Fort Ridgely State Park
Overview
Fort Ridgely State Park was created in 1911 as a memorial to those who fought in the US-Dakota War of 1862. The fort within the park was built in 1853 as a United States Army outpost and training ground, housing 300 soldiers and civilians. In 1862, the Dakota made two attacks on the fort. The war had lasting impacts on the state of Minnesota and the nation. Visit the park today to find more reminders of the area’s history. You may discover stone structures built by Civilian Conservation Corps and Veterans Conservation Corps crews in the 1930s.
- Trails
- 5
- Viewpoints
- 12
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 33
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- horseback
- Historic Site
- Amphitheatre
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at ranger station or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- When planning a visit to Fort Ridgely State Park, always review the Minnesota DNR Visitor Alerts before heading out, as weather conditions can cause temporary trail or road closures.
- Visitors should exercise caution along the bluffs and watch for uneven terrain, especially on rustic hiking and horseback riding paths.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking (Fort Trail)
Hiking/Horseback (Upper Prairie/Lower Prairie/Fairway/Fire Rock/River View Trail)
Hiking/Horseback (Upper Valley/Hillside/Lower Valley Trail)
Hiking/Horseback (Buckskin Trail)
Paved Hiking/Horseback (Fair Ridge Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Picnic Area
0.1 mi
Horse Riders Day-use Area
Horse Riding
0.1 mi
Campground
0.2 mi
Campground
0.2 mi
Historic Site (Fort)
Monument / Memorial
0.2 mi
Overlook
0.3 mi
Group Camp
Camping
0.3 mi
Sliding Hill
Scuba
0.3 mi
Overlook
0.4 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
0.7 mi
Horse Camp
Horse Riding
1.3 mi
Overlook
1.3 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Fort Ridgely State Park?
Fort Ridgely State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Fort Ridgely State Park?
Fort Ridgely State Park was created in 1911 as a memorial to those who fought in the US-Dakota War of 1862. The fort within the park was built in 1853 as a United States Army outpost and training ground, housing 300 soldiers and civilians. In 1862, the Dakota made two attacks on the fort.
Where is Fort Ridgely State Park located?
Fort Ridgely State Park is located in Fairfax, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Fort Ridgely State Park has 5 mapped trails covering 12.2 miles in total. The longest is Hiking/Horseback (Upper Prairie/Lower Prairie/Fairway/Fire Rock/River View Trail) at 5.1 miles.
What is there to see at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Places to see at Fort Ridgely State Park include Historic Site (Fort), Horse Camp, Horse Riders Day-use Area, Overlook, Sliding Hill and Walk-In Campsite.
What facilities are available at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Facilities at Fort Ridgely State Park include Amphitheatre, Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Historic Site, horseback, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters and 2 more.
Is there parking at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Yes, Fort Ridgely State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Yes, Fort Ridgely State Park has 3 campsites marked on its map, including Group Camp.
How can I contact Fort Ridgely State Park?
You can contact Fort Ridgely State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Fort Ridgely State Park know?
When planning a visit to Fort Ridgely State Park, always review the Minnesota DNR Visitor Alerts before heading out, as weather conditions can cause temporary trail or road closures. Visitors should exercise caution along the bluffs and watch for uneven terrain, especially on rustic hiking and horseback riding paths. Because the region experiences variable seasonal weather, stay informed on local Minnesota DNR Fire Danger Restrictions to ensure campfires are restricted to designated steel rings.
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