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Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 850 Google reviews · Running trail in Coon Rapids, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Dam featuring a walkway and scenic views along with paved trails for biking and hikes.
What runners say about Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
“The trails are well maintained, many to explore and beautiful scenery throughout the park.”
“The trails are well maintained, many to explore and beautiful scenery throughout the park.”
“If you are looking for a nice quiet place to walk, bike or picnic, this is a nice place to do it.”
“I was sadly disappointed today when the man at the desk was cranky when asked if they had a cup so we could get water for the dogs we were walking today.”
Very nice area for walking, biking, picnics, and any other outdoor activities. Great view from the dam too!
This is such an amazing outdoor area. We love the park, which has a little bit of something for every age. It's always clean and normally we're the only ones there. We enjoy the paved paths and open space as well as the greenery and dam. Such a great family outing. Lots of garbages, lots of bathrooms.
Nice place for a walk and enjoy the fresh air. Note that there is an entrance fee if you drive in the car. We didn't know but the price was affordable. Lots of people and families enjoying the grounds and the mighty Mississippi River views during our visit. It would be neat to see this place in the winter months.
Oh my gosh it was so beautiful and peaceful with many walking trails and such. A breathtaking view I could have stayed all day. Excellent for a walk or bike ride. The landscape is done very pretty and it was not over crowded. Nice sit down areas great for a picnic.
Trail conditions & character
“Lots of people and families enjoying the grounds and the mighty Mississippi River views during our visit.”
“There's also picnic pavilions some with play areas close for kids and I think they have bathrooms at the visitor center.”
“We enjoy the paved paths and open space as well as the greenery and dam.”
“There's plenty of parking unless there's an even going on, but there's also street parking though so even then it's not so bad.”
“I was sadly disappointed today when the man at the desk was cranky when asked if they had a cup so we could get water for the dogs we were walking today.”
“If you are looking for a nice quiet place to walk, bike or picnic, this is a nice place to do it.”
“Swans & common golden eye ducks present on water in winter, & several robins in muddy areas (winter).”
“We hiked the trails going across the Dam and down thru the marsh boardwalk trails then over to a shelter for a picnic.”
Plan your run at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteanokacountyparks.com
- Phone(763) 324-3320
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Coon Rapids
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,828 reviews
Scenic expanse of the Mississippi River with a dam & observation deck, picnic areas & hiking trails.
Mississippi River Regional Trail - Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 120 reviews
Recreational place for hikers and cyclists along the Mississippi River, with some trails paved.
Woodcrest Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 80 reviews
Green space with 8 acres featuring a play area, picnic shelters, walking trails, and amenities for disc golf and baseball.
Erlandson Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
Shady spot for a picnic with tables amid an arboretum, along with a network of woodland trails.
Willowstone Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 123 reviews
Park with swings, slides and picnic tables, plus a castle-themed playground.