The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, to Coon Rapids, Minnesota

Brooklyn Center and Coon Rapids are two neighborhoods in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota. These neighborhoods are surrounded by wildlife preserves, waterways, and historical landmarks, making them a great place to explore by car. The journey from Brooklyn Center to Coon Rapids takes about 20 minutes, with halfway stop Blaine, MN. Here's the best things to do on a road trip from Brooklyn Center to Coon Rapids.

Explore the Wargo Nature Center

The Wargo Nature Center is a 212-acre nature reserve featuring hiking trails, wildlife habitats, and educational programs. Visitors can participate in guided tours, wildlife observation, and outdoor activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The center also has an indoor nature center with exhibits on local flora and fauna.

Interesting fact – The Wargo Nature Center has a maple syrup program where they collect sap from maple trees on-site and make their syrup.

Visit the Bunker Beach Water Park

Bunker Beach Water Park is one of the best water parks in Minnesota, located in Coon Rapids. The park has an outdoor wave pool, water slides, a lazy river, and other aquatic activities for visitors of all ages. The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and provides a fun way to cool off during summer.

Interesting fact – In 2017, Bunker Beach Water Park was voted as the number one water park in Minnesota.

Go Biking on the Mississippi River Trail

The Mississippi River Trail is a bike trail that stretches over 3,000 miles along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. The section of the trail that runs through Brooklyn Center and Coon Rapids offers serene views of the countryside and glimpses of the river. Visitors can rent bikes or bring their own to enjoy a ride on the trail.

Interesting fact – The Mississippi River Trail is the longest designated bike trail in the United States.

Visit the Coon Rapids Dam

The Coon Rapids Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Mississippi River between Brooklyn Center and Coon Rapids. The dam was built in 1913 and is still operational today, generating electricity for local communities. Visitors can walk across the dam and enjoy scenic views of the river and surrounding area.

Interesting fact – The Coon Rapids Dam was featured in the 1996 hit movie Fargo.

Experience History at Eidem Homestead

Eidem Homestead is a historic farmstead in Brooklyn Center that dates back to the early 20th century. The homestead features original buildings, exhibits on the farm's history and heritage, and a wide range of programming for all ages.

Interesting fact – Eidem Homestead is one of the few homesteads in Minnesota that still has original house fixtures and decor from the early 1900s.

Conclusion

The road trip from Brooklyn Center to Coon Rapids, with a midway point at Blaine, is an excellent way to explore some of the best attractions in the area. From exploring nature centers, visiting water parks, biking along the Mississippi River Trail, experiencing history, and enjoying scenic views from the Coon Rapids Dam, there is something for everyone. The trip takes about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a day trip or an afternoon adventure.