Fort Snelling State Park image

Fort Snelling State Park

Tourist attraction Hiking area State park

One of the Best Places To Visits in Mendota Heights


Address

101 Snelling Lake Rd, St Paul, MN 55111

Website

www.dnr.state.mn.us

Contact

(612) 279-3550

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (2.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 8 AM to 10 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trails (27) park (24) great (19) river (17) hike (17) walk (14) time (13) hiking (13) trail (13) Great (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jaree J. 8 months ago on Google • 148 reviews
    Neat place to visit and check out. Had a good Fourth of July here with my kiddos. Safe and cop free no one hassled us we enjoyed our selves and had a good time hanging out by the overlook watching the fire works. Good times.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tiffany R. 1 year ago on Google
    We cannot change our future without first examining our past. I visited here many years ago and found the experience interesting. Now returning many years later as an adult I've found they have put in more work to keep the fort intact and made a wonderful welcome center. There is so much to learn. Plan for at least 1.5-2 hours if you want to briskly walk through. However, to deeply immerse yourself and experience all the presentations they offer plan for at least 3. There is no food offered here so pack a lunch if needed. Also make sure to check the weather as most of it is outside.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruplekha B. 1 year ago on Google
    We love this park with wonderful hiking trails, you can also walk by the river and beach is extremely beautiful. Fishing is also a great opportunity. Swim in the lake at in the river is great experience. Fort visit can be done. Every where you can find restrooms. So many parking spots. One good thing is it’s not over crowded at weekends or national holidays also. You need buy a day pass or the annual state park pass to get enter. Nature is at the best. Is. A wonderful palace to visit at anytime.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marcus C. 6 months ago on Google • 372 reviews
    A great state park to take a hike at! We rented out a birding kit for the first time which was awesome. Saw many egrets, blue herons, seagulls, and different birds! A nice 2.5 mile hike and it was awesome to see where the MN river ends and goes into the Mississippi River.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Grant E. 7 months ago on Google • 296 reviews
    Not a bad place if you can manage the transpo to burn a few hours while waiting on a flight (the airport is practically a next door neighbor). Looks like one of the trails neae the Museum was undergoing renovations. Didn't seem to busy in the noon ish hours on a Friday. The trail we did walk was maintained.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth A. 1 year ago on Google
    This a fantastic place to go hiking during any season. We especially love hiking here in the fall when it's dry & the winter when there is lots of snow. There are many trails. Our favorites go all the way to Minnehaha Falls & also to the tip of Pike Island. Some of the trails are paved but the rest are packed down enough to still be accessible to those in wheelchairs. There is LOTS of accessible parking & restrooms too. We almost always see deer here. I posted a few photos of a very large buck we saw today. There are lots of areas to have a picnic & lots of beaches to rest. All in all it is a great place with lots of beautiful things to see.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 B A. 1 month ago on Google • 338 reviews New
    Fort Snelling State Park is a really great state park to spend a day at, with a convenient location right in the Twin Cities. The park is located on the Minnesota River, which makes for many great recreational activities and many great opportunities to see an abundance of different wildlife species. The amount of waterfowl you will see here is unbelievable. They have many great well maintained trails, all of which are not difficult to walk, hike or bike. They have a fairly large beach area. Lots of good facilities, including a great visitor center. Plenty of parking.

