Fort Snelling State Park
Fort Snelling State Park
4.3
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Located on Pike Island, this scenic state park is one of Minnesota's most visited attractions, which features trails for cross-country skiing, hiking and mountain biking.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.3
133 reviews
Excellent
61
Very good
51
Average
19
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Jania
Silver Spring, MD22 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
We went on a quiet weekday to walk to the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. Water levels were quite low due to lack of rain in the previous month. To reach our goal we parked at at the end of the park Road and then walk a short distance to cross the bridge onto Pike Island. The island itself is mostly wooded although there are powerlines running through the middle of it. We saw a few deer and a flock of turkeys as well as a few other birds, but overall it was a quiet walk with few other people around. It was somewhat difficult to determine where we should park And Google maps first let us to nearby Fort Snelling, which confused us. There is a charge to enter the park and park. Apparently the main attraction during warm weather months are some river beaches judging by the large parking areas I presume these are very popular in season.
Written November 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Redacted Name
Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN240 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
I registered for a dnr "I can paddle: kayaking" course at this location, then picked up my (included) vehicle day pass from the visitor center at the park entrance. I then drove down to the lake where I met my class. I'd never been here before and was surprised at how there wasn't a disgruntled person Anywhere and the park's simple beauty was intoxicating. The lake was a good size, but calm. I'd go back.
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill K
Mantorville, MN6,943 contributions
Jan 2022
This is a beautiful park with numerous trails. The confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers is located here, and forms a wonderful backdrop to many activities year round. I recently hiked during the winter and was joined by snowshoers, cross country skiers, ice fishermen, and other hikers.
Written January 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN8,566 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
Beautiful area that is somewhat hidden even though it is right in middle of the city with several major thoroughfares nearby. I came here to hike the Pike Island Loop along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers including the confluence of the two at the north end of the island. Great views of both rivers throughout the 4 mile walk. Amazing as you feel like you are far from any city.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jake
Minneapolis, MN122 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
My wife and I hiked the Pike Island loop in February. It was about 45 degrees and sunny so things were melting quite a bit. The loop is about 3.5 miles all together and it took us about two hours. It runs right along the Mississippi River so the view is very pretty. Since it’s Minnesota, it is very flat. We wished there was a bit more elevation change but we had fun anyway. We brought our dog who had an absolute blast. There’s so much more to explore at Fort Snelling State Park than just the Pike Island loop. We look forward to exploring more. We live in Minneapolis so it’s only about 20 minutes to the park. All other state parks are at least an hour away. We will be back!
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E P
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
Asked for into at the visitor centre, he was not helpful AT ALL, in fact seemed very disinterested. I asked re getting to Minnehaha Park and was told the trail was closed. When questioned further was told I have to use the upper trail and use gps! That depends on if one knows where the upper trail is and if one can access gps and has a proper map. I also asked if I could then walk into Minneapolis following the river and all I was told was yes. I asked if I could cross the bridge to get to Minneapolis and was told that goes in a different direction.
I obviously expected too much. Usually in England where I live at visitor centres staff/helpers are so much more helpful and elaborate more about the area, the trails and what to look out for. Quite the worst experience for a first time Minnesota visitor. I had a lot more help from people I passed en route.
I obviously expected too much. Usually in England where I live at visitor centres staff/helpers are so much more helpful and elaborate more about the area, the trails and what to look out for. Quite the worst experience for a first time Minnesota visitor. I had a lot more help from people I passed en route.
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy M
Saint Paul, MN359 contributions
Aug 2019
Many people have no idea Fort Snelling State Park is there. It is under the Fort area at the bottom of the bluff along the river. It has wonderful hiking, and is an awesome place to go on a hot summer day.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eisme77
Janesville, WI2,194 contributions
Jul 2022
Hard to believe this is nestled in the middle of an urban area. My family and I took the hiking paths out toward the confluence of the Mississippi and the Minnesota Rivers. The trail was easy and enjoyable. After that, we walked the hill (it is very steep) to the actual Fort. We did not tour the fort as it wasn't our objective that day. However, the hiking was very scenic.
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaryVaKay
North Bay, Canada14 contributions
Mar 2018
This is just a beautiful park between the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, but just across the street from the airport and two busy highways. But don't let that stop you from visiting. There are wonderful trails and wildlife. In the summer, I'm sure it is busy with picnickers. The staff was very helpful too. There's even a geocache.
Written April 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter M
Sarasota, FL52 contributions
May 2016 • Family
My wife and I regularly visit this park. We go mostly for long walks. The park offers a variety of trails to meet the needs of most hikers. This is one of the few parks where we encounter many bicycle riders. The park also has a large swimming area. It is not a great place for fishing in mid summer, since the lake becomes filled with weeds. However, people can fish in the river.
Written May 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this a good place to take dogs?
Written September 24, 2019
I doubt if dogs are allowed in the fort.
Written February 10, 2020
We got all the snow at once, how are the trails here. I’m a classic skier looking for peace and beauty, not a race.
Written March 8, 2019
When would you say the water is a nice temp to swim? I read that the weather can be super hot but the water is too cold until late in the summer.
Written June 16, 2017
We have not gone into the water at the beach for a very long time. But it I recall there are people there in July swimming, I suggest that you check with the Park Office as to the conditions.
Written June 17, 2017
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