Twin Cities Gateway Parks

The 1,600-acre Bunker Hills Regional Park offers a wide spectrum of recreation opportunities including swimming and water slides at the Bunker Beach Water Park, horseback riding at Bunker Park Stables, a playground, biking, hiking, golf, camping, archery, picnicking, and cross-country skiing. Bunker Hills is also home to the Anoka County Veteran's Memorial.

The Bunker Hills Activities Center offers meeting and banquet facilities and is host to the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department headquarters. All motorized vehicles are required to purchase a vehicle entry permit to the regional parks. Annual permits are available for $25, good for one year from date of purchase. Daily permits are available for $5 per day. The annual permit is honored at all Anoka County Regional Parks as well as regional parks in Washington and Carver counties.

This enclosed picnic shelter in beautiful Commons Park offers an indoor restroom, electricity, heat and running water. Inside capacity is approximately 30. Grill and waste receptacles are available. Commons Park offers a variety of year-round recreation and leisure opportunities, and boasts the city's largest playground. The enclosed picnic shelter also has an attached open-air shelter.

The 446-acre Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is one of the most popular in Anoka County. It is a year-round destination, especially during the cross-country ski season. Picnicking, fishing, in-line skating, walking and bicycling are favorite activities in the park. The boat launch is heavily used during the summer.

The East Coon Rapids Dam Visitor Center is open year-round and offers many amenities and services including programs.

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is also home to Cenaiko Lake, a stocked trout lake, which provides ample opportunity to catch large fish in a beautiful setting. Minnesota DNR fishing regulations apply.

You can also fish the Mississippi River for bass, crappies, carp and more. Minnesota DNR fishing regulations apply. A boat launch is located behind the Visitor Center and there is no launching fee. The Visitor Center sells bait and limited tackle. A species list, native fish aquarium, and a park-caught fish photo board can also be found in the Visitor Center.

All motorized vehicles are required to purchase a vehicle entry permit to the regional parks. Annual permits are available for $25, good for one year from date of purchase. Daily permits are available for $5 per day. The annual permit is honored at all Anoka County Regional Parks as well as regional parks in Washington and Carver counties.

This 90 acre park is located on the banks of Ham Lake. It includes a unique 18-hole disc golf course, fishing pier, boat launch, softball and baseball fields, walking trails, playground equipment, and pavillions.

Come out and enjoy Blaine’s newest Park! Lakeside Commons Park has something for everyone to enjoy! Park Amenities feature public beach, splash pad, beach house, boathouse with concessions and canoe & kayak rental, playground, volleyball court, and a rentable picnic pavilion!

Lakeside Commons Park is located off of Radisson Road and Lakes Parkway east just ¾ of a mile. Lakeside Commons Park is open from June 5 thru September 6.

Located in the City of Fridley, Locke County Park can be accessed from the University Avenue service road (which runs in front of Columbia Arena) just south of 73rd Avenue. The park's entrance road runs along the north side of Columbia Arena. Rice Creek West Regional Trail runs through Locke County Park.

The park offers users many facilities and attractions within easy walking distance. Picnic pavilion #1 and restrooms are very close to the play equipment and paved hiking/biking trail. The trail traverses down into the scenic Rice Creek valley.

Lakefront park with amenities such as a beach, play areas & paved trails, plus picnic facilities.

The 15-acre Manomin County Park, at the confluence of Rice Creek and the Mississippi River, is home to a wide-array of wildlife including many birds, gray heron, and more.

This beautiful location provides a scenic setting for the historic Banfill Tavern building which houses the Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts. The park features a period-style picnic gazebo, benches, tables, lighting and observation deck. It is a popular site for family gatherings, graduation parties, and weddings during the summer. Shoreline fishing is available along Rice Creek and the Mississippi River.

The following Ramsey County Parks are located within the City of Shoreview.

• Island Lake County Park
• Lake Owasso County Park
• Snail Lake Regional Park
• Turtle Lake County Park
• Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor

Swimming beaches are available at Lake Owasso, Snail Lake and Turtle Lake.

Riverfront contains 139-acres and is one of the many open greenspaces along the Mississippi River. Paved trails now connect with the Minneapolis Park System trails to the south and reach as far north as Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. During certain times of the year, various bird species can be seen on their migratory journey along the Mississippi River. The Riedel Farm Estate is a popular choice for weddings, family reunions, and company retreats.

Also featured in this park are pavilions, scenic overlooks, boat launch to the Mississippi, and playground.

The Wargo Nature Center is dedicated to creating awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of natural and cultural environments and their resources. We strive to foster responsible stewardship and lifelong learning in people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds through environmental and recreational programs and actions.

Near the visitors’ center you will find our wild bird feeders, visited by much more than just a variety of birds. You will also see our many gardens; some to attract butterflies, another to increase water quality, and all are beautiful to look at. Of course, here at Wargo, you will always find experienced and friendly naturalists and staff to answer any of your questions. Canoes, kayaks, snowshoes, and kicksleds are also available to rent at the visitors’ center.