This content originally appeared in the 2023 issue of Spooky Little Halloween—The Magazine.
Salem, Sleepy Hollow, New Orleans. When you think of spooky cities around the United States, these are probably some of the first that come to mind.
I’d be willing to bet you a pumpkin cream cold brew Anoka, Minnesota isn’t even in your top 10.
But The Halloween Capital of the World should be! This town of 17,900 just 21 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis received the moniker by accident. Back in 1920, city officials decided they’d had enough pranks on Halloween night and started a parade for kids to enjoy. It was a success—an estimated 1,000 local kids participated that first year.
The tradition carried on and became a point of pride for the city and its residents. So much so that in 1937 during a visit to Washington D.C., 12-year-old Anoka resident Harold Blair proclaimed his hometown the Halloween Capital of the World for its parade.
The name stuck and now more than 100 years later, the town of Anoka still celebrates October 31st with a parade, as well as pumpkin carving events, home decorating contests, a fun run, and so much more.
There is plenty to see whether it’s spooky season or not. Anoka is a little place with a lot of charm. Since my move, I’ve enjoyed a few days exploring a bit. While not everything on this list is outright spooky, it is a personal fave spot to stop. Here is how I would spend a day in Anoka while hitting all the Halloween highlights they have to offer, any time of year.
A day in Anoka, MN
*Notes stops that are open during select hours or seasons.
8 A.M. | HANS BAKERY
1423 Fifth Ave.
Start the day with some killer treats made using traditional German recipes. My cousin’s husband, a Minneapolis native, recommended Hans the first time I visited, and it’s a must-stop every
time I’m in town now.
They have a massive selection of donuts and pastries. I recommend the apple fritters or their giant Texas donuts. (Approved by this Texan.)
8:30 A.M. | JACK-O-LANTERN ROUNDABOUT
Intersection of Washington St., Fourth Ave., and Military Rd.
Before you leave Hans, you’ll want to walk to the end of the block to check out the city’s jack-o-lantern roundabout! It’s usually quiet enough to grab a photo, but be mindful of the traffic in the area and be respectful of the neighborhood too.
9 A.M. | AVANT GARDEN
215 E. Main St.
Here’s our first stop where we slow down a bit. You can grab drip coffee at the bakery, but I’d hold out for a carefully crafted drink at Avant Garden—an Anoka staple since it opened in 1995.
The real reason I love stopping here? Avant Garden is also a bookstore with a wide selection of titles. Grab a drink (I recommend the Honeybee latte, iced!) and a new read and spend a little time relaxing in their café or on the patio, weather permitting.
10:30 A.M. | ANOKA HALLOWEEN GIFT SHOP*
1925 ½ Second Ave.
Located within walking distance of Avant Garden, the Anoka Halloween Gift Shop is a great spot to stop for unique souvenirs. Here, you’ll find Halloween Capital tees, tanks, hoodies, mugs—everything! The best part is proceeds from all purchases go towards supporting community schools and scholarships.
Note: The shop is only open the second Friday and Saturday of the month November thru September but open every Friday and Saturday in October, as of August 2024.
11:30 A.M. | BILLY’S BAR AND GRILL
214 Jackson St.
Fancy lunch at a haunted bar? Then you’ll want to head over to Billy’s Bar and Grill where ghastly patrons are said to appear and disappear regularly, including a woman in white.
This spot is located in a gorgeous building that has seen a lot since it was built. Originally the Jackson Hotel, the space has also been home to a French restaurant and apartments over the years.
While there is no single clear story to attribute its haunted status to, there is plenty of paranormal activity, from ghosts walking through the dining room to clear tables at night being fully set for service the following morning.
1 P.M. | CITY HALL
2015 First Ave.
After lunch, we’ll take one more stroll around downtown Anoka to City Hall.
Located in the plaza to the left of the building (when facing the front doors), is a jack-o-lantern sculpture you can’t miss. It’s wearing a top hat, has bats inside, and is built around a street light for its lantern. Consider stopping back by at night to see it in its full glory!
Then, be sure to look just behind the sculpture for a witch medallion on the ground that is an Anoka icon.
1:30 P.M. | HALLOWEEN CAPITAL MURAL
500 W. Main St.
As long as we’re looking for photo ops, it’s time to head to the one you really want: the Halloween Capital mural. Located on the backside of the Anoka Shopping Center, this mural welcomes you to town as you drive in on West Main from US-10W.
1:45 P.M. | OAKWOOD CEMETERY
481 W. Main St.
You know I love a historic cemetery yo wander, and just across the street from the Halloween Capital mural is Oakwood. This cemetery was established in 1856 and is on the smaller side, so plots are no longer available, but it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon walk with all its trees.
Note: There are only walking paths here, so you’ll want to stay parked in the shopping center lot.
2:30 P.M. | CARIBOU COFFEE
101 W. Main St.
The Starbucks of Minnesota. Founded in a Minneapolis suburb in 1992, the ‘Bou is a must-stop if you’ve never been—and if you’re lucky enough to stop in during pumpkin spice season, even better. Their pumpkin coffees are some of the better ones, in my opinion. Perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
3 P.M. | ANTIQUES ON MAIN
212 E. Main St.
When you’re in the Halloween Capital of the World…you’re going to want to do a little Halloween hunting through the local antique stores. We head back downtown to Antiques on Main—one of the best spots full of vintage items and collectibles.
4 P.M. | AMORÉ ANTIQUES
2008 Second Ave.
Down and around the corner from Antiques on Main is Amoré Antiques, another spot to hunt for vintage and collectible Halloween items. (It’s also next door to a psychic!)
5 P.M. | 10K BREWING
2005 Second Ave.
After a full day of wandering the city, why not kick back with a local brew? 10K Brewing, named for the state’s Land of 10,000 Lakes moniker, offers an ever-changing menu of beers brewed on site. Grab a flight to sample a few, then grab a growler or crowler to take home.
Stick around for dinner as well—food trucks are around on Thursday or Friday nights or neighbors MaGillycuddy’s will take your order and deliver food right to your table at no extra charge. If you’re there on a weekend, stick around for the live music!
7:15 P.M. | GHOSTS OF ANOKA WALKING TOUR*
2135 Third Ave. N.
If you visit in September or October, end your day on a spooky note with the Anoka Historical Society. Said to be 60% facts and 40% folklore, this 90-minute walking tour (held rain or shine, so dress appropriately!) will teach you all the odd and eerie happenings around the city…and leave you with even more to explore on your next visit.
