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Fort Snelling State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,722 Google reviews · Running trail in St Paul, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fort Snelling State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Boasting a golf course & many trails for hiking, biking or skiing, this park also offers swimming.
What runners say about Fort Snelling State Park
“Facilities were clean, and I thoroughly enjoyed my hike around Pike Island.”
“We love this park with wonderful hiking trails, you can also walk by the river and beach is extremely beautiful.”
“The park was busy but easy to navigate.”
We love this park with wonderful hiking trails, you can also walk by the river and beach is extremely beautiful. Fishing is also a great opportunity. Swim in the lake at in the river is great experience. Fort visit can be done. Every where you can find restrooms. So many parking spots.
This is a really nice park. The trails are very wide and well-groomed even though they're dirt. With all the rain we've gotten recently my feet weren't even muddy. What's really neat about the trail. At least the pine Island trail. Is you're always walking along the river.
First time visiting the park- I was worried on a Sunday afternoon in fall I wouldn’t find any parking. Turns out- there’s plenty, even when the park is plenty! The park was busy but easy to navigate. Trails were clearly marked and mostly hard dirt and sand. Plenty of gorgeous views of the river valley.
I haven’t visited this park since an elementary school visit and was impressed by the size. A huge park filled with water and wild flowers available to us in the city. I visited on a Friday afternoon and was often wandering around alone. I primarily followed the Pike Island loop. I’ve never seen so many coneflowers.
Trail conditions & character
“We love this park with wonderful hiking trails, you can also walk by the river and beach is extremely beautiful.”
“First time visiting the park- I was worried on a Sunday afternoon in fall I wouldn’t find any parking.”
“Nice visitor center with bathrooms and a gorgeous hike along the rivers.”
“The trails were definitely accessible for some strollers and wagons with sturdy tires.”
Plan your run at Fort Snelling State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitednr.state.mn.us
- Phone+1 612-279-3550
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–10 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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