East Bethel is home to approximately 11,607 residents and offers a unique and very livable location for families who prefer the small town lifestyle. It provides the best of both worlds, convenience to a Metropolitan area and adequate separation to be a semi-rural community. It covers a land area of 47.97 square miles.
East Bethel has 12 lakes covering 2,028 acres, including Coon Lake, the largest lake in Anoka County. We have 15 City parks, and public reserves that include Sandhill Crane Natural Area, Helen Allison Savanna, Gordie Mikkelson WMA and the Cedar Creek Ecosystem and Scientific Reserve. It also has two community centers, one indoor ice rink and one outdoor ice rink and one DNR Boat Launch on Coon Lake. With two golf courses, Hidden Haven and Viking Meadows, one disc golf course, a shooting range and hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling opportunities, there are always recreational amenities to experience.
The Street Department manages, maintains, and repairs 136 miles of City streets and rights of way. There are 32 miles of County roads and eight miles of State Highways within the City. Bus service to downtown Minneapolis is available via an express commuter route during the morning and evening rush hours. The Anoka County/Blaine Airport, a general aviation facility capable of handling corporate jet aircraft, is located 12 miles south of East Bethel.
East Bethel’s governing body is the City Council, consisting of a Mayor and four City Council persons. The City Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at City Hall.
Fire protection is provided by the City Fire Department. The City has 3 fire stations with 33 volunteer fire fighters and a full time Fire Chief. The City contracts 36 hours per day police coverage services through the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.
From East Bethel to Minneapolis is 30 miles, Saint Paul is 37 miles, Duluth is 130 miles, and Chicago is 430 miles.
