Coon Rapids Dam
{{short description|Dam on the Mississippi River}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox dam
| name = Coon Rapids Dam
| image = File:Coon Rapids Dam 2021-03-28.jpg
| image_caption = Coon Rapids Dam in 2021
| image_alt =
| country = United States
| location = Anoka County and Hennepin County, Minnesota
| coordinates = {{Wikidatacoord|Q33130230|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 11
| location_map = Minnesota
| status = O
| construction_began = {{Start date and age|1913}}
| opening = {{Start date and age|1914}}
| purpose = Originally power generation; recreational since 1969
| builder = H. M. Byllesby & Company (original dam)
| owner = Three Rivers Park District
| dam_type = Concrete gravity dam
| dam_height = {{cvt|19|ft}}
| dam_length = {{cvt|1070|ft}}
| dam_crosses = Mississippi River
| res_surface = 600 acres
| res_max_length = {{cvt|6|mi}}
| plant_operator = Northern States Power Company
| plant_commission = 1914
| plant_decommission = 1966
| website =
}}
The Coon Rapids Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Mississippi River located in Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids, Minnesota. It is approximately {{convert|12|mi}} north of downtown Minneapolis. Between 1914 and 1966, it provided hydroelectric power generation for northern Twin Cities suburbs. Since 1969 it has been used primarily for recreation, with two county parks on either side connected by a 12-foot-wide walkway for cyclists and pedestrians. Suffering from serious wear and tear by the mid-1990s, it was entirely reconstructed from the foundations in 1997 and received further modifications in the early 2010s. As the southernmost dam on the Mississippi that does not have any locks, it is the theoretical northern terminus of the navigable portion of the Mississippi River.{{efn|name=Navigation Limit|In 2015, the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock was permanently closed to prevent the spread of invasive species, namely Asian carp. As such, Saint Anthony Falls is currently the practical limit even though the lock still exists and theoretically allows passage up to the Coon Rapids Dam.}} The dam is owned by Hennepin County's Three Rivers Park District; Anoka County owns and operates a park on its side of the river.
History
= Original hydroelectric dam=
In 1898, plans began to form to build a hydroelectric power generation dam near Coon Rapids, Minnesota.{{cite web |last1=Cooper |first1=Philip |title=Coon Rapids Hydroelectric Dam {{!}} MNopedia |url=https://www.mnopedia.org/thing/coon-rapids-hydroelectric-dam |website=MNopedia |publisher=Minnesota Historical Society}} While originally conceived as a private venture, in 1911 Congress approved federal funding for the dam to make it a joint private-public operation. Land was purchased from John Dunn, after whom the island in the middle of the channel is named. H. M. Byllesby & Company began construction the dam in January 1913 and was completed in March 1914; power generation began in August 1914.{{cite web |title=Coon Rapids Dam {{!}} Coon Rapids, MN - Official Website |url=https://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/420/Coon-Rapids-Dam-VIDEO |website=www.coonrapidsmn.gov |publisher=City of Coon Rapids |access-date=June 25, 2024}}{{rp|113}} Over 42,000 cubic yards of concrete were used in the construction of the dam. It had 28 steel gates which were raised and lowered to allow water to flow under them. One of the original steel gates is available for viewing on the Anoka County side of the dam.{{cite web |title=How the Dam Works Historical Marker |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=74833 |website=www.hmdb.org |language=en}}
The dam does not contain a lock. In November 1913, after construction started, the St. Anthony Falls Commercial Club lobbied for Congress to add a lock to the dam, with the assistance of U.S. Representative George Ross Smith.{{cite news |title=Lock Petition Presented |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-lock-petition-presented/158336453/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=Minneapolis Morning Tribune |date=November 15, 1913 |via=Newspapers.com}} However, as the river above the dam was deemed not to be navigable, the power company was not required to build the $150,000 lock.{{cite book |last1=Anfinson |first1=John |title=River of History: A Historic Resources Study of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area |date=2003 |url=https://www.swwdmn.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/History-of-MNRRA.pdf |access-date=June 25, 2024 |publisher=U.S. Army Corps of Engineers}}{{rp|115}} The lack of a lock makes it the theoretical northernmost navigable point on the Mississippi River; however, since 2015, the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock has been sealed to prevent the spread of Asian carp and as such Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis are the current practical limit.{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/3080|title=H.R.3080 – Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014|website=congress.gov|date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=June 9, 2015}}
= Transition to recreational use =
By the 1960s, hydroelectric generation on the dam was no longer profitable due to increasing cheapness of coal and rising costs of dam upkeep. Power generation was halted in 1966. The plant was demolished in 1967, and in 1969 Northern States Power Company donated the dam to the Hennepin County Parks District.{{cite news |last1=Trontz |first1=Ian |title=Coon Rapids dam poses dilemma |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coon-rapids-dam-poses-dilem/158336493/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=Star Tribune |date=August 27, 1992 |via=Newspapers.com}} A walkway was constructed across the dam in 1977,{{cite web |last1=Randels Gillund |first1=Leslie |title=Coon Rapids — A Fine City by a Dam Site |url=https://anokacountyhistory.org/latest-news/2020/12/3/history-21-the-podcast-season3-episode06 |publisher=Anoka County Historical Society |access-date=June 25, 2024 |date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625042711/https://anokacountyhistory.org/latest-news/2020/12/3/history-21-the-podcast-season3-episode06 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |url-status=live}} and the park opened in 1978.
