fort snelling state park

Rod_Minnesota

Really fun to be immersed in this location that is so well preserved (and partially & accurately re-built) on the bluffs of the river.Allow yourself some easy-going time (3-5 hours?) to wander the property, take some tours and also walk/drive-by some of the slightly detached portions of the surrounding and historically–supporting buildings that are now separated from the main fort by the interconnecting highway system.This is an immersive and contemplative experience.

Gracie99

Beautiful setting where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers converge. Hike around Pike's island and you might see a bald eagle or two, beavers, and many giant cottonwoods.

jodil537

Memorial Day is very packed in the morning, so if you don't like to wait in lines I suggest going in the afternoon. There are service men in uniforms in the morning so if you are only interested in seeing your loved ones, then skip the morning. There are only 2 bathrooms in the building so that can get hectic. Very educational for children of all ages.

Sharpeipup

We went solely to bike the paved trails and enjoy the fall foliage. Too bad the paved trails (also recommended for hiking) were full of potholes, tree roots, narrow paths, and rough shoulders. It was a rather populated trail that went past Historic Fort Snelling and up to Minnehaha Falls Park - connecting to the Grand Scenic Byways but in parts, it was barely wide enough for one let alone two way traffic. The ride was 5 miles one way to Minnehaha Falls which was rather congested with traffic and the larger surrey bikes so it might not be a great choice for larger groups, young kids, or new riders. If you plan on hiking or boating, this park would be a better bet. Parking/entrance is only $5/car and the Rangers were most helpful providing tips and suggestions. Dogs are even allowed on leashes in most parts with the exception of the beaches.

317tracieb

Enjoyed visiting a piece of history. Be sure to watch the short movie in the auditorium before going to view the grounds. It gives a lot of great information about the grounds and history of the Fort.

Jim-J-Alg

You can access Fort Snelling by car, city bus or by the light rail line which runs between Mall of America and downtown Minneapolis.There are historical buildings and also buildings where military work is carried on day to day. The grounds are well landscaped and it can be romantic strolling around on a pleasant afternoon!

ELKW

actually we want to see the historical fort, so go there, there is a path behind the visitor center, that you can walk up to the fort, but just see the outside, if you want to enter, you still need to pay. But for the fort, you can drive outside the state park to go there. because it needs $5 per car if you enter and park the car inside the state park. But besides seeing the fort, I think the state park is good for hiking

europewithKellynRyan

Lots of trails to bike or walk. It can be pretty noisy due to the nearby airport and highways but it is in the city.

ahanal

Its amazing how a state park exists in the heart of the city and right next to the MSP airport. However, due to the recent flooding many parts of the park are in accessible. We could do one trail which started from the visitor center and along the Minnesota river about 3 miles long. The trail was mostly paved and easy. The beach and picnic area along this trail were beautiful but the lake was very marshy.Its a very noisy state park because of its proximity to the airport and some highways. I will recommend this park to anyone who doesn't want to go away from the city and still enjoy nature, but definitely not the best option.

394alyssah

I have wanted to get a state park pass and finally did. This place is so beyond beautiful. It's huge there are so many trails to bike or walk on. There's water, so many Anamials roaming throughout the park. Foxes deer and birds of all types! Love this state park!!!

LouL892

This Fort is a great place to visit to encounter some of Minnesota's past.You start in a theatre with a 15 minute film telling the Forts story. Try not to go first thing in the morning as this is the time for kids field trips and can get overloaded with young ones.As you walk thru the Fort, areas have period guides explaining various functions of the Fort.WARNING.. When you visit the Indian Agents office, careful of the Native American in there. She has a chip on her shoulder with the white man and is quite abrupt. I really felt uncomfortable with her.They have every 1/2 hour a different activity thru out the complex. You will get a timetable after you pay your ticket. $10 per adult

LRCBME

The demonstrations are different every 30 minutes. The cannon one is a favorite, but of course learning about hospitals back then was an eye opener. A tower where you can see for miles. The gift shop has great history books.

AlanP00le

Its worth spending a couple of hours here - most of the fort has been recreated - a couple of the buildings are original - and the staff ( in period costume) went out of their way to be helpful and informative. Its worth seeing the film first.

35Escapades

The kiddos loved it. There is always something going on every half an hour so there is plenty to do, see and learn, even if you do not like history, the view from the towers is nice and you can get your curiosity going when you see how people lived almost 200 years ago. Beware of allergy sufferers since in some places you can really feel the humidity hit you! I had to almost drag the kids out after almost 3 hours and still there was plenty to see.

BrWayne

I enjoyed Fort Snelling very much. Start with the movie to get a feel for the history of the place and the region. The fort itself is well done, with plaenty of interpretors in full costume to add to the experience and give you a good feel of what life was like there. The gunners demonstrating the cannons were particularily good. We enjoyed ourselves very much.