Welcome to Fort Snelling State Park / A Moving Obstacle

Welcome to Fort Snelling State Park, also, A Moving Obstacle. . Where Rivers and People Come Together
You are standing on ground that has been a gathering place for rivers, people and legends for thousands of years. Nearby is the confluence, or meeting, of two mighty rivers, the Mississippi and Minnesota.

Stories from Two Rivers
Rivers shaped both the land and its history. This Dakota homeland area has witnessed fur traders, soldiers and settlers. It was central to the formation of Minnesota.

Marking a Historic Spot
The significance of the confluence was recognized in 1960 when Fort Snelling was designated Minnesota's first National Historic Landmark. The State of Minnesota established Fort Snelling State Park in 1962, protecting it for future generations to enjoy. In 1988, Fort Snelling State Park became part of the 72 mile long Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

As you explore the confluence area, imagine how the rivers impact your experience today.

[Captions:]
Indians Spearing Muskrats in Winter, Seth Eastman
W. Duncan and Nivin MacMillian and Afton Historical Society Press

St. Peter's River near the Confluence, Seth Eastman
Minnesota Historical Society

A Moving Obstacle
Once considered main travel routes, rivers became barriers to modern transportation.

In the 19th century, ferries solved the problem of getting people, livestock and supplies across the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. However, this solution was not perfect. You had to follow the ferry's schedule, which meant not crossing at all if river conditions were dangerous.

Bridges were eventually built and people could cross the river by railroad or car anytime they wanted.

Ferries were once a popular way to get where you were going. The Fort Snelling Ferry crossed the Mississippi River and the Mendota Ferry crossed the Minnesota River. A ferry operator once wrote, "...herds of stock, and lines of walking people, all bound for the west, reached far up over those hills..."

Minnesota River Ferry to Fort Snelling with view of railroad bridge in background, circa 1890, Minnesota Historical Society

Mississippi River Ferry, Fort Snelling, 1870-1879
William Henry Illingworth, Minnesota Historical Society

The Mendota Bridge was the longest concrete arch bridge in the world when completed in 1926. Before it was constructed, people used the Mendota Ferry to cross the river. The bridge crosses the Minnesota River through Fort Snelling State Park and is on the National Historic Register.

People, horses and buggies cross the Fort Snelling Bridge as a steamboat passes underneath. Remnants of this bridge can still be seen on the St. Paul side of the bluff.