Fort Snelling State Park

Mendota Heights, Minnesota, United States

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 Hours08:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Emergency SOS8886466367

Required Permits

Alerts & Advisories

Stay informed before heading out

Popular/Nearby Trails

Hiking - Sargeant’s Lake Trail(Unpaved - biking permitted)

0.2 mi away2.0 mi184 ft

Hiking - New Hope Trail (Unpaved-biking Permitted))

0.2 mi away1.2 mi

Hiking - Snelling Lake Trail (Unpaved-biking Permitted))

0.6 mi away1.0 mi55 ft

Hiking only (Pike Island Trail)

0.6 mi away3.1 mi10 ft

Biking/Hiking (Paved)

1.0 mi away2.8 mi60 ft

Biking/Hiking (Paved)

1.4 mi away3.7 mi202 ft

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

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

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