Overview
The park opened in 1962 to conserve open space and wildlife in the metropolitan area.
Fort Snelling State Park is located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The Dakota called this place Ha-Ha Mdo-Te which translates to "junction of two rivers" and from which the town of Mendota got its name.
Fort Snelling State Park is adjacent to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Seven major paved bike trails link the park with the surrounding suburbs and cities.
Situated near Historic Fort Snelling, the park is also adjacent to the Twin Cities International Airport and ranks as one of Minnesota's top 10 tourist attractions, with an average of over 400,000 annual visitors.
There is a daily entrance fee of $7.00 or an annual pass for $25.00.
Activities: There are 18 miles of hiking trails, 5 miles of biking trails, golf and canoe rentals, picnicking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The nearby Fort Snelling Golf Course offers golfing.
Winter activities abound. This park offers 12 miles of groomed and tracked ski trails, six miles of trail packed for multiple use and dog sledding and skijoring is permitted on seven miles of trail on the Dakota County side of the park. Ice Fishing is allowed on Gun Club Lake and Snelling Lake. Heated trail shelters are available at Picnic Shelter A and the park's Visitor Center. MN Ski Pass available for purchase. Fishing licenses are required for ice fishing (not available for purchase at park). Drinking water and toilets open year-round.
Hours: Please call for more information.
Information: Call Fort Snelling State Park at 612-725-2724.
