So Minnesota: Anoka Stone House

It’s a local landmark with a long and unique history.

Many have seen the Anoka Stone House along the Rum River in downtown Anoka, but few know of its history.

In the early 1900s, Thaddeus Philander Giddings and his family lived in a home with a garden that backed up the Rum River. Giddings built three stone houses along the river.

“The family made some stone houses right on the river bank for parties and fun,” said Sara Given with the Anoka County Historical Society.

Over the years, two of the stone homes were destroyed, and only one remains standing.

“There was a big one,” Given said. “It was about 40 feet by 20 feet. It had a fireplace and a water tank and a little stage and a piano inside of it. They partied hard down there.”

The city of Anoka has looked at ways to protect the Stone House from the river. Many hope the local landmark will remain standing for years to come.