About

The City of Andover is an exciting place to live, do business, and enjoy the scenic rural atmosphere of a growing suburban community. With a population exceeding 30,000, Andover is no longer the best-kept secret of Anoka County. Predominantly a residential community, Andover also has abundant parks, trails and recreational areas. The City is located 20 miles north of Minneapolis, where a cosmopolitan mix of activities exists: shopping, universities, athletic events, theater, arts and more! 

The city we know today as Andover was first organized in 1857 under the name "Round Lake Township." However, in 1860 the name was changed to "Grow Township" in honor of Senator Galusha A. Grow of Pennsylvania. Senator Grow spoke at a political campaign in Anoka that year, and the town name was changed to reflect Senator Grow because of his strong advocacy of the Union cause. At that time, the population was 330 and included the geographical area we know today as Ham Lake. In fact, the area of Ham Lake was considered a part of Grow Township until 1871.

Andover Village was established in 1972 and then became the City of Andover, a city of the fourth class, in 1974. Today the City of Andover's population exceeds 26,000, classifying it as a third class city.