For more information call (612) 725-2389, or email fortsnellingstatepark@state.mn.us for additional information.
Program information is also available online.
Programs are free, but state park vehicle permits are required. Permits, available at all state park offices, cost $5 for a daily and $25 for an annual permit.
Activities begin at the Thomas Savage Visitor Center unless otherwise noted.
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They’re creepy, they’re crawly, they’re fascinating! Come and learn about our 8-legged friends and all of their wonderful habits here in Fort Snelling State Park. Meet for a brief presentation and spider hunt.
Monday, July 1 - Story Time in the Park - 9:30am
In “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen, a father and his child go owling in the middle of the night. Learn about the importance of being quiet and patient while out in nature. The naturalist will also explain how owls are able to hear you.
Wednesday, July 3 - Dabbling and Diving into Ducks - 10-11am
Does it walk like a duck? Does it quack like a duck? Does it look like a duck? Must be a duck! Wait a minute-are you really sure it’s a duck? Come meet up with a naturalist at Fort Snelling State Park’s Visitor Center for a presentation all about this fascinating animal.
Friday, July 5 - Invasive Species Hike - 11am-12pm
Join us for an hour long hike through the floodplain forest. We will discuss what an exotic invasive species is and what makes them successful while pointing out those that call our park home.
Saturday, July 6 - Summer Flower Walk - 1-2pm
Minnesota may be covered by snow in the winter, but when summer arrives, it comes alive with brilliant mixture of flowers. Wildflowers can be fascinating to any person. Come to Fort Snelling State Park and join the naturalist for this short walk to identify these beauties in the park. Program will start at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center.
Saturday, July 6 - Turtle Talk - 1:30-3:30pm
Come visit the turtle table! We will learn what makes a turtle a turtle, what they do during their lifetime, and what types we have in the park. The table will be set up in front of the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center.
Saturday, July 6 - Mitakuye Owasin “All are my Relatives” - 2-3pm
Tatanka! Tatanka! No, this isn’t Dances with Wolves, it’s Mitakuye Owasin, a program where you can learn all about Tatanka (the bison) and their unique relationship with the Dakota people. We’ll explore the spiritual Bdote, visit the memorial, and discuss the significance of the philosophy “all are my relatives.”
Saturday, July 6 - Campfire Tales: Star Stories - 7:30-8:30pm
End your day in the park with a fun evening filled with star stories, tall tales, and other campfire favorites. Cancelled if raining.
Sunday, July 7 - Geocaching 101 - 1-2:30pm
Discover the fun of geocaching and how you can use a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit to find hidden treasures at Minnesota State Parks. You will receive hands-on training that will help you participate in the Statewide Geocaching Avian Adventure. Bring your own GPS unit or use one of ours. Please meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. The program is free, but please calls (612) 725-2724 for reservations due to limited GPS units.
Monday, July 8 - Story time in the Park - 9:30am
What do you do when the weather turns and it starts to storm? Today we will read “Prairie Storms” by Darcy Pattison which tells us what animals do when it starts to storm.
Monday, July 8 - Along Came a Spider - 11am-12pm
They’re creepy, they’re crawly, they’re fascinating! Come and learn about our 8-legged friends and all of their wonderful habits here in Fort Snelling State Park. Meet for a brief presentation and spider hunt.
Monday, July 8 - Reading in Nature - 2-3pm
Do you enjoy nature and reading? There is a profound reservoir of writings-novels, poetry, essays, and more-about the natural environment comprised by many inspiring authors. Come by Fort Snelling State Park’s Visitor Center for a walk with a naturalist. We’ll stop to read some poetry and excerpts along the way. Bring your sense of wonder!
Tuesday, July 9 - Wokiksuye k’a Woyuonihan: Remembering and Honoring the Dakota People - 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Come and learn about the first people to care for this land. We’ll explore Fort Snelling State Park and visit the sacred site of Dakota genesis as well as the tragic place where the Dakota began their forced removal from Minnesota. Discover the natural landscape and learn about its deep connection with the Dakota people!
Friday, July 12 - Invasive Species Hike - 11am-12pm
Join us for an hour long hike through the floodplain forest. We will discuss what an exotic invasive species is and what makes them successful while pointing out those that call our park home.
