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 Hours08:00 AM – 10:00 PM SOSEmergency SOS8886466367 Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Popular/Nearby Trails
Nearby Viewpoints
Nearby Points of Interest
Amenities Available
Paved Parking LotsDesignated 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 ToiletsModern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
Drinking Water FountainsPotable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
Picnic Areas & SheltersCovered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
Visitor / Ranger StationInformation hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
Hiking & Nature TrailsMarked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
CampgroundsTent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
horseback
Historic Site
Amphitheatre
Community Photos
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