  • 5/5 Emily T. 5 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    First time visiting the park- I was worried on a Sunday afternoon in fall I wouldn’t find any parking. Turns out- there’s plenty, even when the park is plenty! The park was busy but easy to navigate. Trails were clearly marked and mostly hard dirt and sand. Plenty of gorgeous views of the river valley. Facilities were clean, and I thoroughly enjoyed my hike around Pike Island.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diana C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great places, good for your loved pets, and its a great nature trail.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark D. 1 year ago on Google
    Nicely renovated Old fort that has a lot of history. It's a must stop for history buffs of any kind. The surrounding area is beautiful and has many hiking trails. Inside the fort they have different reenactments from different time periods. When I was there they had a World war I theme happening, a grenade throwing demonstration and a rifle demonstration. Very informative and educational. Start out with the 15 minute movie that has information about the fort, the area and so forth. There's a lot of walking and some uneven surfaces so be prepared for that. It is handicapped accessible also except for areas where stairs are used. They also had cooking, blacksmith, and other demonstrations throughout the fort going on which was very interesting and educational. The Fort itself was built in the early 1800s, and was in service through World war II pretty much with a short break right before the civil war. Many World war II soldiers came here first before being sent off to different parts of the country for training.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Florence Catherine M. 2 years ago on Google
    The Pike Island hiking trail is a fairly easy hike with little to no elevation. The 3.6 mile loop takes a minimum of 1 hour 25 minutes to hike for begginers. Lots of flowers a long the route, a nice view of the Minnesota river and the Mississipi river, ferry boat rides, the occasional deer and gorgeous sunset views. Along with the sunset are tons of mosquitoes, so just be aware.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chang-Tsan L. 2 years ago on Google
    We enjoyed a lot hiking around Pike Island which is part of Fort Snelling State Park. You can choose the 1, 2, or 3 mile trails to hike. My family chose to hike around the whole island (3 miles), and we were able to casually finish the full circle in less than 2 hours (with little kids). We got to see the confluence of Mississippi River and Minnesota River. Very cool! Out of the 66 state parks in Minnesota, Fort Snelling State Park probably is the only one within the Twin Cities area. It is awesome to have such a pleasant environment nearby for people to get relaxed!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jere W. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is awesome. I love the history of it all. The restoration work they have done is incredible. I was there in the 90s and hadn't been back until now and I'm still amazed by it all. The tour guides were very helpful and friendly. They didn't have many reenactments this last time due to covid. But was still good. It's a great place for families, most of it is wheelchair accessible and they have a golf cart that will take you to and from the parking lot. If you do go I recommend checking out some of the surrounding trails, very beautiful and some breath taking views.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alane K. 7 months ago on Google • 137 reviews
    I haven’t visited this park since an elementary school visit and was impressed by the size. A huge park filled with water and wild flowers available to us in the city. I visited on a Friday afternoon and was often wandering around alone. I primarily followed the Pike Island loop. I’ve never seen so many coneflowers. The woods were lush and green and water seemed to be somewhere in every direction. There are some trail closures in the park but there are plenty of trail options to choose from.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Robert E. 1 month ago on Google • 221 reviews New
    It's OK, the fort is 1/2 day interesting. Access to the trail which will take you up to Minnehaha Falls or the mlps grand round trail is second best part of the park. Not much excitement down in the river bottom woods.

  • 5/5 Ricki G. 2 months ago on Google • 71 reviews New
    We had a fantastic hike and joined a presentation on skipping stones at the river bank. Absolutely terrific staff, so friendly and kind. Our family had a spectacular time. The lake/pond is fairly small, but it was perfect for a quick kayaking and canoeing excursion with our younger kids.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron C. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful area to hike and explore
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mary R. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s always a new adventure here. From the birds,deer,parks and planes there’s always something and it never gets old to watch planes fly overhead!!! I recommend everyone to do this atleast once. I wish it was open a little later so I could star gaze but truly it’s a great place!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Casi B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great walking trails that go for miles. Pretty views of the lake, a swimming beach, and great picnic areas. $7 daily parking fee, or $35 for an annual state park pass.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bobby B. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice walking and hiking paths! You definitely can loose track of time!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William P. 6 months ago on Google
    Beautiful state park. Great pavilion, beach, trails, many deer running around.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joe W. 8 months ago on Google
    Very informative and knowledgeable staff! Loved watching and talking to the the blacksmiths and the general store keeper. It’s a very interesting place with lots of history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Devon D. 1 month ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    I’m a very big outdoors person and unfortunately I have to say, this is probably the most underwhelming state park in MN. It’s in a highly populated metro area which definitely takes you out of the zen of the environment. It’s also just not very scenic. It’s fine if you just want to go for a walk or go on a picnic but I definitely wouldn’t make the time to do a 2 hour hike here. There’s simply so many better parks and trails, even within the twin cities.

