Lainek

Your Guide to the World

Andover, MN

Andover is a suburban city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States, and a part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.

About Andover

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Andover is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States . It is a northern suburb within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, the sixteenth-largest metropolitan area in the United States . The city's official name is Andover, Minnesota.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Andover was originally organized in 1857 as Round Lake Township . In 1860, the town's name was changed to Grow Township in honor of U.S. Representative Galusha Aaron Grow, a prominent abolitionist and advocate of the Homestead Act . A popular local myth suggests the name "Andover" originated from a train that "went over and over" after tipping into a swamp. However, research shows the name was first mentioned in an 1899 newspaper article announcing new railroad stations, predating any tracks through the area, so the true origin of the name remains a mystery .

Date of Foundation and Age

The area was first organized as Round Lake Township in 1857 . It was incorporated as Andover Village in 1972 and became the City of Andover in 1974 . In 2024, the city celebrated 50 years since its incorporation.

Geographic Position and Coordinates

Andover is located at coordinates 45°14′00″N 93°17′29″W in Anoka County . The city lies on a flat to gently rolling plain in the eastern part of the state. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.83 square miles (90.2 km²), of which 0.95 square miles (2.5 km²) is water . The center of Andover is at an elevation of approximately 876 feet (267 meters) above sea level .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Originally an agricultural community, Andover has transformed into a primarily residential suburban city . Its economy is integrated with the broader Twin Cities metro area, with many residents commuting to work in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs . Key employment sectors for residents include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade . The city is also developing its commercial base .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Andover was 32,601, classifying it as a medium-sized city . The population was estimated at 32,928 in 2022 and 32,825 in 2023, showing steady growth . It is one of the many growing suburban communities in the northern metro area. The median household income is high, estimated at $131,528 in 2023 .

"City's Signature" (In Brief)

Andover is a family-oriented suburban community known for its excellent schools, extensive park system, and access to outdoor recreation. It offers a peaceful, residential lifestyle with convenient access to the employment and cultural amenities of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.

Geography

Water Bodies

Crooked Lake is the only fully recreational lake located within Andover's borders, situated on the city's southern border with neighboring Coon Rapids . The Rum River, a significant waterway in the region, flows just north of the city, and the Rum River Central Regional Park is located immediately north of Andover on County Road 7 .

Parks and Regional Recreation

Andover is notable for its extensive parkland, with over 1,700 acres dedicated to parks, recreation, and preserves . Kelsey Round Lake Park is a 136-acre nature area offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and environmental observation . The city has access to the expansive Anoka County Bunker Hills Regional Park, which encompasses over 400 acres within Andover and is home to the Bunker Beach Waterpark and the Bunker Hills Golf Course . This regional park also features hiking and biking trails, cross-country skiing trails, and camping .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Andover has a humid continental climate, characteristic of the Upper Midwest, with four distinct seasons. It features warm, sometimes humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city experiences significant temperature variation between seasons .

Average Temperatures

July is typically the warmest month in Andover, with average high temperatures around 28°C (83°F) . January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures often dropping well below freezing, and lows can easily reach -10°F (-23°C) during winter .

Precipitation and Humidity

The city receives an average amount of precipitation, which is distributed throughout the year but is somewhat higher during the summer months. This precipitation often falls as snow during the winter .

Seasonal Information and Best Time to Visit

Landmarks and Recreation

Andover City Center Complex

Located at the intersection of Crosstown Boulevard and Hanson Boulevard, the Andover City Center Complex is a modern civic hub. It houses the city offices, Public Works Department, Water Treatment Plant, Community Center/YMCA, and the Senior Center . It serves as the focal point for community life and local government.

Bunker Hills Regional Park / Bunker Beach Waterpark

While a county facility, a significant portion of this regional destination lies within Andover. Bunker Hills Regional Park is a premier recreational area featuring the Bunker Beach Waterpark, a large aquatic center popular with families during the summer . The park also offers an 18-hole golf course, extensive trails, camping, and picnic areas .

Kelsey Round Lake Park

This 136-acre nature area is a key local landmark for residents seeking outdoor experiences . It provides natural-surface trails for hiking through woodlands and around wetlands, as well as trails for cross-country skiing in the winter, making it a year-round destination for environmental observation and quiet recreation.

Andover High School

Opened in 2003, Andover High School is a modern educational facility and a significant landmark for the community . As part of the Anoka-Hennepin School District, it serves as a hub for academic, athletic, and cultural events for residents in the southern part of the city, hosting community gatherings and supporting local school spirit.

Transport

Major Airports

Andover is located approximately 28 miles (45 km) from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). As the primary airport for the region, MSP offers numerous domestic and international flights. Travelers from Andover typically access the airport via Interstates 35W and 494.

Major Highways and Roads

While no major interstate highways pass directly through Andover, the city is well-connected by a network of county roads. Key routes include Anoka County Roads 9, 18, 78, and 116 . U.S. Highway 10 is located nearby, providing a direct route to the northwest and into the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, facilitating commutes to employment centers like Coon Rapids, Anoka, and Minneapolis .

Public Transportation

Public transit options in Andover, as a suburban community, are primarily focused on park-and-ride facilities and express bus services connecting to the greater Metro Transit system. Many residents commute by car, and the city's street network is designed to facilitate access to these regional connections . The average one-way commute time for residents is about 26 minutes .

Museums

Addison Gallery of American Art

The most prominent cultural institution in Andover is the Addison Gallery of American Art, located on the campus of Phillips Academy . Founded in 1931, this world-class museum was established "to enrich permanently the lives of the students" of the academy and has since grown into a significant public resource . Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for everyone .

The museum's permanent collection is vast, comprising over 17,000 objects that span American art from the 18th century to the present day . Visitors can expect to see major works by some of the most important names in American art. The collection includes pieces by Winslow Homer, James McNeill Whistler, Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, John Singer Sargent, and Jackson Pollock . The museum also has a strong focus on photography, with more than 7,500 photographs in its holdings, which are exhibited on a rotating basis .

In a typical year, the Addison presents around 12 different exhibitions, showcasing both its permanent collection and major traveling shows . A unique and charming feature of the museum is the superb collection of model ships located in the basement, commissioned by Phillips Academy in the 1930s . The museum also serves as an active learning space, and it is common to see students from the academy studying among the masterpieces .

Nearby Museums

For those willing to venture a short distance, the city of Boston, Massachusetts, located about 20 miles from Andover, is home to a wealth of renowned museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Phillips Academy

Andover is globally recognized for its prestigious educational institution, Phillips Academy. While it is a secondary school (a private preparatory school for grades 9-12), its reputation and historical significance are on par with many universities . Founded in 1778, Phillips Academy is one of the oldest and most elite boarding schools in the United States. It is not just a school but a landmark in its own right, featuring a beautiful New England campus and being home to the exceptional Addison Gallery of American Art . The presence of such a significant museum on a secondary school campus is unique and underscores the academy's commitment to education and culture .

Sport and Athletic Traditions

High School Sports

In the Minnesota city of Andover, sports are a vibrant part of the community, centered around its high schools. Andover High School fields competitive teams in various sports, including lacrosse, as part of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) . The school's boys' lacrosse team, for example, competes in the Northwest Suburban conference .

Track and field is another area where Andover athletes have excelled. Performances in the Merrimack Valley Conference (MVC) have highlighted talented individuals. Athletes like Molly Kiley, who dominated distance events (800m, mile, 2-mile), and JJ Conteh in sprints, have earned All-MVC honors, showcasing the strength of the school's athletics program .

Discover new destinations