Population (2010)
4,671
Visitor Information
Direct your questions to the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce (763.421.7130).
History
Many of the earliest settlers in what became Dayton had French Canadian roots, but the town was named for Lyman Dayton, a New Englander from St. Paul who was not French Canadian. He owned a lot of land in the area and platted the town site. Dayton was a busy small town in the late 1880s, with a strategic position at the confluence of the Crow and Mississippi Rivers. A flour mill and saw mill were among the early industries. Dayton is split between Wright and Hennepin Counties, in case that fact comes up in your next trivia contest.
Exploring the Area
The northern end of the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area begins at Dayton and Ramsey and continues for 72 miles through the Twin Cities to Hastings.
Entertainment and Events
Farmers Market
Dayton hosts a farmers market on Fridays (2pm-6pm) from July through September at Raintree Plaza (11311 Dayton River Rd.).
**Looking for more? Check out Road Tripping Along the Great River Road, Vol. 1. Click the link above for more. Disclosure: This website may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to.
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If you like the content at the Mississippi Valley Traveler, please consider showing your support by making a one-time contribution or by subscribing through Patreon. Book sales don’t fully cover my costs, and I don’t have deep corporate pockets bankrolling my work. I’m a freelance writer bringing you stories about life along the Mississippi River. I need your help to keep this going. Every dollar you contribute makes it possible for me to continue sharing stories about America’s Greatest River!
©Dean Klinkenberg, 2015
