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    Fort Snelling State Park

    4.6 (46 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Fort Snelling State Park Photos

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    Visitors Center, helpful friendly staff

    Beautiful place for some hiking and seeing nature. We saw eagles soaring! We hiked the 3.8 mile loop on Pike Island, and the Picnic Island loop. The visitors center is very nice and the staff was kind and helpful.

    Mississippi River
    Elizabeth W.

    we are so fortunate in Minnesota to have such a strong state park system and to have several outstanding parks so close to the metro. This park border Saint Paul and Minneapolis, nestled between the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. It is relatively flat but there are many hiking/snowshoeing trails to explore in the winter along with groomed cross country ski trails. As you can see from my photos, there's plenty of wildlife and the animals are less afraid of people as they might be elsewhere. In summer there's also tons of hiking and biking opportunities as well as boating and swimming beaches As It is beautiful but because it is urban you never really escape the car noise. Nonetheless it is still worth visiting.

    View from weapon slits in roundhouse tower
    Kelly U.

    Fort Snelling State Park is a historical site that I'll wage your most residence of Minneapolis have driven by a dozen times without really seeing. Parking is easy as you pull into the park, it's very accessible. The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the location and no many pieces of interesting history. The fort is still pretty much intact from when it was originally built, although there are many places that are rebuilt to look like it did back in the day. All of the history doesn't shine a great light on some of the things that occurred at the fort, but hopefully we study history to make ourselves better, and that will come out of some of the things that were exposed. hope you enjoy your tour of a historical site.

    Visitor's Center
    Bob A.

    MN has 75 State Parks & Recreation areas, but this is the only one that is actually in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area. Part of it is even within St. Paul's city limits! So although you'll come here for outdoorsy nature experiences, you won't forget that you're right next to the second busiest airport in the Midwest. If you're anywhere near the Snelling Lake area you'll be able to gaze at the underbellies of landing airliners and probably smell their jet fuel. If you're used to state parks and national parks that are more sovereign and unspoiled, it might surprise you that this land is very visibly a thoroughfare for power lines and sits in the shadow of I-494 and the Mendota Bridge. But as someone who lives in St Paul and wants convenient access to a big park for nature hikes and picnics, this is awesome for me! It's even kind of neat to be down there knowing that I'm just a stone's throw from someplace where I often sit in traffic. The view of the Mendota Bridge is really cool, even. There's actually a trail behind the Visitor's Center that leads right up to its walkway. For that matter, you can just walk over to Historic Fort Snelling from that part of the park. I really like the riverside walks, and there are generous amounts of those here. There are two big picnic areas; you might head directly for the one that's literally called "Picnic Island", but the one by "the beach" is much more picturesque. There's plenty of parking by both of those, as well as by the Visitor's Center. This being a Minnesota State Park, it's very well maintained and it's open year-round. On a recent Saturday hike I walked past a tree that had partially fallen onto the road. When I walked by it again less than an hour later, a crew was very diligently cutting it all away. Just saying, they appear to be on top of things here. There are fees in the form of vehicle permits; a one-day permit is $7, but a $35 annual permit gives you a year's worth of access to all Minnesota State Parks & Recreation Areas. There is also camping for additonal fees (you'll need to reserve your campsite in advance). I really like this park, and if you live in the Twin Cities it's hard to beat. But don't expect to feel particularly distant from the modern world.

    Dominik D.

    The big cities in America that have a state park within its vicinities are usually solid. It's funny that MSP airport, Target Field, and the IDS Building are in the same city as this lush, meandering, very green space. Unless the weather is bad, I can't imagine why anyone would want to drive here when it's VERY bike-able.

    Fort Snelling
    Ernie H.

    It's huge. There's a lot of trails and you can easily get lost. We came in the Thanksgiving and the leaves were gone At this time it feels like a scene in GOT when bad things are about to happen in the dead forest. The entry fee is minimal and if you have a State park pass you can skip the long line of cars applying to get in. Parking could be a problem, but hey there's a Covid spike out there and this is outdoors with all the room that you need. If you don't like GOT pretend to be in the Witcher instead. Happy Thanksgiving.

    Hiking along the Mississippi.
    John S.

