About Fort Snelling State Park

About Fort Snelling State Park
Fort Snelling State Park sits where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet in St. Paul, Minnesota. The park is only for day use, with no overnight camping permitted. The park is home to Fort Snelling, which at one time was one of the few military outposts in the Upper Midwest.

Birdwatching

The park is in the midst of what birdwatchers call a migration corridor, making it an excellent place to view a plethora of bird species. The park's website provides a comprehensive list of the various species that birdwatchers may encounter.

Hiking

There are 18 miles of hiking trails in the park, rated easy to moderate. These trails traverse woodlands and follow the shores of lakes and rivers.

Winter Activities

Cross-country skiers have a dozen miles of groomed trails to make use of in the winter. The park permits snowshoeing anywhere in the park except on these trails.

Biking

Biking is a popular activity at Fort Snelling State Park, with both paved and mountain biking trails available. These trails conveniently connect to a longer 53-mile trail that traverses the Minneapolis area.

Other Activities

There is a handicap-accessible fishing pier and swimming beach located on Snelling Lake. A nine-hole golf course operated by the Minneapolis Parks Board is located in the Upper Bluff area of the park.

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

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