Anoka
Welcome to Anoka! Find Your Place Here.
Anoka, a northwestern suburb of Minneapolis, is one of the many lovely stops on the Northstar Commuter Rail. Located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Rum Rivers, Anokaās development thrived on its logging and milling industries.
Today Anoka is famous as the birthplace of Garrison Keillor as well as for being the Halloween Capital of the World. Annual festivals and numerous outdoor activities round out this city with a small-town feel. There is also a charming downtown full of antique stores, shops, and restaurants. If you are searching for homes for sale in Anoka MN, view our Anoka real estate listings today.
Recreation
The city of Anoka offers residents countless recreational opportunities. With 34 parks and miles of trails and paths, there are countless ways to stay active. From biking, hiking, and playing on athletic fields and playgrounds to community classes and programs, there is something for people of all ages. For more information about Anokaās recreational programs, visitĀ www.goanokacounty.org.
Shopping
Anoka is a fantastic place to shop, especially if you love antiques and collectibles. Antiques on Main, The Big White House, and Yours Mine & Ours offer a huge selection of antiques, but that isnāt all Anoka has to offer. Historic downtown Anoka is home to everything from gift shops, clothing boutiques, home dĆ©cor and furniture stores, and even art galleries.
Dining
Whether youāre hungry for Tex-Mex, barbecue, wings, pizza, pasta, or anything else under the sun, youāll find it in Anoka. Choose from Q Fanatic and Dickeyās Barbecue Pit if youāre looking for something fresh out of the smoker. Tex Mex? Head to Casa Rio. No matter what youāre craving, there is a restaurant serving up your favorites just a short drive away.
Green/Environmental
The city of Anoka is part of the GreenTowns network, which is a group of 15,000 communities that have made commitments to increase their green initiatives. From building school gardens to single-stream recycling, Anoka is working to make the city a more sustainable place to live.
Schools
The Anoka-Hennepin School District, district 11, provides educational services to the residents of Anoka and 12 other communities. The district is known for outstanding academics and athletics as well as an award-winning community education program. Beyond providing standardized coursework, the district offers Advanced Placement, Tech Prep, and College In the Schools (CIS) courses to ensure that students are adequately challenged, and prepared for post-secondary education.
Transportation
Anoka is connected to outside communities via US Highway 10, 169, and State Highway 47. The Northstar Commuter Rail line, which runs into Downtown Minneapolis, also provides services to the residents of Anoka via the Anoka Station.
Local Government
Anokaās City Council is comprised of the Mayor and four Councilmembers. This governing body is responsible for creating policies and ordinances, which are then carried out by the council-appointed City Manager. The city of Anoka is also known for having elected the 2nd youngest Mayor in state history, 22-year old Bjorn Skogquist in 2000.
City History
First settled by immigrants in 1844, the area that would become the city of Anoka is steeped in history. In its first ten years of existence, the village encompassed a store, a school, and a flour mill, and as it continued to grow, sawmills were erected. In 1878 the city was incorporated, cementing the borders where they stand today.
The city has a strong connection to the American Civil War, having provided the first volunteers to the Union Army in 1861. Alexander Ramsey, Minnesotaās governor at the time, was in Washington D.C. when Fort Sumter was first attacked, and immediately telegraphed the former governor William Gorman. Gorman, who was attending a court session in Anoka, asked for volunteers as soon as he received the message. Six men in the courtroom stepped forward and signed.