In 1994, Anoka County entered a thirty-year lease agreement with Three Rivers Park District for the Anoka County side of the dam.{{cite web |author1=Three Rivers Park District |title=Coon Rapids Regional Dam Commission Report.pdf |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzhQh8tJ-fYANGI0YzdjN2MtY2EwOS00ODIyLWI0ZjktN2VhMmNjZWQwOTA2/view?resourcekey=0-kh14p9myJUYAjMw1LIAbYg |access-date=June 25, 2024 |date=February 28, 2011}} Due to the cost of upkeep, Three Rivers Park District considered selling the dam to the Minnesota Department for Natural Resources in 2010, resulting in a dispute with Anoka County in 2011 which caused Three Rivers Park district to revoke the lease.{{cite news |last1=Blake |first1=Laurie |last2=Tribune |first2=Star |title=Coon Rapids dam's future is secure, but parkland dispute isn't over |url=https://www.startribune.com/coon-rapids-dam-s-future-is-secure-but-parkland-dispute-isn-t-over/126066763/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=Star Tribune |date=July 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625042709/https://www.startribune.com/coon-rapids-dam-s-future-is-secure-but-parkland-dispute-isn-t-over/126066763/ |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Blake |first1=Laurie |last2=Tribune |first2=Star |title=Coon Rapids dam has Three Rivers, Anoka County carping over park lease |url=https://www.startribune.com/coon-rapids-dam-has-three-rivers-anoka-county-carping-over-park-lease/121031374/ |work=Star Tribune |date=April 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625042716/https://www.startribune.com/coon-rapids-dam-has-three-rivers-anoka-county-carping-over-park-lease/121031374/ |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |url-status=live}} Anoka County ended up purchasing the leased land from the park district.{{cite web |title=Mississippi Gateway Regional Park Master Plan Development {{!}} Three Rivers Park District |url=https://www.threeriversparks.org/page/mississippi-gateway-regional-park-master-plan-development |website=www.threeriversparks.org |access-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626135851/https://www.threeriversparks.org/page/mississippi-gateway-regional-park-master-plan-development |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |url-status=live}}
= 1997 reconstruction =
By the 1990s, the dam was facing serious wear and tear, and was rated a "significant hazard" by the Army Corps of Engineers with severe effects predicted if the dam collapsed, including possible deaths. Repairs were recommended within five years. The original concrete pilings were wearing away, foundation soil was eroding, and many of the twenty-eight wooden and metal gates were broken and twisted as a result of ice. From 1995 to 1997, Hennepin County Parks carried out a $6.2 million two-year plan to reconstruct the dam. While the original footings were used, the rest of the dam was entirely rebuilt.{{cite news |last1=Brunswick |first1=Mark |title=Dam project raises protest |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-dam-project-raises-protest/158336599/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=Star Tribune |date=March 3, 1995 |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-dam-project-raises-protest/158336599/ 1B], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-dam/158336640/ 4B] |via=Newspapers.com}} The new dam consisted of four gates made of inflatable rubber bladders.{{cite news |last1=Brunswick |first1=Mark |title=Tear in gate at Coon Rapids dam may lower water levels |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-tear-in-gate-at-coon-rapids/158336685/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=Star Tribune |date=August 11, 2000 |via=Newspapers.com}} Tears in the bladders requiring repair occurred in 1997{{cite news |last1=Brunswick |first1=Mark |title=Repairs planned for Coon Rapids Dam |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-repairs-planned-for-coon-ra/158336727/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=Star Tribune |date=October 14, 1997 |via=Newspapers.com}} and 2000, resulting in a complete replacement of the old bladders with an upgraded design by 2002.