Anoka in Anoka County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Gathering Place
Akin Riverside Historic Promenade
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 24, 2013
1. The Gathering Place Marker
The square of land on the east side of the Rum River just south of Main Street has been a place for Anoka citizens to gather since the town began in the mid-1800's. Known as Bridge Square, it was a place to share news, to hear speeches and concerts, to celebrate special occasions, or just to get together. This shelter, while not in the original location, was built in the image of the old band shell that stood a few hundred yards north of here.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places.
Location. 45° 11.765′ N, 93° 23.549′ W. Marker is in Anoka, Minnesota, in Anoka County. Marker can be reached from River Avenue, 0.1 miles west of 1st Avenue. Marker is in Akin Riverside Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1721 River Avenue, Anoka MN 55303, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Why Settle Here? / Time to Play (here, next to this marker); Perseverance Needed (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Windego Park Auditorium (about 500 feet away); Robert W. Akin (about 600 feet away); The Stone House (about 600 feet away); Father Louis Hennepin's Exploration in 1680 (approx. 0.2 miles away);
this page online
More about this marker. photo captions:
• A crowd gathered at the Bandshell in Bridge Square, ca. 1930's or 1940's. Courtesy of the Anoka County Historical Society.
• People gathered around the Bandshell on August 4, 1944, to greet Anoka's Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Richard Sorenson. Courtesy of the Anoka County Historical Society.
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 24, 2013
2. Shelter and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,068 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 4, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
