Anoka

Anoka is a city in the state of Minnesota, United States, located in Anoka County within the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. It lies along the Mississippi River, near the confluence with the Rum River, and is about 20 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of approximately 17,000 residents.

The area was settled in the 19th century and developed as a regional trade and transport point along the Mississippi. Its historic downtown along Main Street features storefronts and architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city has a mix of residential neighborhoods, local services, and small businesses.

Anoka is best known for its long-standing association with Halloween; it is commonly referred to as the Halloween Capital of the World and hosts an annual Halloween parade and related events dating back to the early 1900s.

The city is part of the Twin Cities region and is connected to the broader metro area by regional roads and public transit serving the metropolitan area. Education is provided by the Anoka-Hennepin School District, one of Minnesota's largest, with multiple elementary, middle, and high schools; there are also nearby higher-education options within the Twin Cities.

Cultural and recreational amenities include parks, trails, and a historic downtown that hosts community events. Anoka's economy emphasizes small businesses, services, and light manufacturing, with a governance structure typically described as a mayor-council system.