Saturday, July 13 - Archery in the Park - 10am-12pm AND 1:30-3:30pm
Join certified instructors and learn from hands-on training and coaching on compound bows. This activity is suitable for anyone age eight or older. Beginners welcome! Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Personal archery equipment is not allowed due to weapons rules in Minnesota State Parks. All equipment is provided. Stop by the beach area anytime during the program. Cancelled if raining.
Sunday, July 14 - Archery in the Park - 1-3pm
Join certified instructors and learn from hands-on training and coaching on compound bows. This activity is suitable for anyone age eight or older. Beginners welcome! Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Personal archery equipment is not allowed due to weapons rules in Minnesota State Parks. All equipment is provided. Stop by the beach area anytime during the program. Cancelled if raining.
Wednesday, July 17 - Mitakuye Owasin “All are my Relatives” - 2-3pm
Tatanka! Tatanka! No, this isn’t Dances with Wolves, it’s Mitakuye Owasin, a program where you can learn all about Tatanka (the bison) and their unique relationship with the Dakota people. We’ll explore the spiritual Bdote, visit the memorial, and discuss the significance of the philosophy “all are my relatives.”
Saturday, July 20 - Exotics - 10-11am
There are many non-native plants that grow in Minnesota. Some of these plants are changing the native landscapes, and reducing bio-diversity. Come and learn how to identify some of the common non-native plants and learn how you can help prevent their spread. Meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center.
Sunday, July 21 - Bike the Park Trails - 10am-12pm
Fort Snelling State Park is linked to many other public and private lands with numerous bike trails. Come join the naturalist on this morning interpretive bike ride and learn more about this historic and natural area by the confluence our two great rivers. Meet at the swimming beach pavilion. Pre-registration is required due to limited amount of bikes. Adults only, unless children bring won bicycles.
Sunday, July 21 - Dabbling and Diving into Ducks - 10-11am
Does it walk like a duck? Does it quack like a duck? Does it look like a duck? Must be a duck! Wait a minute-are you really sure it’s a duck? Come meet up with a naturalist at Fort Snelling State Park’s Visitor Center for a presentation all about this fascinating animal.
Monday, July 22 - Story Time in the Park - 9:30am
In “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen, a father and his child go owling in the middle of the night. Learn about the importance of being quiet and patient while out in nature. The naturalist will also explain how owls are able to hear you.
Monday, July 22 - Mitakuye Owasin “All are my Relatives” - 2-3pm
Tatanka! Tatanka! No, this isn’t Dances with Wolves, it’s Mitakuye Owasin, a program where you can learn all about Tatanka (the bison) and their unique relationship with the Dakota people. We’ll explore the spiritual Bdote, visit the memorial, and discuss the significance of the philosophy “all are my relatives.”
Friday, July 26 - Invasive Species Hike - 11am-12pm
Join us for an hour long hike through the floodplain forest. We will discuss what an exotic invasive species is and what makes them successful while pointing out those that call our park home.
Sunday, July 28 - Turtle Talk - 1:30-3:30pm
Come visit the turtle table! We will learn what makes a turtle a turtle, what they do during their lifetime, and what types we have in the park. The table will be set up in front of the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center.
Sunday, July 28 - Mitakuye Owasin “All are my Relatives” - 2-3pm
Tatanka! Tatanka! No, this isn’t Dances with Wolves, it’s Mitakuye Owasin, a program where you can learn all about Tatanka (the bison) and their unique relationship with the Dakota people. We’ll explore the spiritual Bdote, visit the memorial, and discuss the significance of the philosophy “all are my relatives.”
Monday, July 29 - Story Time in the Park - 9:30am
In today’s story, “Baby Owl’s Rescue” by Jennifer Keats Curtis, we read about a family who finds a baby owl (an owlet) in their backyard. The book covers how owls intimidate predators, what should be done if a baby animal is found alone, and discusses that wild animals are not pets.
Monday, July 29 - Along Came a Spider - 11am-12pm
They’re creepy, they’re crawly, they’re fascinating! Come and learn about our 8-legged friends and all of their wonderful habits here in Fort Snelling State Park. Meet for a brief presentation and spider hunt.
Tuesday, July 30 - Reading in Nature - 10-11am
Do you enjoy nature and reading? There is a profound reservoir of writings-novels, poetry, essays, and more-about the natural environment comprised by many inspiring authors. Come by Fort Snelling State Park’s Visitor Center for a walk with a naturalist. We’ll stop to read some poetry and excerpts along the way. Bring your sense of wonder!
