Fort Snelling State Park
Overview
The Mississippi and Minnesota rivers have been shaping the landscape for thousands of years. An abundance of plants and animals continues to be sustained by all of this water. The majority of the park is dominated by cottonwood and silver maple trees and visitors can often spy white-tailed deer and wild turkeys while exploring the trails. The confluence of the rivers is the center of the earth, and a sacred place, for the Mdewakanton Dakota people. It is also where 1600 Dakota people were imprisoned during the winter of 1862-63 before being forcibly removed from Minnesota in the spring. Exhibits in the Visitor Center and the Wokiksuye K'a Woyuonihan (Remembering and Honoring) Dakota Memorial share the cultural significance and history of this sacred site with park users.
- Trails
- 10
- Viewpoints
- 2
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 13
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.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Mountain Biking
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at park office or entrance station.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Fort Snelling State Park is highly prone to seasonal flooding, which frequently causes temporary closures of low-lying trails, roads, and facilities like Pike Island, Picnic Island, and local boat launches.
- Because the park sits directly at a river confluence, rising waters can create hidden underwater hazards, muddy trail washouts, and structural safety issues.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking - Sargeant’s Lake Trail(Unpaved - biking permitted)
Hiking - New Hope Trail (Unpaved-biking Permitted))
Hiking - Snelling Lake Trail (Unpaved-biking Permitted))
Hiking only (Pike Island Trail)
Biking/Hiking (Paved)
Biking/Hiking (Paved)
Biking/Hiking (Paved)
Big Rivers Regional Trail (2)
Other Local Trails (Coach’s Corner)
Hiking Only (Big Rivers Regional Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Historic Sibley House
Monument / Memorial
The Sibley Historic Site, located in Mendota, Minnesota, is a historic museum positioned directly across the river from Fort Snelling. Built in 1836, the Historic Sibley House is the oldest surviving stone residence in Minnesota and served as the home of Henry Hastings Sibley, the state's first governor.
0.7 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
1.1 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Fort Snelling State Park?
Fort Snelling State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Fort Snelling State Park?
The Mississippi and Minnesota rivers have been shaping the landscape for thousands of years. An abundance of plants and animals continues to be sustained by all of this water.
Where is Fort Snelling State Park located?
Fort Snelling State Park is located in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Fort Snelling State Park?
Fort Snelling State Park has 10 mapped trails covering 23.2 miles in total. The longest is Other Local Trails (Coach’s Corner) at 4.1 miles.
What is there to see at Fort Snelling State Park?
Places to see at Fort Snelling State Park include Historic Sibley House, Overlook, Fishing Pier and Swimming beach.
What facilities are available at Fort Snelling State Park?
Facilities at Fort Snelling State Park include Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Mountain Biking, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets, Swimming Areas / Beaches and Visitor / Ranger Station.
Is there parking at Fort Snelling State Park?
Yes, Fort Snelling State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Are there restrooms at Fort Snelling State Park?
Yes, Fort Snelling State Park has restrooms (Restrooms / Flush Toilets).
How can I contact Fort Snelling State Park?
You can contact Fort Snelling State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Fort Snelling State Park know?
Fort Snelling State Park is highly prone to seasonal flooding, which frequently causes temporary closures of low-lying trails, roads, and facilities like Pike Island, Picnic Island, and local boat launches. Because the park sits directly at a river confluence, rising waters can create hidden underwater hazards, muddy trail washouts, and structural safety issues. Visitors should always obey posted barricades, check the Minnesota DNR Temporary Closures Page before traveling.
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