Peninsula Point Park is a riverside historical park at 1460 S Ferry Rd, Anoka, MN 55303, where the Rum River meets the Mississippi River just south of downtown Anoka. Once the site of a sewage-treatment plant, the peninsula was remade by the City of Anoka into Peninsula Point Two Rivers Historical Park in 1995; travelers come for the river confluence, eight interpretive markers, fishing access, a playground, and a quiet stop within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
What to Expect at Peninsula Point Park
This is a compact, open-air park rather than a staffed visitor center or a formal trail network. Start at the historical markers, which explain the setting at the meeting point of the Rum and Mississippi and place the site within Anoka’s river and civic history. The most distinctive natural landmark is the State Champion Green Ash Heritage Tree, a notable survivor in a river-edge landscape where mature shade, lawn, and changing water levels shape the experience.
Bring a rod if fishing is on the agenda, or simply settle along the shoreline to watch the contrasting currents of the two rivers. Families have a playground, while the park’s concession area is equipped with water and electricity for organized use. There is no museum gallery, café, or ticket desk: the draw is an unhurried riverfront pause, interpretive reading, birdwatching, and photography of the confluence. Conditions can change after storms or during high water, so check the National Park Service’s alerts before setting out.
- Rum–Mississippi confluence: Stand at the point where the Rum River enters the Mississippi, an unusually direct way to see the geography that shaped Anoka.
- Eight historical markers: Read the park’s on-site interpretation for historical context while moving through the peninsula.
- Green Ash Heritage Tree: Look for the State Champion Green Ash, the park’s signature living landmark.
- Fishing access: Riverbank access makes this a practical short stop for anglers as well as sightseers.
- Playground and concession utilities: Families can use the playground; the concession area has water and electricity for park activities.
Peninsula Point Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1460 S Ferry Rd, Anoka, MN 55303 |
| Neighborhood / Area | South Anoka, at the Rum and Mississippi river junction |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Fri 9am–8pm; Sat–Sun 11am–8pm. Check conditions before visiting. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free admission; no ticket required |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 60 minutes; longer with fishing or a picnic |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | On-site parking off S Ferry Rd; Anoka Northstar station is the nearest rail connection, followed by a walk or ride to the park. |
| Official Website & Phone | National Park Service; +1 763-576-2980 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive in the morning for softer light on the water and a quieter read of the markers, especially in summer when fishing and playground use pick up later in the day. There is no reservation system and no admission gate. Drive to the on-site lot from S Ferry Road, and use the official Mississippi National River and Recreation Area conditions page for flood, weather, and seasonal notices. The Northstar commuter-rail stop in Anoka is useful for regional arrivals, but the final leg is not a short walk; a bicycle, taxi, or rideshare is more practical.
The park combines open lawn with riverside ground, so wheelchair and stroller users will find the parking-area approach and broad park setting easier than uneven shoreline edges; choose firm, dry surfaces and avoid waterlogged ground after rain. Keep children close to the unfenced riverbanks. Pair a visit with a walk toward the Rum River through south Anoka, then continue to downtown Anoka’s historic Main Street area for independent restaurants and shops. The Mississippi and Rum River shorelines themselves are the immediate companion sights, particularly when fall color reflects on both waterways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peninsula Point Park’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
The park is listed as open 9am–8pm Monday through Friday and 11am–8pm Saturday and Sunday. Morning is best for a calmer shoreline experience and photography; check official conditions after heavy rain, spring thaw, or river flooding.
Does Peninsula Point Park charge admission or require reservations?
Admission is free, and individual visitors do not need tickets or reservations. It is a public outdoor historical park, not a ticketed National Park Service museum; consult the park’s official page for organized-use details.
How long should I plan to spend at the park?
Allow 45 to 60 minutes to see the river junction, read the eight markers, find the Green Ash Heritage Tree, and enjoy the view. Plan longer if fishing, supervising children at the playground, or combining the stop with downtown Anoka.
Is Peninsula Point Park suitable for families and visitors using mobility aids?
Yes, it is well suited to a short family outing because it has a playground, open space, and no admission cost. The parking-area approach is the simplest entry point, while the natural river edge can be uneven or soft; supervise children closely around the water.
When planning your Anoka travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Anoka, pair this stop with standout local spots including Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Maple Grove Northwest Minneapolis-Arbor Lakes, Wheelhouse, Riverfront Memorial Park, and The Mad Hatter House of Curiosities and Tea Parlour (0.4 km away).
