The two routes are concurrent from Foley Boulevard in Coon Rapids to Ferry Street (US 169) in Anoka.

State Highway 47 serves as a north–south route between Minneapolis, Fridley, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Ramsey, St. Francis, Ogilvie, Isle, and Aitkin in east–central Minnesota.

The route remains University Avenue NE through Columbia Heights and Fridley to its junction with Highways 10 and 610 at the Coon Rapids / Blaine boundary line.

The route is built as a divided highway north of its junction with 32nd Avenue NE / St. Anthony Parkway in Minneapolis.

Highway 47 continues independently again northbound through the cities of Anoka and Ramsey as St. Francis Boulevard.

The route enters Isanti County and passes through Bradford, Pine Brook, and Dalbo.

[2] The route continues northbound around the east side of Mille Lacs Lake.