Irving and John Anderson Park Information
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Anderson Park is:
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Part of a 2000 acre area of Southeastern Isanti County that has been identified as having the largest, most diverse collection of flora and fauna in the county.
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Includes 174 acres of restored prairie, woods, marshes and over a half mile of frontage on two small lakes.
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About the Park
Anderson Park is a special place to visit. There are seven areas undergoing prairie restoration and plans for oak savannah restoration. Many diverse and unique species live within or visit the park. Examples include: blandings turtles, red-shouldered hawks, black bear, beaver, otter, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, white pine, white cedar, wild rice, prairie and woodland wildflowers, nesting neo-tropical warblers such as ovenbirds, chestnut-sided warblers, American redstarts, red-headed woodpeckers, yellow warblers, common loons, and black terns.
Current Status: There are two trailhead parking areas, 5+ miles of multi-use trails with benches, a large picnic shelter with tables and grills, a restroom and a prairie display garden.
Recently Completed: The canoe launch on Horse Leg Lake, a 950 foot boardwalk through the marsh by Horse Leg Lake and the children's play area near the picnic shelter are all completed and available for public use.
A chimney swift tower has been erected on the north side of the picnic shelter. The Friends of Anderson Park partnered on this project with the Isanti County Parks Department, the Minnesota Audubon Society and Wild River Audubon Chapter. According to the Audubon Society, chimney swifts have declined by over 50 percent in the last 40 years. We hope hundreds of swifts will roost in the tower during the non-breeding season and especially during migrations.
Canoe Launch
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Future Plans: Future plans include finishing construction of two smaller boardwalks, adding viewing platforms along the boardwalks, and oak savanna restoration with tree and shrub plantings and prescribed burns.
Park Location
The park is located in the southeast corner of Isanti County in Minnesota (park map) just 6 miles from Interstate 35. It lies on both sides of County Road 18, a quarter mile north of County Road 9 and two miles south of County Road 5.
Park Address and Mapquest link:
27201 Furman St NE
North Branch, MN 55056
Hours and Rules of Use
The park is open from sunrise to sunset for walking, fishing, birding, and observing nature. Please remember to pick up after yourself and your pet and that the use of off-road motor vehicles and alcohol are strictly prohibited in the park.
