Why You Should Go...
Fort Snelling State Park is located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. Situated near Historic Fort Snelling, located 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 visitors.
This large state park opened in 1962 and helps to conserve open space and wildlife in the heavily-populated metropolitan area. Seven major paved bike trails link the park with the surrounding suburbs and cities. Take advantage of 18 miles of hiking trails, five miles of biking trails, snowshoe and canoe rentals, picnicking, fishing, boating, and swimming.
Winter activities abound as well. Explore 12 miles of groomed and tracked ski trails, six miles of trail packed for multiple uses, and dog sledding and skijoring is permitted on seven miles of trail on the Dakota County side of the park.
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Why You Should Go...
Fort Snelling State Park is located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. Situated near Historic Fort Snelling, located 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 visitors.
This large state park opened in 1962 and helps to conserve open space and wildlife in the heavily-populated metropolitan area. Seven major paved bike trails link the park with the surrounding suburbs and cities. Take advantage of 18 miles of hiking trails, five miles of biking trails, snowshoe and canoe rentals, picnicking, fishing, boating, and swimming.
Winter activities abound as well. Explore 12 miles of groomed and tracked ski trails, six miles of trail packed for multiple uses, and dog sledding and skijoring is permitted on seven miles of trail on the Dakota County side of the park.
What You Should Know...
Open:
Year-Round
Cost: Less than $25
Access: Wheelchair, Public Transportation, Service Animals, Pets, Bicycle
Parking: Free On-site, Bicycle
Extra Fun...
Fun Facts
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.
The park is adjacent to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, so wildlife is plentiful along the rivers and hiking trails.
Heated trail shelters are available at Picnic Shelter A and the park's Visitor Center. Drinking water and toilets are available year-round.