Quick Summary:

  • Q: Where does the name Anoka come from?
  • A: Anoka's name was derived from two Dakota words, meaning 'on both sides', referring to the city's position at the confluence of the Rum and Mississippi Rivers.
  • Q: Why is Anoka known as the Halloween Capital of the World?
  • A: Anoka is known as the Halloween Capital of the World because, in the 1920s, a city-wide Halloween party was held to prevent pranksters from playing tricks, and the tradition grew into an annual event.
  • Q: How did Anoka earn its title as the Halloween Capital?
  • A: In 1937, by an act of Congress, Anoka, Minnesota, was awarded the title of Halloween Capital of the World.
  • Q: How has Anoka's Halloween celebration evolved over the years?
  • A: The festival expanded from a single day to a week of events and now spans the entire month of October, attracting visitors from outside the area.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Rum River ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Rum River | Anoka, Minnesota Weekend Guide
© Juhku/stock.adobe.com

2. 10K Brewing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Food & Drink
10K Brewing | Anoka, Minnesota Weekend Guide
© 10K Brewing

3. Anoka-Chapman Missisippi River Bridge

Category: Activities
Anoka-Chapman Missisippi River Bridge | Anoka, Minnesota Weekend Guide
© ETAJOE/stock.adobe.com

4. Lyric Arts Company of Anoka

Category: Museums & Culture
Lyric Arts Company of Anoka | Anoka, Minnesota Weekend Guide
© Lyric Arts Company of Anoka

5. Minnesota Helicopters

Minnesota Helicopters | Anoka, Minnesota Weekend Guide
© Minnesota Helicopters

6. The Mad Hatter

The Mad Hatter | Anoka, Minnesota Weekend Guide
© The Mad Hatter

7. Casa Rio

Casa Rio | Anoka, Minnesota Weekend Guide
© Casa Rio

8. Invictus Beer

Invictus Beer | Anoka, Minnesota Weekend Guide
© Invictus Beer

Plan Your Trip