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 : 20:25:37 (21st December 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

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