The Anoka Nature Preserve (formerly known as the Rum River Nature Area Conservation Easement) is one of the last significant areas of undeveloped land along the Rum River before it reaches the Mississippi River.
The Anoka Nature Preserve (ANP) consists of approximately 200 acres located in northern Anoka, MN near the intersection of County Highway 116 (Bunker Lake Blvd.) and County Highway 7 (7th Avenue) and bordering the Rum River. It is comprised of degraded dry oak forest, 9,737 feet of undeveloped river frontage, floodplain forest, several wetlands and an old agricultural field that is no longer being cultivated. Extensive trails are open to public use and provide access points to the Rum River. The property is owned by the City of Anoka and protected by a conservation easement held by the Anoka Conservation District.
The ANP offers great opportunities for recreational and educational uses. Some low-impact activities currently enjoyed by the public are hiking, jogging, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, bird watching, fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking.
Every fall, the City permits archery deer hunting under the Wildlife Management policy. Anoka citizens must apply annual to participate in this program as permits are limited.
The Waterfowl for Warriors program hosts 5-6 waterfowl hunts for veterans and 1-2 hunts for the children and grandchildren of veterans. More information on the hunting programs is available in the Recreation section of the city website.
To learn more about the Anoka County Soil and Water Conservation District and the projects they are completing around Anoka County visit their website.