  • 5/5 Ishara W. 2 years ago on Google
    The hiking club trail was very beautiful. can’t believe we have this beauty very close to the city. The beach was beautiful too. loved the hike

  • 4/5 Bud B. 3 years ago on Google
    great park

  • 4/5 michael m. 4 months ago on Google
    Good information about historical snelling so I found right answer from geocaching advantage lab thank you

  • 5/5 Cigar G. 10 months ago on Google
    One of my favorite places to let my dog run (but it’s currently is under water.) Such a beautiful scene but I do feel badly for anyone with homes or businesses effected negatively by the rain fall and the river being so outrageously high.😳

  • 5/5 Scott B. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a great place to go and walk through nature. It's close to a ton of other things, but if you want to feel like you've been able to get out of the city for some time in nature this is the place to go. I always bring my camera with me when I got there because you never quite know what kind of critters you will encounter while you are there. If you happen to be there during the time Fort Snelling is open, then you can walk to the top of the hill and go check that out while you are there.

  • 5/5 Molly K. 5 months ago on Google
    Beautiful state park with a lot of history. There's something for everyone here. A beach for swimming or soaking up the sun. Showers and restrooms as well. Multiple fishing docks and boat landings on both the lake and the river. Playgrounds. Picnic and BBQ areas and of course hiking trails. There's even an ATV wheelchair available for free. ( you have to reserve ahead of time) Great place for the whole family!

  • 5/5 Sherrita N. 2 years ago on Google
    Waterfall was amazing but the food at the restaurant made my day! Spent the day here with my love during my first time visit. It was so sweet and romantic! Ho gained all the points. Can't wait to go back!

  • 5/5 Serraya B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is an awesome place to go if you want to learn about the history of the area and also experience the outdoors! There are tons of different walking and biking paths, all very well maintained, both on Pike Island and the western side of Fort Snelling. They're pretty long so I'd suggest making an entire day out of your trip. The trails wind through the woods and lead down to the river, and along the way the there are some cool cliffs and natural springs. The only drawbacks in my opinion are #1 you have to pay for parking in the lot, as well as to go inside the actual Fort (the trails are free of course); and #2 there's a dog park down by the river which in my opinion sort of ruins it.

  • 5/5 Chane F. 2 years ago on Google
    This for me was a hidden gem, if you love great hikes and walking by the river is a great place. And fortunately it's never very busy during the week.

  • 4/5 Paul M. 1 year ago on Google
    Starting from the Sibley Historic Site in Mendota, the hiking trails are quiet, undeveloped and natural. Bubbling springs, meandering creeks, eagle eyries, woodchuck lodges, songbird nests, and more. The trail can be muddy but the scenery is worth the effort.

  • 4/5 Rev. Agony S. 1 year ago on Google
    A place to remember. A harbor of painful and courageous memories. Where the waters meet, there also sad and happy memories are preserved. Provokes questions on the evils of colonialism, feasibility of reparations, tolerance, domineering tendencies, forgiveness, perpetrator remorse, mixed feelings depending on perspective, and coexistence after conflict. Could the past have answers to our contemporary questions? Humanity is too incapacitated that it cannot afford ignoring God.

  • 5/5 Lin B. 1 year ago on Google
    The renovation of the outside area including the stage area is beautiful. The free concerts this year have been so exciting and fun! So far a Swing band and Taiko Drumming!

  • 5/5 Kevin R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great historical experience. Great restoration of Fort Snelling. And in depth historical perspective from all people during the Fort Snelling time period.

  • 5/5 Quinn K. 8 months ago on Google
    Really cool park with lots of history behind it. You can visit the actual fort and see some other historical landmarks, but there's actually a ton of trails too. There's paved ones that lead down onto Pike Island, a bike trail, and other walking/hiking trails that lead down to the river and connect up with trails from nearby Minnehaha Park.

  • 5/5 Vikash T. 7 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    Fort Snelling State Park is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy a variety of activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and canoeing. If you are into fishing, Pike Island should be your go-to spot. Here, you can catch catfish, walleye, and other fish while appreciating the stunning views of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. This park is an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature.

  • 4/5 Charlie G. 1 year ago on Google
    Lots of history to see at fort Snelling the buildings are vary well kept up the trail around pike island is about 4 miles a vary nice walk along the river nice a places to stop for a break the store there did have snakes and stuff if u didn't bring something

  • 5/5 Jesus V. 3 years ago on Google
    Visit the past, Fort Snelling one of the most popular places in Minnesota...

