Historic Fort Snelling

Historic Fort Snelling

Take a guided tour, view an exhibit, watch a demonstration, and engage in thought-provoking conversations that will spark connections between the past and your life today.

Welcome to Historic Fort Snelling, the U.S. military post built in 1819 under the direction of Colonel Josiah Snelling at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. A part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, this historic fort helps guests 'discover the deep cultural, social, military, and political history of this site.

The fort resides on Dakota Homeland, known as Bdote, the site itself holding over 10,000 years of history. On a visit to the fort, you will learn all about this history, with topics covered including native peoples, trade, soldiers, enslaved peoples, and immigrants. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds or a themed guided tour, You may also take part in any activity stations or demonstrations happening on the day of your visit.

Here are some things you can expect during your visit:

  • Costumed staff who demonstrate skills of the past.
  • Non-costumed staff who share and connect you with fascinating stories from the site's past.
  • Demonstrations of historical games such as baseball, in which visitors of all ages can participate.
  • Daily demonstrations of 19th-century military tactics, cooking, historic trades, and more!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 🅣 🅗 🅘 🅐 🅧 (@mni.sota_bythia) on