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COON RAPIDS, Minn. — The 12-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle walkway that spans the Coon Rapids Dam at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park will be closed on Tuesday, November 18, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for routine maintenance.
The closure will interrupt a key connection in the region’s trail network. The dam walkway links the Mississippi River Regional Trail on the west side with the North Hennepin Regional Trail on the east, requiring trail users to plan alternate routes during the maintenance period.
Details of the Closure
- Location: Walkway over the Coon Rapids Dam, connecting the west side (Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, managed by Three Rivers Park District) and the east side (Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, managed by Anoka County Parks).
- Date and Time: Tuesday, November 18, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Reason: Routine maintenance on the walkway or dam structure.
About the Coon Rapids Dam Walkway
- The dam was originally built in 1913–1914 for hydropower generation and underwent major rehabilitation projects in the 1990s and 2015, which added modern pedestrian access and transformed the dam into a fish barrier.
- The walkway provides sweeping views of the Mississippi River and serves as an important link in the regional trail network.
- The dam and walkway are jointly managed by Three Rivers Park District (west side) and Anoka County Parks (east side).
Impact on Trail Users
- Trail users — including cyclists and pedestrians — will need to use alternative routes to cross the river during the 11.5-hour closure.
- Nearby trails, such as other sections of the Mississippi River Regional Trail and the North Hennepin Regional Trail, remain open.
- Park staff will post signage and guide users around the closure to ensure safety.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and consider visiting the dam and park outside the closure hours to enjoy its scenic views and recreational opportunities.
