Fort Snelling in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

An Ancient Meltdown Created Snelling Lake

— Fort Snelling State Park —

Photographed by McGhiever, May 12, 2024

1. An Ancient Meltdown Created Snelling Lake Marker

Inscription.

When the Wisconsin Glacier began to melt 12,000 years ago, it created an enormous body of water known as Glacial Lake Agassiz. As this lake drained in numerous directions 10,000 years ago, the surging waters of Glacial River Warren eroded the Minnesota River Valley. Spring-fed Snelling Lake, a trapped remnant of Glacial River Warren, flows into Sargent's Lake and to the Minnesota River backwater.

Cross-section of the Minnesota River Valley at the Mendota Bridge This cross-section reveals that the present-day Minnesota River is but a trickle compared to Glacial River Warren.

The Minnesota River joins the Mississippi River in the Park. Sediments carried in run-off account for its murky color.

Erected by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 44° 52.859′ N, 93° 10.943′ W. Marker is in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It can be reached from Snelling Lake Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is in Fort Snelling State Park, on a kiosk in the restroom plaza at Snelling Lake Beach. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Paul MN 55111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Getting Around at the Fort (approx. half a mile away); Growth and Change at the Fort (approx. half a mile away); Quartermaster Shops (approx. half a mile away); Military Units of Fort Snelling (approx. 0.6 miles away); United States War Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fort Snelling's Later Uses (approx. 0.6 miles away); Life Underfoot (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fun at the Fort (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Snelling.

An Ancient Meltdown Created Snelling Lake Marker at the Fort Snelling State Park beach image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, May 12, 2024

2. An Ancient Meltdown Created Snelling Lake Marker at the Fort Snelling State Park beach

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 203 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 19, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.