Visiting Historic Fort Snelling

Discover an 1820's 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.

This restored stone fortress opens its gates to welcome you to frontier life. Imagine that the year is 1827, and as costumed guides greet you, that you've just arrived via steamboat up the Mississippi River.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the past. Hear musket fire, the cannon's roar and the fife's shrill tunes. Take part in the fort's everyday life. Shoulder a musket, mend clothes, smell the stew, scrape a hide or sing along with the soldiers.

Take tea with Mrs. Snelling or sample the soldiers' bread ration. Swing a hammer in the blacksmith shop or barter with the sutler - but remember that his store is the only one for miles around!

The Fort's costumed guides demonstrate crafts, present historical skits and practice military drill and weapons firings. Join them in 1827 or explore other areas of the site's long history in the exhibits.

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