Field Trips: Historic Fort Snelling

This National Historic Landmark has a wide history that includes Native peoples, traders, soldiers, enslaved workers, and immigrants. Explore the reconstructed Fort, the Plank Museum & Visitor Center and a rich landscape with stunning river overlooks. 
Your two hour field trip gives you the opportunity to create your own unique site experience and learn about the diverse stories that Historic Fort Snelling has to share. Visit to see firsthand why Fort Snelling is an important part of Minnesota and U.S. history. 

Please note: Historic Fort Snelling is undergoing active preservation work. This important work means that buildings, like the Commandant’s House, will be closed intermittently throughout the 2026-27 school year. 

Passport to the Past

Program designed for grades 4-6 but available for K-12 groups.

Grab your Historic Fort Snelling "passport" and journey through interactive experiences and the many stories that we have to share around the historic site. Each adult will receive a passport and map of the site. At their own pace, teachers and chaperones will lead their students between their choice of stations. Our twenty-two acres have a lot of spaces and activities to explore.

Many stations are facilitated by site interpretive staff, while others offer self-guided exploration. At guided stations, students will participate in group discussion, primary source analysis, and hear the stories of real people. Students can do historic laundry, become part of a cannon crew, experience a one-room schoolhouse lesson, and much more! Complete your journey and get your passport stamped!

Already booked?

Here is all you’ll need to know to Prepare for Your Field Trip!

Museum store 

Field trip groups are welcome to visit the museum store located in the Plank Visitor Center but must be accompanied by an adult visiting with the group.