    In breathing distance of the airport in the middle of a major metropolitan area is this state park. Oddly we can view nature, hear the sounds of nature at the same time as traffic from the nearby highways and planes roaring. The Pike Island hike is the most scenic with views of the Mississippi. Some attention was drawn to a loud rhythmic warbling sound as two bald eagles warned others of human danger and then performed a stunning display of flying skills and swooping before resting side by side on the ancient trees. The park floods easily and was closed for most of the 2019 season due to continue heavy rains. Hikers may have to create a detour when finding annoying ponds along the path. Check out the Coldwater Spring area and remaining structure of what once was a water pumping station for the fort. There are other remnants of days long past if you look around the prairie area. There is ample parking, a large Trail Center with gift shop and mostly easy trails which seems to attract family members of all ages. There are paved bike lanes with high speeding serious bikers, "on your left". A cry I heard many times.

    Dear
    Grace S.

    In deep winter it's well maintained, open, sweet $6 snowshoe rentals, gorgeous scenes & nature that makes Minneapolis & St Paul all the more becoming. You certainly won't regret coming here & the wildlife is bountiful. See my photos on a sunny snow drift cold day and like old faithful, they were here to receive me! Snow shoe rentals on weekends must be rented by 2:00 pm so they can be returned by 4:00 closing.

    Hallway, clean and contemporary
    Kevin B.

    Had an overnight layover here. I was staying at the Intercontinental, which is a brand new airport hotel. Fort Snelling is right across the street. I got up for an early morning hike before my flight, and found it really peaceful and beautiful with the icy river and dusting of snow. Was perfect before a long international flight to Singapore.

    Mississippi river
    Xia Y.

    A perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while in the Twin Cities. This state park is huge and offers many trails. I love taking my dogs and walking along the Mississippi.

    Caitlin U.

    I love this park so much fun stuff to do if you are an out door person. It cost money for parking. You can buy either a annual pass or a day pass. They have lots of parking lots. They usually have events going on during the summer time as well. Winter is nice you can do snowshoeing or cross country skiing on trails. It is a dog friendly place as long as u have them on leashes.

    09/28/18
    Michael U.

    Liked by locals for walking trails and bike paths Fort Snelling State Park is a perfectly fine way to enjoy the outdoors while in the Twin Cities, but for a place with so much green space it seems as though they could have a little more to it than just trees and gravel

    Pike Island on Halloween
    Liz L.

    I feel like I'm giving away a great secret spot by reviewing, but this is a place that should be experienced by urban explorers. I found it last summer by hopping on random trails and praying I didn't end up in Mississippi (thankfully, I didn't). What I did find: awesome trails removed from civilization. Pike Island is only accessible by footbridge and is smack dab in the middle of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. My river rat heart basically exploded with glee when I found a random bridge to a random island. (I don't like to plan my hiking trips). I stopped at the informational signs at the bridge and realized this little island has historical signifance too. Score one for geeky Liz! It's rather depressing and nothing to be proud of, but such is history: it's meant not to be repeated. So if you stop, read the signs. Besides Pike Island, there are a few other trails (that don't get my heart beating quite as fast, but still awesome). There are some pretty decent hills too. I always make this trip after Crosby Farm for a Mega Mississippi River park extravaganza (especially good if you're trying to win fitbit challenges & parking is free at Crosby).

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    Cool river Vue flat rocks to skip. That is the only thing I did but there is all so 3 paths to walk as well

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    This is a wonderful place. We walked along the Mississippi river. The park is very pretty and relaxing.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Fort Snelling State Park

    Review Highlights - Fort Snelling State Park

    Lots of picnicking on picnic island and pike island is off limits to bikes - and I usually have my bike ..

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    Crosby Farm Regional Park

    Crosby Farm Regional Park

    4.6(21 reviews)
    2.2 miHighland

    I'm going to have to return to this park again when I have a bit more time to explore. I stopped by…read morefor a quick hike and was a bit stymied when my GPS took me an unnecessary two miles over to the west entrance (past the unrelated marina) when I'd been intending to use the east one. The west entrance has a good-sized free parking lot nearby the gazebo. This structure has picnic tables, fire pit, water fountain, and restrooms (however, the latter two are seasonal... in November the fountain was shut off and the restrooms were locked, which kind of sucked for me who was in need of both... thus why I made my stay somewhat short). The trails for the most part are all paved, unless you take the unofficial ones beaten down along the riverway (which seem to be most utilized by fishers from what I could glean). So that's great for bicyclists or people pushing baby strollers or rollerbladers, but wasn't exactly the vibe I was looking for. Depends on what your desires are recreationally. There was one lake area under restoration that was therefore inaccessible for now; always nice to see when resources are being invested to keep our parks nice. Lots of trees, plenty of shade, even when most of the trees have lost their leaves in preparation for winter. I think I'll come back when some snow has fallen, because I'm sure it would probably be quite gorgeous.

