The best walks and hikes in Bunker Hills Regional Park
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Hiking in Bunker Hills Regional Park offers routes through a landscape characterized by oak savannas, native prairies, and extensive wetlands. The park features oak and hardwood forests, along with stabilized sand dunes, remnants of the Anoka Sandplain. The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for a range of fitness levels.
Best hiking trails in Bunker Hills Regional Park
- The most popular hiking route is Coon Rapids Dam – Coon Rapids Dam loop from Dunn Island, a 3.6 miles (5.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 29 minutes to complete. This easy route follows paths near the Mississippi River.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Bunker Hills Rustic Loop Campground, an easy 3.2 miles (5.1 km) path. This trail traverses diverse landscapes including oak savanna and wetlands.
- Local hikers also love the Coon Rapids Loop, a 2.6 miles (4.1 km) trail leading through varied parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 3 minutes.
- Hiking in Bunker Hills Regional Park is defined by its mix of oak and hardwood forests, restored native prairies, and extensive wetlands. The trail network provides options for different ability levels, with many easy hikes for families.
- The routes in Bunker Hills Regional Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from a handful of reviews. More than 70 hikers have used komoot to explore Bunker Hills Regional Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
5.14km
01:18
10m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
4.13km
01:03
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2.06km
00:31
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
6.74km
01:44
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
7.38km
01:54
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Bunker Hills Regional Park
Tips from the Community
The Mississippi River Trail features a mix of paved and gravel sections, following the river through diverse landscapes. This stretch of the trail is entirely paved, winding through trees with river views. Scenic, smooth, and refreshing path.
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A stretch of fun singletrack swoops along beside the trail. If you don't want to give it a shot, you can stay on the main trail, which is comfortable for cyclists of all levels.
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Located near the Bunker Hills Veteran Memorial, this tank is an M41 Walker Bulldog. It was named for Gen. Walton Walker, who was killed in a jeep accident in Korea in November 1950. The tank saw action in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. It had a crew of four. Its primary armament was a 76 mm M32 gun. It had an operational range of 100 miles at a speed of 45 mph.
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Coon Rapids Dam, located between Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids, was built by Northern States Power Company in 1913-14 for hydropower generation, operating until 1966. The surrounding 446-acre Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is a year-round recreational hub, with scenic views, hiking trails, picnic pavilions, fishing, and boating. The park connects to the Mississippi River Regional Trail, offering biking opportunities between Minneapolis and Ramsey.
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The Coon Rapids Dam sits on the Mississippi River between Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids. The dam was built by Northern States Power Company in 1913–1914 for hydropower, operating until 1966. Today, visitors can explore the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, open from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, with the Visitor Center open Monday through Friday based on staff availability and on weekends from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The park offers activities like fishing at Cenaiko Lake, picnic pavilions, a boat launch, snowshoe rentals, and trails for biking, walking, and running. Seasonal concerts are every Thursday night at 7:00 pm during warm seasons. Enjoy the natural side of the park too like edible wild onions, blood root, and wildlife like ospreys, peregrine falcons, carp, and minks.
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Construction of the Coon Rapids Hydroelectric Power Dam began in the early 1900s with the aim of providing electricity to Anoka and Hennepin Counties. The dam is almost half a mile long and about 19 feet tall. This point offers impressive views of the roaring waters.
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The Coon Rapids Dam was built in 1913 by Northern States Power for hydropower generation. In 1966 Northern States Power donated the dam and surrounding property to Hennepin County Park Reserve District. Foot and bicycle traffic are allowed across the dam. The dam also serves the valuable purpose of serving as a barrier to the migration of exotic fish species into the Headwaters section of the Mississippi River.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Bunker Hills Regional Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails but must be kept on a leash. The park also features a dedicated off-leash dog park for them to run freely. Many of the paved trails are perfect for a walk with your pup.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in the park?
The park is very family-friendly, with mostly flat and easy trails. A great option is the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park loop — Coon Rapids, which is a short, mostly paved walk that's perfect for little legs. The park also has playgrounds and picnic areas to enjoy after your hike.
Can I hike in Bunker Hills Regional Park during the winter?
Absolutely. The park is a popular destination for winter activities. You can enjoy winter hiking and snowshoeing on the trails. The park also maintains approximately 20 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails for classic and skate skiing.
What is the terrain like on the hiking trails?
The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for all fitness levels. You'll find a mix of paved asphalt trails, which are great for easy walks and strollers, and natural surface paths that wind through oak savanna, prairies, and wetlands.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Yes, many of the trails in and around the park are loops. For a pleasant walk with river views, consider the Coon Rapids Dam loop from Port Riverwalk. It offers a straightforward circular route through parkland.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The park's diverse habitats of oak savanna, prairies, and wetlands support a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds like the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Woodcock. You might also spot the unique Eastern Hognose Snake or see early spring blooms of the Pasque Flower.
Are there paved trails for walking or running?
Yes, Bunker Hills Regional Park has over 10 miles of paved trails that are ideal for walking, running, and biking. These trails connect various parts of the park, offering smooth and accessible routes through its scenic landscapes.
What is the best time of year to hike in the park?
You can enjoy hiking in Bunker Hills Regional Park year-round. Spring brings blooming prairie flowers like the Pasque Flower. Summer is lush and green, though you'll share the park with visitors to the water park. Autumn is particularly beautiful, with vibrant foliage, especially along the boardwalk sections. Winter offers a quiet experience with opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Where can I park to access the trails?
There are multiple parking lots throughout the 1,600-acre Bunker Hills Regional Park. You can find parking near the main activity center, the campground, the dog park, and various trailheads. A vehicle permit is typically required for Anoka County Parks.
Are there trails suitable for horseback riding?
Yes, the park offers horseback riding opportunities. In partnership with Bunker Park Stables, visitors can enjoy guided trail rides on designated equestrian trails that explore different areas of the park.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Bunker Hills Regional Park?
The routes in the area are well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paved trails and the peaceful scenery through the oak savanna and wetlands.
How many hiking trails are in Bunker Hills Regional Park?
There are over a dozen designated hiking routes in and around the park, with the vast majority being easy and suitable for all skill levels. The trail network consists of both paved and natural surface paths, offering plenty of options to explore the 1,600-acre park.
Most popular routes in Bunker Hills Regional Park
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