Historic Fort Snelling

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Closed Mondays in July and August. Closed Sundays in September and October. Closed Mondays in June.

 
Discover an 1820s military outpost once the focus of a small settlement, but now at the center of Minnesota's Twin Cities metropolitan area.

A full living history program with costumed guides is presented daily during the summer, and on weekends in May, September, and October.

Fort Snelling is not only at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, but it is also the confluence of peoples. The histories of the people of Minnesota intersect at the fort and guests can explore these diverse stories within its walls.

Explore the lives of the soldiers and civilians who called the fort home, learn about the transformation of the fort throughout its history, hear the silent voices of slaves kept in bondage in a free state, delve into the checkered history of the fort and American Indians, and much much more.

The Fort's costumed guides demonstrate historic crafts; perform period musket and cannon firings; portray Colonel and Mrs. Snelling, as well as soldiers and civilians.  Cook period foods and share the stories of Minnesota's history with guests of all ages.

Don't miss History Under the Floor Boards, an exhibit exploring the archaeology of Fort Snelling.