So here's a fun fact that probably won't shock you: five days before Christmas is NOT the prime time to visit the Halloween capital of the world.
But when your holiday travel plans put you within 20 miles of this spooky hot spot...and you're ALREADY 1,300+ miles away from home...you have to stop by and see what you can see, right?
That's exactly what I did in mid-December as I traveled from Texas to northern Wisconsin to spend a week with my parents. (That's a 1,412-mile trip, one way, for those keeping score at home. Let it be known that I love a good road trip!)
And even if Dec. 20 wasn't prime Halloween season for Anoka, I'm glad I made the stop! It was the perfect little dose of spooky fun.
In today's blog post, I'm sharing the four spots you need to hit up during your visit, but first...a bit of history on what makes Anoka the Halloween Capital of the World.
History of Anoka, MN as the Halloween Capital of the World
In certain parts of the U.S., October 30th is known as Mischief Night. It's an evening when residents of a community - usually teenagers - pull pranks on their friends and neighbors. Wikipedia cites Mischief Night as coming into popularity (or at least well-documented) in the 1970s, but similar actions are what started the thing that put Anoka, Minnesota on the Halloween map.
For years, Anoka's teenage residents had gone overboard with pranks on Halloween. We're talking tipped outhouses, animals on roofs, soaped windows, cows set loose to roam Main Street.
In 1920, city officials decided they had had enough. To give their mischievous residents an outlet, they instituted a Halloween parade. According to anokahalloween.com's history, more than 1,000 children participated that first year and a tradition was born.It also happened to be the first known Halloween parade in the United States.
The parade continued and by the 1930s, more than 20,000 spectators were attending the annual parade. In 1937, 12-year-old Anoka resident Harold Blair traveled to Washington D.C. where he proclaimed his hometown the Halloween Capital of the World...and the moniker stuck.
Anoka has hosted a Halloween parade ever since. These days, their celebration includes two parades - one at night as well as a Grande Day parade - as well as events throughout October, such as a fun run, blood drive and even an orange tie ball! Learn more at anokahalloween.com.
Halloween sights to see in Anoka, MN
So what is there to see in Anoka outside of October? There are a few fun places celebrating the town's love of Halloween you should visit. Hitting up all four took me roughly an hour, which makes it a perfect pit-stop! These are listed in an easy-to-follow order that will take you from one stop to the next.
If you want the full experience, I encourage you to visit in the heart of Halloween season!
Stop #1: Halloween Capital of the World Mural
Location: 500 West Main St., Anoka, MN 55303; located on the backside of Anoka Shopping Center
Parking: Anoka Shopping Center lot recommended
If you're coming from Minneapolis on US-10 and exit Greenhaven Rd./Main St., you'll see this mural as you enter Anoka. The mural is located on the backside of the Anoka Shopping Center. I parked in front of Thrift Monkey and walked to the back of the building to snap my selfie.
You might also find parking at Pinewski's Ski Shop, whose parking lot is in front of the mural.
By the way, Oakwood Cemetery is located just across the street if you're a taphophile!
Stop #2: Witch Medallion at City Hall
Location: 2015 First Ave., Anoka, MN 55303
Parking: City Hall lot in front of the building
If you are facing the front door of City Hall, the witch medallion will be located in the plaza to the left of the building. Look for the flag pole!
This spot also has a great view of the Rum River, which passes right by downtown.
Stop #3: Anoka Halloween Shop
Location: 1925 1/2 Second Ave. S., Anoka, MN 55303
Parking: Street parking on Second Ave.
This is within walking distance from City Hall; however, the shop is not open year-round. As of the publishing date of this blog post, the shop is open the second weekend of the month from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and open every Friday and Saturday in October. See more here.
Stop #4: Jack-o-lantern Roundabout
Location: Behind Anoka Middle School, 1523 S. Fifth Ave., Anoka, MN 55303; intersection of Washington St., Fourth Ave. and Military Rd.
Parking: Some street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; at middle school during summer months
This was the only spot I didn't get to see with my own eyes because it was snow-covered, but above is what the roundabout looks like! This was also the location with the trickiest parking. I parked on Washington St. 2-3 houses back from the roundabout and walked over to take a few photos.
You might park at the nearby Hans Bakery (1423 Fifth Ave, Anoka, MN 55303), grab a few treats (the sour cream donuts and apple fritters were divine) and then walk over for a photo op. Be VERY traffic-aware since this is in the center of the roundabout without a curb.
Have you been to Anoka?
If you've visited or if you're from the area, I'd love to hear what you recommend checking out! I hope to go back in October sometime to see this lovely town in all its spooky glory.
I'm so glad I got a chance to stop by, even if it wasn't prime time for Halloween, and see the sights.
