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Fort Snelling is a nice park in the middle of the city. We used the track chairs and it was Awesome it's been a while since my mom was able to get out there. She is 80 years old and had both knees replaced. The people there at the park were so friendly and helpful. I hope more parks get these chairs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
A Gem: Fort Snelling State Park Rating: I visited Fort Snelling State Park on Memorial Day and I was blown away. Not what you'd expect from the name I know, but this is no ordinary park - it's better. From the moment I walked in I was struck by the natural beauty of the park. If you love the outdoors this is the place for you with plenty of hiking and exploring to be had. The staff do a great job of keeping the park clean and up to date. One of the highlights of my visit was the bike trail. I brought my bike and it was a great decision. The trail is well maintained and has great views of the surrounding area. Plus the park is close to several other trails so it's a great place to start a longer ride. I'm already planning on coming back to use this park as my starting point for future bike adventures. Overall I highly recommend Fort Snelling State Park to anyone looking for a beautiful outdoor experience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, casual biker or just someone who loves the great outdoors this park has something for everyone. From the natural beauty to the location and trails Fort Snelling State Park is a gem that needs to be found. read more
I absolutely love the Pike Island hiking trail. At nearly 4 miles, it is a hidden gem that is a top notch green space tucked amidst an urban setting. The hike is a loop, with a flat trail and great views of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. read more
11 months ago
Fort Snelling is a nice park in the middle of the city. We used the track chairs and it was Awesome it's been a while since my mom was able to get out there. She is 80 years old and had both knees replaced. The people there at the park were so friendly and helpful. I hope more parks get these chairs. read more
1 year ago
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. read more
4 years ago
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. read more
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. read more
1 year ago
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. read more
4 years ago
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
9 years ago
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. read more
8 years ago
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 read more
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). read more
7 years ago
The state park is a must to see if you're a nature person. It's located literally minutes from everything. You can drive through, rent bikes, fish, picnic, etc. There is a visitor center underneath the bridge with a gift shop. Not much there but still a few trinkets if you wanted. If you're lazy like we were, a drive through the park is just as gorgeous as anything else. You do need permits to launch boats or fish. There are separate areas for everything. The park is huge and well preserved. read more
8 years ago
I went to this park in the winter and ( although very, very cold ) it was a super fun experience ! The river was not completely frozen and the snow covered the park. I went with a friend and the two of us were able to drive around until we found a nice scenic area to take pictures at. We wandered around, snapping photos, and ran into maybe one or two others - it was a lot of fun ! As a Minnesota resident, it can be hard to find fun activities in the area, but I would say this Park makes a great day trip to go on a hike, a scenic walk, or even to just go take fun pictures ! If you are going in the winter, be sure to dress Warm ( i even had to wear snow pants ), because it is in an open space. read more
8 years ago
Pretty awesome park! Very good for a nature run down by the river. Guarantee you will See plenty of wildlife up and close. Do not forget to bring misquote repellent, as you will get eaten up. read more
18 years ago
Yes! Why was this my first time visiting? We did the "Hiking Club" hike and really enjoyed it! Nice shade on a warm day and river view round trip. I recommend joining the "Hiking Club" as a way to track your hikes and celebrate hikes completed. We had a lot of fun and will return. read more
I came to Fort Snelling by myself on a day off from work to check out the trails. I have been making my way to different state parks over the summer and forgot to consider the one closest to me. There were a few field trip groups at the main building so I didn't get a chance to check out the artifacts but will do it another time. I did the 3 mile loop on Pike Island to the convergence point of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. I love how twisted and large the trees are. It seems different than the typical Minnesota landscape. There is also a portion of the trail that looks similar to a swamp. Very cool place to hike and honor the history of the people who first inhabited the land. read more
14 years ago
7 years ago
9 years ago
New Year's Eve Candlelight Hike was terrific! $5 MN State Park pass and traffic was a little nuts on the departure but it was a great way to end the year! It goes until 8 pm today! There is multiple bonfires to warm up and cider and marshmallow roasting. Hold on to your kids, it's dark people!! read more
11 years ago
19 years ago
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