Anoka, Minnesota travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Anoka is a city in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. It is the county seat of Anoka County and known as the Halloween Capital of the World.

2 sights · 3 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Anoka

Windego Park Auditorium and Open Air Theater

An outdoor amphitheater built in 1914 on the west bank of the Rum River.

Anoka County History Center and Library

A museum chronicling the history of Anoka County with permanent and rotating exhibits. The historical society also conducts various history tours around the city and county.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 9°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Aug. (climate data from nearby Minneapolis)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 23 mi away (major hub). Directions
STC Saint Cloud Regional Airport, Saint Cloud — 41 mi away. Directions

US Highways 10 and 169 run through Anoka.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Anoka County History Center and Library
Lunch Casa Rio
Afternoon Windego Park Auditorium and Open Air Theater
Dinner Two Scoops
Evening Avant Garden

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Understand

Anoka is located at the confluence of the Rum and Mississippi Rivers.

Get in

By car

US Highways 10 and 169 run through Anoka.

By train

Go Northstar Line (Anoka Station)

The Northstar Line is a commuter rail service linking Anoka with downtown Minneapolis. Service is infrequent, with five inbound trips on weekday mornings and five outbound trips on weekday afternoons/evenings, with one reverse trip during each rush hour period. There are also three trips in each direction on weekends.

📍 4th Ave and Johnson St💲 One-way fares between Anoka and Minneapolis $3 at all times; one-way fares between Anoka and any other station $3 weekdays, $2.50 weekends

Maps Website

See

See Anoka County History Center and Library

A museum chronicling the history of Anoka County with permanent and rotating exhibits. The historical society also conducts various history tours around the city and county.

📍 2135 3rd Aveat Van Buren St🕒 Tue 10AM-8PM, Wed-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-4PM💲 $3 adults, $2 children 6-17. Free admission first Tu of the month☎ +1 763 421-0600⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps Website