    Love this park! Beautiful sand trails by the river and also paved trails. Highly recommend checking…read moreit out. There are many places to park along the road, but I love the parking lot by the picnic shelter, too!

    Photos
    Crosby Farm Regional Park - Scenic run to see "The Woman in the Tree".

    Scenic run to see "The Woman in the Tree".

    Crosby Farm Regional Park
    Crosby Farm Regional Park

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    Kellogg Mall Park

    Kellogg Mall Park

    4.5(2 reviews)
    7.0 miDowntown St. Paul

    This park is located in the heart of downtown St. Paul and is pretty basic. It spans 4.2 acres and…read morewas developed in 1922. There is metered street parking, with a 2-hour limit, in front of the park and there is other metered parking and commercial garages with in a reasonable walking distance. This park is very scenic and has a lot of potential. It sits up high and overlooks the Mississippi River. The park has some decent green space pockets that could be used for picnic and possibly frisbee or playing a light game of catch. It has a bunch of trees that provide a decent amount of shade. There is also a nice paved walkway around the parks perimeter that can be used to walk/jog. You will find some benches along that walkway that had a bunch of homeless people sleeping on them and a few people from nearby offices eating their lunch. The park could be maintained a bit better but, it is not horrible. The park an arcing pergola and two operational fountains. They are the best part of the park and make for some very nice pictures. The park is riddled with a bunch of homeless, as I mentioned, they were on the benches and one was in the fountain. The park has hosted events such as Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Country Flannel Night, Food Truck Friday: Voices of the Community, Francis Ford Coppola Winery Happy Hour, Hops & Hounds, and UCare Sunday Music in the Park. Either way, this is a nice park to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city, whether to sit and hang out, eat lunch, walk along the river overlook or just chill by the fountains.

    This is an ideal park for panoramas. You won't get a better view of Raspberry Island and the bustle…read moreof St. Paul can be momentarily forgotten while walking here.

    Photos
    Kellogg Mall Park
    Kellogg Mall Park
    Kellogg Mall Park

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    Irvine Park - 5/29/22: Fountain area (can host an intimate sized wedding. Permit required)

    Irvine Park

    4.0(3 reviews)
    6.4 miWest Seventh

    Irvine park is a nice quiet quick walk from my apartment. My partner and I take our dogs here…read moreeveryday multiple times a day for some much needed outside time. The park itself is beautiful with nice sectioned green grass some decorative bushes and benches throughout with a gorgeous fountain at its center. There's street parking available immediately near by so no need to walk from blocks away for a visit. There's also a lovely little gazebo with lights that's very pretty in the early mornings or later/darker evenings. I know it's a historical site as well so that's nifty. We have also seen even a few weddings and photo shoots being done in the park

    5/31/22: Overall 3.5 stars. Located in St. Paul, this is a small, quiet & intimate park. Calling it…read morea park might even be a stretch, as it's more like a place you just stroll through to escape the sun (lots of trees & shade) or snap a few pics. There's really no parking, nor any picnic tables, drinking water fountain, or bathrooms. Just a few benches facing the fountain. This isn't a place with jogging paths or much to do. So as a "park", with its lack of amenities, I'd say it's 2.5 stars, or 3 stars at best. However, you can rent the park from the city for $200 (prices as of May 2022) for an intimate wedding, which grants you the permit, plus very limited parking spots. For events over 2 hours, you must rent your own port-o-potty (from a different company $175), as they don't provide it with your park rental. Because it's a relatively affordable way to have a wedding for those on a budget, who love nature & want to be outside, or those who just want a simple no muss, no fuss type of wedding, for that target audience, I'd say it's a decent 3.5 stars, or perhaps even a good, 4 star option. The biggest plus is that there's really no one there (didn't see anyone running or walking their dogs, etc.), so there'll be no interruptions for those wanting a private event. I would say the biggest drawback of it is that there's no real bathroom or parking.

    Photos
    Irvine Park - 5/29/22: Gazebo

    5/29/22: Gazebo

    Irvine Park - Me and my doggo

    Me and my doggo

    Irvine Park

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    Fort Snelling State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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