Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Circle Pines, Minnesota and Coon Rapids, Minnesota
A road trip from Circle Pines, Minnesota to Coon Rapids, Minnesota is a great way to explore the beauty and excitement of the area. This route of about 30 miles provides you with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and an abundance of fun things to do. Halfway through the journey, you will come across the bustling city of Minneapolis, which is perfect for a break! Here are the top 5 things to do on your road trip from Circle Pines, Minnesota, to Coon Rapids, Minnesota.
1. Visit the Anoka Nature Preserve
If you love nature, then you must visit the Anoka Nature Preserve. This 200-acre wildlife reserve is located in the heart of the city and offers visitors a chance to unwind in a serene environment. The reserve features wooded trails, observation decks, and numerous bird-watching sites. You can also spot some animals such as deer, foxes, and coyotes. Overall, you can take a peaceful hike and see nature's best up close.
Fun fact: The Anoka Nature Preserve is home to one of Minnesota's rarest trees, the Butternut. This tree has become endangered because of a fungal disease.
2. Explore the Bunker Beach Water Park
Bunker Beach Water Park is located in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. This water park includes thrilling water rides, wave pools, and even a sandy beach. There's something for everyone to enjoy, be it toddlers or adults. In addition, the park has well-managed concessions, plentiful snack bars, and restrooms.
Fun fact: Bunker Beach Water Park has one of the largest wave pools in the Midwest, generating waves of up to 1.5 meters.
3. Discover the TPC Twin Cities Golf Course
The TPC Twin cities golf course is a public golf course situated in Blaine, Minnesota. It features a par-72, 18-hole course which is open to golfers of all levels. Players can enjoy breathtaking views while they embrace the required skills to play the course. The most scenic hole on the course is the 17th hole, which runs along the pond's east shore.
Fun fact: The TPC Twin Cities has hosted PGA Champions Tour's 3M Open since 2019.
4. Visit the Elm Creek Park Reserve
The Elm Creek Park Reserve is a large park located in Maple Grove, Minnesota. It offers over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, making it easy for visitors to explore its forests, meadows, and wetlands. The park also features one of the largest play structures in Minnesota, which is suitable for children of all ages. It's an excellent destination for a family picnic or a day of adventure.
Fun Fact: Elm Creek Park Reserve has a winter recreation area that offers snowboarding, skiing, and snow tubing.
5. Fish at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is a picturesque park located at the north end of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is an excellent spot to plan a fishing trip with friends or family. The park offers a beautiful view of the Mississippi River and a fishing pier to experience the joy of fishing peacefully. You can catch various fish, including striper, walleye, and catfish.
Fun fact: The Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is over 100 years old and is one of the oldest parks in Minnesota.
In conclusion, a road trip from Circle Pines to Coon Rapids is the perfect way to explore the beauty of Minnesota. From the relaxing nature preserve to the exciting water park and golf course, there is something for everyone. The journey of 30 miles might take approximately an hour, but the memories and experiences will last a lifetime.