State Park · Minnesota

Fort Snelling State Park

Location: Dakota County, Minnesota
Nearest town: 2 miles west of Mendota Heights
Type: State Park

About Fort Snelling State Park

The confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers forms the setting here, a spot the Mdewakanton Dakota people regard as the center of the Earth. Bottomland forest, backwater lakes, and river bluffs make up most of the protected land below the water's edge. Nearby stands the historic Fort Snelling, built in 1820 and run by the Minnesota Historical Society, and both the fort and surrounding park fall within the National Park Service's Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Fort Snelling State Park is in Dakota County, Minnesota, 2 miles west of Mendota Heights. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Fort Snelling State Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 73 in Minnesota →

Towns near Fort Snelling State Park

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Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.