About the Friends of Fort Snelling

Dedicated to the Preservation of the Historic and Natural Values of the Fort Snelling Area

Our Purpose:

To Preserve

• The natural resources of the special area where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers converge.
• The historic character of the site where people have been meeting for centuries.

To Promote

• Public appreciation of the recreational opportunities available in the only state park in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• Visitor appreciation of the culture and history of the historic Fort.
• Citizen support for both Fort and Park.

To Assist

• Park and Fort staff with the development of educational programs relating to the area's natural and historic resources.
• Park and Fort staff with the acquisition of resources to operate, maintain, and improve the programs and facilities.

Our History

The Friends of Fort Snelling was established as the Fort Snelling State Park Association in 1961 as a non-profit citizens association. The Association was the key organization in establishing Fort Snelling State Park and preserving Historic Fort Snelling.

Over the years, we have worked to expand and protect the Park and the Fort by helping to acquire the funding for land and facilities such as the Thomas Savage Visitor Center.

We have supported development of educational and interpretive programs for both the Historic Fort and the State Park.