{{cite news |last1=Writer |first1=NS Energy Staff |title=Coon Rapids gate replacement complete |url=https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/news/newscoon-rapids-gate-replacement-complete/ |work=NS Energy |date=January 1, 2002}}
= Later renovation =
With the spread of Asian carp further up the Mississippi, the inflatable rubber bladder gate design was considered ineffective at preventing the migration of carp. Between 2013 and 2014, the bladders were replaced by nine steel gates in a $16 million project.{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Jim |date=April 30, 2014 |title=Crews to resume work on Coon Rapids Dam |url=https://www.startribune.com/crews-to-resume-work-on-coon-rapids-dam/257202321/ |work=Star Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615130002/https://www.startribune.com/crews-to-resume-work-on-coon-rapids-dam/257202321/ |archive-date=June 15, 2021 |url-status=live |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-work-to-resume-on-coon-rapi/158339213/ AA1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-work-to-resume-on-coon-rapi/158339296/ AA6]}} As part of the same renovation, a 450-foot stilling basin was installed, replacing a deteriorating concrete apron.{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Jim |title=New gates installed at Coon Rapids Dam to stop Asian carp |url=https://www.startribune.com/new-gates-installed-at-coon-rapids-dam-to-stop-asian-carp/228705491/ |date=October 22, 2013 |work=Star Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625042715/https://www.startribune.com/new-gates-installed-at-coon-rapids-dam-to-stop-asian-carp/228705491/ |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Crews install 2nd of nine Asian carp barriers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-winona-daily-news-crews-install-2nd/158339389/ |access-date=November 3, 2024 |work=Winona Daily News |agency=AP |date=October 23, 2013 |via=Newspapers.com}} During this time, the dam walkway was closed; it reopened in July 2015.
There have been proposals to restore power generation at the dam.{{cite news |last1=DeBow |first1=Matt |title=Lawmakers discuss hydroelectricity at Coon Rapids Dam |url=https://www.hometownsource.com/abc_newspapers/community/coonrapids/lawmakers-discuss-hydroelectricity-at-coon-rapids-dam/article_5b5c9e5c-03ab-11ed-8df0-b76756f1bf8d.html |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=ABC Newspapers |date=July 16, 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625042709/https://www.hometownsource.com/abc_newspapers/community/coonrapids/lawmakers-discuss-hydroelectricity-at-coon-rapids-dam/article_5b5c9e5c-03ab-11ed-8df0-b76756f1bf8d.html |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |url-status=live}} Proposals by the park district from 2009 proposed a $30 million plant which would generate electricity for over 4,000 homes.{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Jim |title=Park district wants help for hydroelectric plant in Coon Rapids |url=https://www.startribune.com/park-district-wants-help-for-hydroelectric-plant-in-coon-rapids/63647482/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=Star Tribune |date=October 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628225648/https://www.startribune.com/park-district-wants-help-for-hydroelectric-plant-in-coon-rapids/63647482/ |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |url-status=live}} The proposals have not gained traction.
