Coon Rapids, located in Anoka County, Minnesota, is home to the Coon Rapids Dam, a gravity dam built in 1913 across the Mississippi River. Managed by the local government, this dam primarily serves as a recreational area, providing a surface area of 160 acres for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. With a 30-foot height and a length of 2,008 feet, the dam also plays a vital role in flood control, with a drainage area of 19,219 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 130,000 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, the Coon Rapids Dam is in satisfactory condition, as assessed in 2015, with a significant hazard potential due to its location along the Mississippi River. Regular inspections are conducted every four years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's normal storage capacity is 1,380 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 2,000 acre-feet, providing essential water resource management for the surrounding area. With its picturesque setting and recreational opportunities, Coon Rapids Dam continues to be a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts in Minnesota.