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Fridley, Minnesota - Complete City Guide

Fridley, Minnesota

Discover the heart of Minnesota's northern suburbs - a thriving community with rich history, diverse culture, and exceptional quality of life.

📍 Coordinates: 45.08608° N, 93.26328° W
Incorporated as Village: June 18, 1949 | City Status: May 23, 1957
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History of Fridley

From frontier settlement to modern community

The City of Fridley, Minnesota has a rich heritage dating back to 1847, when pioneer John Banfill established the historic Banfill Tavern at the confluence of Rice Creek and the Mississippi River along the Red River Oxcart Trail.

Originally known as "Manomin" (meaning wild rice in the Ojibwe language), this settlement represented one of the earliest European establishments in what would become Anoka County. The community's transformation began when Abram M. Fridley, early legislator and namesake of the city, arrived in 1851 and later represented the area in the Minnesota Legislature in 1855.

The historic Banfill-Locke House (1847) served ox-cart travelers and loggers and still stands along the river today as a testament to Fridley's frontier heritage.

1847
John Banfill established the Banfill Tavern, marking the beginning of permanent settlement.
1851
Abram M. Fridley arrived, bringing entrepreneurial spirit to the growing community.
1879
Minnesota State Legislature officially renamed the settlement "Fridley."
1949
Incorporated as the Village of Fridley on June 18, 1949, with Carl Hartman as first mayor.
1957
Achieved city status on May 23, 1957, marking full municipal incorporation.
1965
Community rebuilt after devastating F4 tornadoes, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
2009
Fridley Station opens as stop on Northstar Commuter Rail, connecting to Minneapolis.

Demographics

Statistical overview of our diverse community

29,944
2023 Population
34.9
Median Age
2,946
People per sq mi
$79,274
Median Income

Racial Composition

White: 60.7%

Black/African American: 20.0%

Hispanic/Latino: 14.0%

Asian: 3.7%

Age Distribution

Under 18: 24%

Working Age (18-64): 62%

Seniors (65+): 14%

Government & Politics

City services and municipal contacts

City Hall & Civic Campus

Public Safety & Services

  • Police/Fire: Consolidated Public Safety Dept
  • Anoka County: (763) 324-2100
  • Emergency: 911

Companies & Economy

Major employers and economic drivers

Medtronic - Operational Headquarters
710 Medtronic Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55432
Global medical technology leader with significant presence in Fridley area
Cummins Power Systems
1400 73rd Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Manufacturing of generator sets and power solutions
Minco Products, Inc.
7300 Commerce Ln NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Global headquarters for heating elements and temperature sensors
Mercy Hospital - Unity Campus
550 Osborne Rd NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Full-service hospital providing comprehensive medical care
Forgotten Star Brewing Co.
38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, MN 55421
Historic brewery in adaptive reuse of WWII Northern Pump complex
Major Retailers
Throughout Fridley
Target, Home Depot, Cub Foods, CVS Health, McDonald's

Parks & Outdoors

Exceptional recreational facilities and natural spaces

Springbrook Nature Center
100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432
📍 45.1272° N, 93.2411° W
127-acre preserve with diverse habitats, trails, and interpretive center
Moore Lake Park
6090 Central Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432
📍 45.0862° N, 93.2445° W
Beach, fishing, sports fields - perfect for family activities
Islands of Peace Regional Park
200 57th Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Riverside views and picnicking along the Mississippi River
Manomin Park
6666 East River Rd, Fridley, MN 55432
Historic park at Rice Creek and Mississippi confluence, home to Banfill-Locke Center
Rice Creek West Regional Trail
Trail corridor through Fridley
Multi-use trail connecting to Mississippi River trail system

Arts & Culture

Cultural venues and community spaces

Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts

Address: 6666 East River Rd, Fridley, MN 55432

Phone: (763) 574-1850

Coordinates: 45.0978° N, 93.2358° W

Historic 1847 Greek Revival house in scenic Manomin Park, combining art gallery, studios, and cultural programming.

Fridley District Auditorium

Address: 6000 W Moore Lake Dr, Fridley, MN 55432

Community theater productions and school performances venue

Fridley Historical Society & Museum

Address: 611 Mississippi St NE, Fridley, MN 55432

Coordinates: 45.0886° N, 93.2530° W

Local museum featuring exhibits including the 1965 tornado display and historical archives.

Transportation & Transit

Excellent connectivity throughout the Twin Cities

Fridley Station - Northstar Commuter Rail

East Lot: 6050 Main St NE

West Lot: 6151 East River Rd, Fridley, MN 55432

Service: Northstar Line

Travel Time: ~20 minutes to Target Field, Minneapolis

Support: (612) 373-3333

Local Transit & Shuttles

Fridley Northstar Shuttle: Connects station to major employers including Medtronic and Cummins

Major Highways: I-694, MN-65 (Central Ave), MN-47 (University Ave)

Excellent connectivity throughout Twin Cities metro area

Colleges & Universities

Access to quality higher education

Anoka-Ramsey Community College
11200 Mississippi Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Two-year college serving the north metro area
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
100 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Major research university, accessible via transit
Minneapolis College
1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Technical and career-focused programs
North Hennepin Community College
7411 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Community college serving northwest suburbs
Metropolitan State University
700 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55106
Public university with Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses

Local Resources & Services

Essential community services and facilities

Fridley Public Schools (ISD 14)
6000 W Moore Lake Dr, Fridley, MN 55432
District office: (763) 502-5000
Fridley Community Center
6085 7th St NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Community Education: (763) 502-5100
Mississippi Library Branch
410 Mississippi St NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Anoka County Library: (763) 324-1560
Fridley High School Tigers
6000 W Moore Lake Dr, Fridley, MN 55432
Home of the Tigers athletics and activities programs
Totino-Grace High School
1350 Gardena Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Private Catholic high school with strong athletics and performing arts

Famous Landmarks

Historic sites and community treasures

Banfill-Locke House

Address: 6666 East River Rd, Fridley, MN 55432

Coordinates: 45.0978° N, 93.2358° W

Historic 1847 Greek Revival house, former inn on the Red River ox-cart trail. Listed historic site now serving as cultural center.

Fridley Civic Campus

Address: 7071 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432

Modern city hub for municipal services, events, and community gatherings.

BNSF Northtown Yard

Major railroad classification yard west of Fridley neighborhoods - significant transportation landmark for the region.