Come try archery at Mississippi Gateway!

The park features an eight-lane, ground-level archery range with target distances ranging from 10 to 60 yards, located in the western part of the park. 

A day pass or annual pass is required.

There are around 2.5 miles of paved trails in the park with additional paved trails on the Anoka County side of the dam. The Rush Creek Regional Trail connects the park to Elm Creek Park Reserve while the West Mississippi River Regional Trail connects Mississippi Gateway to North Mississippi Regional Park in Brooklyn Center.

The 12-foot-wide walkway is a unique and popular bike path over the river and connects to trails operated by Anoka County Parks to extend your bike ride. 

A carry-in boat access is located in the River Flats area below the Gateway Center. 

Paddlers are advised to check the Mississippi River and weather conditions before launching to enjoy a safe and comfortable day on the river. 

Dogs can run and play in the six acre off-leash area located in the western part of Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. The exercise and socialization a dog gets during off-leash play time can help your beloved companion maintain its mental and physical health.  

The Mississippi Gateway off-leash area is completely fenced and includes a small/frail dog area, an all-dog area, a rugged area for more adventurous dogs and rinsing/watering stations. 

A day pass or annual pass is required.

Change your routine by walking your dog on miles of paved trails, turf trails and on the adjoining Rush Creek or West Mississippi River Regional Trails. 

Dogs are allowed with a six-foot, non-retractable leash and owners must pick up after their dog.

A fishing deck is located on the west side of the dam. It is low enough to give anglers a good opportunity to try the waters of the Mississippi River just below the gates of the dam.  

Spring flooding makes fishing unsafe along the shoreline and is discouraged. Please be aware that water levels and current speed are variable at other times of the year.  

Fishing is not allowed from the Coon Rapids Dam walkway. Anglers must have a valid Minnesota fishing license. 

Geocaching is a family-friendly, high-tech treasure hunt that combines respect for the environment with a sense of adventure. This activity involves placing or looking for a cache using global positioning system (GPS) equipment.

A combination of paved and nonpaved trails follow the river downstream from the dam and offer vistas of the islands and back channels. There are over four miles of paved trail in the park including a walkway across the dam. 

The Rush Creek Regional Trail connects the park to Elm Creek Park Reserve while the West Mississippi River Regional Trail connects Mississippi Gateway to North Mississippi Regional Park in Brooklyn Center.  

The Gateway Center, located on the west side of the river, is perched in the woods above the river floodplain. The activities and exhibits focus on the natural history of the Mississippi River.  

Inside the building, guests can find hands-on exhibits, live animals and year-round nature programming. Exploration backpacks are also available for checkout!

A carry-in boat access is located in the River Flats area below the Gateway Center. Paddlers are advised to check the Mississippi River and weather conditions before launching for a safe and comfortable day on the river.

Paddle Share Program

The Mississippi River Paddle Share Program has partnered with Three Rivers to offer kayak rentals to experienced paddlers! Put-in stations are located in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and River Park (in partnership with Brooklyn Park). 

Plan your trip, make online reservations and see who else has partnered with this program.

Shared use picnic tables, shelters and grills are available for use throughout the park, with plenty of room for lawn games. 

The Oakview Reservation Shelter is available from the last Friday in April to the last Friday in October.

Mississippi Gateway includes three play areas where everyone from toddlers to teens can climb, slide and let their imaginations soar.

Hillside Play Area

In the eastern part of the park, the Hillside Play Area includes slides, climbing rocks and nature play elements and connects to the Treetop Trail.

Mini-Mississippi Water Play Area

At the Mini-Mississippi Water Play Area in the eastern part of the park, kids of all ages can splash and wade in a shallow water play feature designed to spark curiosity and creativity about the nearby river.

Additional Play Area Near The Oakview Reservation Shelter

In the western part of the park, an additional play area offers slides and lots of features to climb over, under and through, and is conveniently located near the Oakview Reservation Shelter. 

Explore the nature trails along the Mississippi River with snowshoes available to rent online.