Fort Snelling State Park lies at the crux of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers in St. Paul, Minnesota. The park has about 450,000 visitors annually for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and various other activities in St. Paul. The trails connect to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Minnehaha Park.
Located within this gorgeous St. Paul, Minnesota State Park is Fort Snelling which was named as a national treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Fort Snelling has been planted in St. Paul since 1820 and once was a U.S. military fortification protecting the land at the convergence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, and beyond.
Things to Do at Fort Snelling
When you come out to Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul Minnesota there are tons of activities depending on the time of year. In the winter months take advantage of the beautiful cross-country skiing trails the park has to offer. Fort Snelling State Park has 24 km of nordic ski trails for your enjoyment. One of the most popular things to do is ski out to Pike Island. Keep in mind most of the cross-country ski trails are for beginners.
Or when the weather breaks bring your bike and take a jaunt on one of the many bike trails St. Paul is known for. There are 5 miles of biking trails at the park and there is also the gorgeous Minneapolis Grand Rounds Scenic Byway.
Perhaps hiking is your thing? Fort Snelling State Park has 18 miles of trails to hike on. Check out Pike Island for a great scenic hiking experience here and don’t forget to try a canoe trip on Gun Club Lake. You can have a swim in Snelling Lake during the summer or just lay out on the beach at Pike Island if relaxing is your game.
Make sure to stop at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center which provides films and interpretive exhibits to gain a fine background and history St. Paul and Fort Snelling as well as the resources around the area and State Park.
Things to Know About Fort Snelling
Fort Snelling State Park is accessible for the disabled and able to accommodate groups of more than 45 here in St. Paul, MN. They also have a Native American Heritage; as well as fishing areas. This St. Paul Minnesota landmark is open year round from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Fort Snelling Admission Cost
Park Permits run $35 annually, $12 for handicapped permits, and $7 daily. There is also a $26 second vehicle permit available for the year. This a day only park and no camping is available, although it is picnic friendly.
So bring the family on out to Fort Snelling State Park in beautiful St. Paul, MN for some fun and adventure. Or perhaps you are looking for an outdoor fitness routine? This is a great place to achieve your fitness goals while taking in one of America’s beautiful gems.
***BONUS*** If you’re up for some beer tasting and you’re looking for something fun to do in St. Paul, you should check out our local St. Paul Brewery called Summit Brewing Company.