Specifications
The current dam consists of a main {{convert|1000|foot|adj=on}} section with a {{convert|103|foot|adj=on}} control gate and nine additional steel gates, connecting the Hennepin County side to Dunn Island on the Anoka County side of the river. A shorter 400 foot section, originally containing the 200 foot long powerhouse, connects the island to the Anoka County side. The difference between the headwater and tailwater is usually around {{convert|19|ft}}, with a 13-foot difference between the dam and the original riverbed. The pool is around 600 acres, with the effects of the dam diminishing after the Ferry Street bridge in Champlin, about six miles upstream.{{rp|95}}
Recreation
Three Rivers Park District, a special park district serving the Twin Cities Hennepin, Carver, Dakota, Scott, and Ramsey counties, owns the dam and operates the 160-acre Mississippi Gateway Regional Park on the southwest side of the dam.{{cite web |title=Mississippi Gateway Regional Park {{!}} Three Rivers Park District |url=https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/mississippi-gateway-regional-park |website=Three Rivers Park District |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820043722/https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/mississippi-gateway-regional-park |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Brunswick |first1=Mark |title=Hennepin Parks now Three Rivers Park District |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-hennepin-parks-now-three-ri/158341233/ |access-date=November 3, 2024 |work=Star Tribune |date=December 20, 2001 |via=Newspapers.com}} Anoka County Parks owns and operates a 446-acre park, Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, on the northeast of the dam. Many species, including mink, beaver, hawks, osprey, deer, turtles and river otters, can be spotted in the parks.{{cite web |title=Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park |url=https://www.anokacountyparks.com/parks/coon-rapids-dam |website=Anoka County Parks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704043913/https://www.anokacountyparks.com/parks/coon-rapids-dam |archive-date=July 4, 2024 |url-status=live}} Both parks are sites for the National Parks Passport Program.{{cite web |title=Passport To Your National Parks Cancellation Station Locations |url=https://americasnationalparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Cancellations-10-24.pdf |website=America's National Parks |access-date=November 3, 2024}} Hiking, biking, and fishing are among the recreational activities available at the parks. Panoramic views of the river are offered on the dam's walkway, connecting the two parks for cyclists and walkers.{{cite news |last1=Prather |first1=Shannon |title=Coon Rapids Dam walkway reopens |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coon-rapids-dam-walkway-reo/163169996/ |access-date=16 January 2025 |work=Star Tribune |date=8 July 2015 |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coon-rapids-dam-walkway-reo/163169996/ AA1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-dam-walkway-reopens/163169904/ AA3] |via=Newspapers.com}}
Cenaiko Lake, a 28{{1/2}} acre artificial lake on the Anoka County side, is stocked with Rainbow Trout; other species are present as well.{{cite web |title=Unnamed (02065400) {{!}} LakeFinder |url=https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=02065400 |website=Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Cenaiko Lake |url=https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/eastmetro/lakes/cenaiko.html |website=Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |access-date=June 25, 2024 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625150507/https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/eastmetro/lakes/cenaiko.html |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |url-status=live}} Cenaiko Lake was created in 1987 and is named after former Anoka County commissioner Nick Cenaiko.{{cite news |title=Nick Cenaiko Sr., former Anoka County commissioner and trade show creator, dies at 79 |url=https://www.twincities.com/2011/12/14/nick-cenaiko-sr-former-anoka-county-commissioner-and-trade-show-creator-dies-at-79/ |work=Twin Cities |date=December 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625150506/https://www.twincities.com/2011/12/14/nick-cenaiko-sr-former-anoka-county-commissioner-and-trade-show-creator-dies-at-79/ |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Schranck |first1=Bob |title=Trout waters run deep and clear |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-trout-waters-run-deep-and-c/158336772/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=Newspapers.com |agency=Star Tribune |date=August 6, 1989 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com}}
File:Coon Rapids Dam, Minnesota.jpg
The dam connects to Elm Creek Park Reserve via the Rush Creek Regional Trail.{{cite web |title=Rush Creek Regional Trail {{!}} Three Rivers Park District |url=https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/rush-creek-regional-trail |website=Three Rivers Park District |access-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820043709/https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/rush-creek-regional-trail |archive-date= August 20, 2024 |url-status=live}}
Notes
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References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/eastcoon.htm Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park (East)]
- [https://www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/mississippi-gateway-regional-park.htm Mississippi Gateway Regional Park]
{{commons category|Coon Rapids Dam}}
{{Crossings navbox
|structure = Crossings
|place = Mississippi River
|bridge = Coon Rapids Dam pedestrian and bicycle bridge
|bridge signs =
|upstream = Anoka–Champlin Mississippi River Bridge
|upstream signs = 25px
|downstream = Richard P. Braun Bridge
|downstream signs = 25px
}}
{{Locks and dams of the Upper Mississippi River|before=St. Cloud Dam|after=Upper Saint Anthony Falls Lock & Dam}}
Category:Dams on the Mississippi River
Category:United States local public utility dams
Category:Buildings and structures in Anoka County, Minnesota
Category:Buildings and structures in Hennepin County, Minnesota
Category:Hydroelectric power plants in Minnesota