  • 2/5 Shelley S. 3 years ago on Google
    It's under construction right now, can't get to places like to see the views from

  • 5/5 Doug A. 3 years ago on Google
    Good trails which usually not too crowded.

  • 5/5 Instead P. 3 years ago on Google
    Long winding trails close - yet away from the bustle of the city.

  • 5/5 Lance R. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful walk in the woods.

  • 5/5 Tom J. 3 years ago on Google
    Romantic Xmas hike.

  • 4/5 Shawn J. 3 years ago on Google
    Very fun trails. I had no idea it was as big as it is.

  • 5/5 Tom K. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice day to snowshoe.

  • 5/5 Ben W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great public space. Hill is a little steep on snowy days. Picnic island is beautiful.

  • 5/5 Marty M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great snowshoeing!

  • 5/5 William W. 3 years ago on Google
    Always a beautiful walk along the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers!

  • 5/5 Stacy W. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful walking area. It's more of a walk than a hike, so sandals and tennis shoes will be just fine. The trailhead on Google maps is strange because it's located inside the trail a bit.

  • 5/5 Milton L. 3 years ago on Google
    Always very pleasant. My fam. And I enjoy this park all year long for the past 10 years. And also used the boat ramp

  • 5/5 Charles P. 3 years ago on Google
    A treasure hidden in the city. Great hiking trails, lots of parking, picnic areas, nature at some of it's finest. Geocaching also.

  • 5/5 Darrell C. 3 years ago on Google
    Skiing on pike Island was great. Nice to have two tracks.

  • 5/5 Lou M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to walk the dog. All visitor centers are currently closed so take a bathroom break before you get here.

  • 5/5 Gaby B. 3 years ago on Google
    Love yo take a hike in this park always variety of paths and even more with the hike i always can make it to fort Snelling and to the dog park for my puppy 🐶

  • 4/5 Jackson M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice scenic trails with plenty of wildlife right in the cities. Easy paved walking paths great for anyone. I have not seen the historic tours or reenactments in 2020

  • 5/5 Julie S. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful walking path and amazing trees

  • 5/5 Ben P. 3 years ago on Google
    A wonderful place to hike! I love sitting at the confluence.

  • 5/5 sarah e. 3 years ago on Google
    Not bad at all. Huge trail spots. So many to chiose from. AND.... There’s chargepoint chargers at the entrance!

  • 4/5 Benjamin R. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely park, but google maps has trouble getting me to Pike Island. I tried over the weekend and it took me to Crosby Farm. What the Heck!

  • 5/5 Nicholas Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic views and nice, easy hikes along the river! Check out picnic island

  • 5/5 Mary B. 3 years ago on Google
    Easy and we'll groomed trails. Although busy, distancing was easy.

  • 4/5 Heidi Kelly J. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place. Great trails the graffiti is getting pretty bad though. Looks like the neighborhood crime watch isn't working out so well 😒

  • 5/5 Tom W. 3 years ago on Google
    A wonderful place to see nature without leaving the city

  • 5/5 David G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great views and walking trails.

  • 5/5 Christopher P. 3 years ago on Google
    I like the disc golf course here!!!

  • 5/5 Phillip H. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice quiet place to see wildlife, deer,eagles etc.

  • 3/5 JACOB and D. 3 years ago on Google
    They're doing construction so I wasn't able to enjoy the beautiful view of Mississippi River

  • 3/5 Harriette M. 3 years ago on Google
    Way to crowded ! Soo noisy!! But still very special!

  • 5/5 katie b. 3 years ago on Google
    Sunset > Sunrise :)

  • 1/5 jo m. 3 years ago on Google
    the bugs were so bad we left 5 minutes after we got there.

  • 5/5 Jean K. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place

  • 4/5 Amelie H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to walk.

  • 5/5 Mike H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for a scenic walk.

  • 5/5 Vince M. 3 years ago on Google
    Lots of biking connections Minneapolis, St Paul along the river. Trails are usually flooded in spring with some of the park closed. Excellent trails for walking on Pike Island, a valuable history lesson too.


Call (612) 279-3550 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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