Fort Snelling State Park

Name: The U.S.-Dakota War
Start: 2026-11-07T10:00:00-06:00
Location: Fort Snelling State Park

Minnesota State Park

⚠️ Active alert

All visitors must have a vehicle permit to enter the park.

Show all 4 notices

Trail updates
The Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center will be CLOSED on Mondays from May through October.
The Dakota Memorial, Wokiksuye K'a Woyuonihan, pipestone centerpiece is currently on display in the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center in preparation of memorial restoration.
Picnic Island is OPEN.
Pike Island is OPEN. Biking is not allowed on Pike Island.
Minnehaha Trail is OPEN.
The natural surface trail on the east side of the Minnesota River is CLOSED indefinitely.

Water recreation
Boat launch docks are IN for the season at Picnic Island, Snelling Lake, and Casperson Landing (Cedar Ave Bridge).
The fishing pier is OPEN.
Snelling Lake Beach is OPEN.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the ranger station during operating hours on a first come, first served basis through October 18th. Rental fees are $15 for half day and $25 for full day; paddles and life vests included. Boats must remain on Snelling Lake. Rentals subject to weather conditions.

Restrooms
Flush toilets are available at the ranger station, beach and visitor center during posted office hours.
Restrooms on Picnic Island are OPEN for the season.
Portable toilets are available at Shelter B on Picnic Island, visitor center parking lot, and Snelling Lake fishing pier and beach parking lot.
Updated September 20, 2026

🚧 Trail closures — check details

HoursDaily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Entrance fee$7 / vehicle

Trails18 hiking · 15 biking

CampingDay use only

Directions Official Minnesota DNR page Park map Log a visit Winter biking map Winter map

Fort Snelling State Park entrance fee

$7 per vehicle — One-day vehicle permit $7; year-round permit $35 ($26 for an additional vehicle, $30 motorcycle, $12 with a disability permit). Free year-round permits for disabled veterans, active-duty military and members of Minnesota’s 11 federally recognized tribes.

Fort Snelling State Park hours

Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Hours as published by Minnesota DNR. Check the official page before a long drive.

About Fort Snelling State Park

Pike Island sits where the Minnesota empties into the Mississippi, and you can walk out to the point inside the Twin Cities. Canoe, fish or swim Snelling Lake, join the regional trail network, and read the history at the Savage Visitor Center. Day use only.