Coon Rapids in Anoka County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Coon Rapids Dam
Photographed by McGhiever, June 19, 2025
1. The Coon Rapids Dam Marker
Over 600 men worked around the clock using hand tools, horses and coal powered shovels to build the original dam in 1913.
From 1914 until 1966 the dam produced electricity using the energy of falling water. The water fell 19 feet to turn five turbines. In 1966 production of electricity was halted due to problems with ice and the expense of producing relatively small amounts of power.
In 1978 Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park was opened for hiking, biking, fishing, and other public activities. From 1995 to 1997 the current dam was constructed using the original underwater structure.
The creation of the dam changed the river forever.
Erected by Three Rivers Park District, National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.
Location. 45° 8.68′ N, 93° 18.632′ W. Marker is in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, in Anoka County. It can be reached from Coon Rapids Dam. The marker is in Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park (fee area) at the northeast end of the main dam.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Open the Gates (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Coon Rapids Dam (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); How the Dam Works (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Coon Rapids Dam (approx. 0.2 miles away); Banfill-Locke Tavern / Manomin County Park (approx. 4.2 miles away); Anoka County Manomin* Park (approx. 4.2 miles away); World War II Monument (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by McGhiever, June 19, 2025
2. The Coon Rapids Dam Marker mounted on the upstream side of the dam
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 126 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 31, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
