Where is Fort Snelling, St. Paul, Minnesota?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

Fort Snelling is located in Minnesota, USA, near the city of Minneapolis. It lies between the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River and is situated in a river confluence area. It is famous for being an important military fort and a historic site from the 19th century.

Fort Snelling Location Map, St. Paul, Minnesota

Top Attractions Inside Fort Snelling National Historic Site

  • Historic Fort Structure – Restored 19th-century fort showcasing military architecture and defensive works.
  • Visitor Center & Museum – Exhibits on the fort’s history, Native American relations, and military operations.
  • Reconstructed Barracks & Officers’ Quarters – Buildings demonstrating daily life of soldiers and officers.
  • Blacksmith Shop & Workshops – Demonstrations of period trades and crafts.
  • Walking Trails & Ramparts – Scenic paths along the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers with historical markers.
  • Guided Tours & Living History Programs – Educational programs, reenactments, and interactive experiences.
  • Picnic & Outdoor Areas – Spaces for family activities amidst historic and natural surroundings.

Fort Snelling Facts

Official NameFort Snelling
LocationBluff overlooking the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, near Saint Paul / Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Latitude & Longitude≈ 44.8876° N, 93.1547° W
Built / EstablishedConstruction begun 1819; permanent fort completed 1825 (originally named Fort Saint Anthony, renamed Fort Snelling upon completion) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Named AfterColonel Josiah Snelling — commanding officer who oversaw construction :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Managed ByMinnesota Historical Society (Historic Fort Snelling) & Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (state park lands) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Region / Strategic Position“Bdote” — the historic confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers; strategic gateway between Great Lakes / Mississippi River system and Northwest U.S. frontier :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Purpose / ConceptMilitary fortification, fur‑trade control & U.S. sovereignty assertion; later frontier defense, recruitment & training base, logistics & inductee center during major wars :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Historical SignificanceEarliest permanent U.S. Army post in region; played important roles in fur trade, Native‑American relations, frontier expansion, Civil War & subsequent wars; site connected to early African‑American history and slavery (including the case of Dred Scott & his wife) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Active Military Use UntilDecommissioned as active military post in 1946 (after WWII) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Historic‑Site DesignationDesignated a National Historic Landmark in 1960; listed on National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1966 :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Current StatusRestored historic fort operated as museum & interpretive site; part of broader Fort Snelling complex including state park, historic buildings, cemetery, natural lands & recreation areas :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Visitor Facilities & ActivitiesNew visitor center & museum exhibits; reenactments, historical displays; hiking and biking trails, river‑overlooks, native‑landscape restoration; bird‑watching, nature & interpretive programs; educational exhibits on Native American history, fur trade, military & social history :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Associated Sites / ComponentsHistoric Fort Snelling (lower & upper post), Fort Snelling State Park, Fort Snelling National Cemetery, adjacent natural areas (rivers, woodlands), former military‑reservation lands :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Official Website / Info Sourcehttps://www.mnhs.org/fortsnelling / https://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/hfs (Historic Fort Snelling) :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Distances from Fort Snelling to Nearby Landmarks

  • Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Downtown Minneapolis – 13 km (8 mi)
  • Downtown Saint Paul – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Minnehaha Falls – 9 km (5.5 mi)
  • Fort Snelling State Park – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Pike Island (at the confluence of Mississippi & Minnesota Rivers) – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Crosby Farm Regional Park – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Mall of America (Bloomington) – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (nearby river‑side access) – 2 km (1.2 mi)