Fort Snelling State Park
Trail conditions:
Pike Island ski trails and trails around Snelling Lake were re-groomed on Thursday, January 23rd. The trails on Picnic Island and along the Minnehaha Trail will be groomed on Friday, January 24th. Overall, trail conditions are good but please be prepared for a thin base in some areas. As grooming operations resume, we would like to remind our hikers, snowshoers, and bikers to be aware of the park's ski trails. Ungroomed trails remain open to hikers and snowshoers. Multi-use trails will remain open to foot traffic and bikes, but please avoid the set ski tracks while using these trails. The outer perimeter trails on Pike Island are designated for skiers only; foot traffic will be restricted to the interior "Winter Hiking Trails" for the remainder of the grooming season. Please refer to the park map and posted signs regarding trail use designations.
| Skiing |
|---|
| Trail conditions: good |
| Trail groomed? yes |
| Trail base: 3" |
| Trail mileage: 11.0 |
| Difficulty: beginner (track) |
The trail(s):
The trail sits in the forested river bottoms consisting of cottonwood, green ash, silver maple and willow. The park harbors an abundance of wildlife, including deer, fox, woodchucks, and skunks.
You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically groomed for another activity, such as skiing or snowmobiling.
Facilities:
- Trail users can warm up in the Visitor Center (open daily 8-4).
- Daily ski passes are sold at the park office.
- Snowshoes rental available at the park office.
Last updated on January 23, 2020. Local snow depth is 7".
Getting there
101 Snelling Lake Road
St. Paul, MN 55111
Fort Snelling State Park is located on Post Road off State Highway 5, just west of the main terminal exit for the International Airport.
Parking is available at the park entrance, Visitor Center, various other parking lots in the park, and across the Minnesota River near the Henry Sibley Historic Site (for access to the eastern trails).
Contact
Phone: (612) 279-3550
Email: [email protected]
Contact hours are Sunday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., hours may vary. Warming house hours are 9 a.m. -3 p.m., daily.