |
| Saint Anthony Village, MN | 55421 | 763 |
| Saint Francis, MN | 55070 | 763 |
| Soderville, MN | 55304 | 763 |
| Spring Lake Park, MN | 55432 | 763 |
Major Cities and Towns in Anoka County, Minnesota
1. Anoka
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 7.22 square miles
- Population: 17,142 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 55303, 55304
- Latitude: 45.2011° N
- Longitude: 93.3966° W
City Location and History
Anoka, known as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” is the county seat of Anoka County and is located on the banks of the Rum River, just 20 miles north of downtown Minneapolis. The city was founded in the early 1850s, and it quickly grew as a trading post for settlers moving westward. The development of the railroad in the late 1800s helped Anoka become a commercial hub for the surrounding region. During the early 20th century, Anoka gained prominence for its role as a center of timber and agricultural trade, further solidified by its location along the river, which facilitated transport.
Anoka has been celebrating Halloween since 1920, hosting the first Halloween parade in the United States, which has since become a major annual event attracting thousands of visitors. The city’s deep connection to its riverfront heritage and its unique cultural identity as a Halloween destination continues to shape its growth today. Over the years, Anoka has transformed from a small rural town to a thriving suburban city while maintaining its small-town charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Anoka is served by the Anoka-Hennepin School District, the largest school district in Minnesota, which includes Anoka High School, known for its strong academic programs and athletics. The city boasts several significant landmarks, including The Anoka County Historical Society, which showcases the area’s history and the famous Halloween traditions. Riverfront Memorial Park, located along the Rum River, offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a scenic view of the water, making it a popular spot for locals. The Halloween Capital of the World is celebrated annually with parades, costume contests, and haunted house attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each October. The Anoka City Hall and The Anoka Theatre, a historic movie palace, are also notable landmarks.
2. Coon Rapids
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 23.23 square miles
- Population: 66,000 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 55433, 55448
- Latitude: 45.1761° N
- Longitude: 93.3031° W
City Location and History
Coon Rapids is a suburban city located just north of Anoka and is one of the largest cities in Anoka County. The city gets its name from the Coon Creek, a tributary of the Mississippi River that runs through the area. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the land was settled by European settlers in the 1850s. Like many cities in the area, Coon Rapids was initially a farming community. With the development of transportation infrastructure, particularly the construction of the Great Northern Railway in the 1880s, the city began to grow as a commuter town.
Coon Rapids experienced substantial growth following World War II as suburban development exploded in the 1950s and 1960s. The city expanded rapidly during the 1970s and 1980s, transitioning from a small rural town to a larger suburban community. It has maintained its suburban character while offering a range of housing options, businesses, and services to support its growing population.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Anoka-Hennepin School District serves Coon Rapids, with Coon Rapids High School being the flagship public high school. The city’s major landmarks include Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, which offers outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching, along the Mississippi River. The Coon Rapids Ice Center is a popular venue for skating and hockey, and Riverside Park provides families with picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. The Coon Rapids Civic Center hosts numerous community events and local gatherings. In addition, The Mississippi River Regional Trail runs through the city, providing scenic routes for biking and hiking enthusiasts. Coon Rapids is also home to numerous retail centers and local businesses that contribute to the area’s economy.
3. Blaine
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 34.99 square miles
- Population: 69,700 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 55014, 55092
- Latitude: 45.1456° N
- Longitude: 93.2354° W
City Location and History
Blaine is a northern suburb of the Twin Cities, located just north of Coon Rapids and east of Anoka. Originally settled in the 1850s, Blaine was a largely agricultural community until the 1950s, when suburban development began to take shape. Blaine was incorporated as a village in 1875 and later as a city in 1974 as its population began to boom due to its proximity to Minneapolis and the growing demand for housing in the suburbs. The city’s early growth was spurred by the establishment of a network of roads and the eventual construction of Interstate 35W, making it an ideal location for residents commuting to the metropolitan area.
Today, Blaine is known for its recreational opportunities and rapidly growing population. The city is home to several parks and open spaces, including a portion of the National Sports Center, one of the largest amateur sports complexes in the world. Blaine has developed into a thriving suburban community with a focus on residential growth, local businesses, and family-friendly amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Blaine is served by the Anoka-Hennepin School District, with notable institutions like Blaine High School, which offers a range of extracurricular activities and competitive athletics. One of the city’s major landmarks is the National Sports Center, which hosts national and international sports events and is home to the Minnesota United FC‘s training facilities. Bunker Hills Regional Park is another key attraction, offering hiking trails, a golf course, and picnic areas. The Lakes of Blaine are also an important part of the city’s landscape, offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Additionally, the Blaine City Hall and The City of Blaine Fire Station are central to the community’s governance and emergency services.
4. Champlin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 8.24 square miles
- Population: 24,749 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 55316
- Latitude: 45.1902° N
- Longitude: 93.3981° W
City Location and History
Champlin is located in the southeastern corner of Anoka County, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east. The city’s history dates back to the early 19th century, and it was first settled in the 1850s. The town was named after the Champlin family, who were early settlers and significant landowners in the area. Champlin was incorporated as a village in 1879 and later became a city in the 1960s, experiencing growth primarily due to its proximity to Minneapolis and the construction of nearby highways. The development of the Mississippi River Bridge further facilitated the city’s expansion and connected it to other suburbs along the river.
Today, Champlin is known for its suburban charm, quality schools, and close-knit community atmosphere. Despite its growth, it has retained much of its small-town character, with many historic homes and parks. Champlin’s access to the Mississippi River and numerous local parks makes it an attractive place for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Champlin is served by the Anoka-Hennepin School District. The city’s primary high school is Champlin Park High School, which offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. The city is home to several parks, including Mississippi Point Park, which offers riverfront views, walking trails, and picnic areas. Elm Creek Park Reserve, located nearby, is one of the largest parks in the area, offering year-round recreational activities such as hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife watching. The Champlin Mill Pond is a historic site, and The Champlin Historical Society Museum offers educational exhibits on the city’s past.
