West Co on Rapids, Minnesota
West Co on Rapids: A city in Anoka County, Minnesota. It is located in the northwestern part of the county. West Coon Rapids is known for its many parks and green spaces, its many historical sites, and its many attractions, such as the West Coon Rapids City Hall and the West Coon Rapids Library.
About
West Co on Rapids is a city located in the county of Hennepin in the U.S. state of Minnesota.
West Coon Rapids is a northern suburb of Minneapolis located in Anoka County, Minnesota. With a population of around 62,000, it is the largest city in Anoka County.
History and Development
West Coon Rapids has its origins as an agricultural area settled in the mid-19th century. The city was incorporated in 1959 and experienced its most significant growth after World War II.
Major historical events:
- Settlement began in the 1850s by German immigrant farmers
- The Burlington Northern railroad expanded service in the 1880s, connecting West Coon Rapids to Minneapolis
- Rapid suburbanization occurred in the post-war period of the 1950s and 1960s
- The city built a dam on the Coon Rapids River in 2010 to prevent flooding
Economy and Industry
Originally an agricultural hub, West Coon Rapids' economy is now driven by manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The city has a strong industrial presence, home to corporations like Cardinal Glass Industries, PMT, and Old Dutch Foods.
Major companies based in West Coon Rapids:
- Cardinal IG (glass fabrication)
- Innocor (foam manufacturing)
- Old Dutch Foods (snack foods)
- PMT Corporation (precision machining)
The Riverdale shopping area contains many big-box retail stores and restaurants. HealthPartners and Allina Health also operate major medical facilities in the city.
Attractions and Recreation
For recreation, residents enjoy abundant parks and nature activities centered around the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. Other major attractions include:
- Coon Rapids Ice Center, a popular ice arena and recreation facility
- Bunker Hills Golf Course, one of the top public golf courses in Minnesota
- Anoka County Library's largest branch
- The Hub Shopping Center, offering big-box stores, dining, and an AMC theater
With its industries, amenities, parks, and convenient location, West Coon Rapids has emerged as a thriving suburban community in the Twin Cities region.
Quick Facts about West Co on Rapids
| Population : | 62,528 |
| Country : | United States of America |
| State : | Minnesota (United States) |
| County : | Hennepin County |
| Named for : | Coon Rapids |
| Altitude : | 853 feet / 260 meters |
| Time Zone : | America/Chicago |
| Local time : | 20:09:52 (23rd April 2024) |
Geography
West Co on Rapids is located at 45°9'35"N 93°20'59"W (45.1596900, -93.3496700).
West Co on Rapids map
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Schools in West Co on Rapids
College & universities near West Co on Rapids, MN
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 172963 | Anoka-Ramsey Community College | Coon Rapids (MN) | 55433-3470 |
Stations (4)
Amtrak & bus stations near West Co on Rapids, MN
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSP | Saint Paul Union Depot | Midway Station | RAIL |
| SCD | St. Cloud | 555 East St. Germain Street | RAIL |
| RDW | Red Wing station | 420 Levee Street | RAIL |
| MNM | Menomonie, WI | 302 10th Avenue East | BUS |
Post offices near West Co on Rapids
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Champlin Post Office | Champlin (MN) | 55316 |
Other cities in Hennepin County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Hennepin County , MN. (more)
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | 433,111 | The largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis is a major center for business, finance, and culture. |
| Bloomington | 84,583 | The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. |
| Plymouth | 79,635 | The second most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. |
| Brooklyn Park | 79,574 | The third most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. |
| Maple Grove | 72,881 | The second most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. |
| Eden Prairie | 64,894 | The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. |
| Minnetonka | 55,370 | The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. |
| Edina | 52,477 | The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. |
| Minnetonka Mills | 50,117 | A city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. |
| Saint Louis Park | 48,821 | The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. |
| Richfield | 36,237 | City in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States |
| Brooklyn Center | 30,253 | City in Hennepin County, Minnesota |
| Champlin | 25,049 | City in Hennepin County, Minnesota |
| Crystal | 22,581 | City in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States |
| New Hope | 20,641 | City in Hennepin County, Minnesota |
| Hopkins | 18,208 | University in Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
Distance to Other Cities
West Co on Rapids distances to largest Minnesota cities
