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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaA bridge spans the Mississippi River between wooded shores.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Fort Snelling State Park

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55111

 
 
A visitor approaches the visitor center at Fort Snelling State Park.

Overview
The park opened in 1962 to conserve open space and wildlife in the metropolitan area.

Fort Snelling State Park is located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The Dakota called this place Ha-Ha Mdo-Te which translates to "junction of two rivers" and from which the town of Mendota got its name.

Fort Snelling State Park is adjacent to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Seven major paved bike trails link the park with the surrounding suburbs and cities.

Situated near Historic Fort Snelling, the park is also adjacent to the Twin Cities International Airport and ranks as one of Minnesota's top 10 tourist attractions, with an average of over 400,000 annual visitors.

There is a daily entrance fee of $7.00 or an annual pass for $25.00.

Activities: There are 18 miles of cross-country skiing trails, 18 miles of hiking trails, 5 miles of biking trails, golf and canoe rentals, picnicking, fishing, boating, and swimming. There is also the nearby Fort Snelling Golf Course.

Hours: Please call for more information.

Information: Call Fort Snelling State Park at 612-725-2724.

 

 
 
 
Itasca, Headwaters of the Mississippi River  

Did You Know?
At Lake Itasca, the river is so shallow, children can walk across the Mississippi. Between Governor Nicholls Wharf and Algiers Point in New Orleans, the Mississippi is more than 200 feet deep.

Last Updated: February 12, 2009 at 16:53 EST