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Fort Snelling State Park

Minnesota  >  United States

Fort Snelling State Park, near MSP airport, has river views, diverse ecological zones, birdlife, trails, picnic areas, and historic sites.

Added* by Kenneth Kunkle
Most recent update 17 јануари 2025

Description

Fort Snelling State Park is a picturesque area with breathtaking views of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The park's diverse ecological zones provide habitats for a variety of bird species, making it an excellent spot for birding. You can spot a range of birds, including Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Great Horned Owl, Black-capped Chickadee, Mallard and Spotted Sandpiper. The park's trails and picnic areas make it a relaxed destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Details

Access

To get to Fort Snelling State Park, you can take the Hwy 55 exit from the MSP airport. The park has ample parking space available, and you can park your vehicle near the visitor center or picnic area. Click on the P in the map for directions or coordinates. Exploring the park on foot is the best way to appreciate its natural beauty and birdlife. The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, that wind through the diverse ecological zones. You can also bike on designated trails, rent canoes or kayaks, or fish in the rivers. The park has several picnic areas and historical sites, which you can explore at your leisure.

Terrain and Habitat

Beach , Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , River , City/village , Mud flats , Forest

Conditions

Flat , Wet , High water possible , Dry

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration

Route

Narrow trail , Paved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair , Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

If you're just passing through the MSP airport and have a few hours to spare, you can still explore Fort Snelling State Park and enjoy some birding. The park is located next to the airport, and you can get there within a few minutes by car or taxi. Once you're there, you can take a short walk on one of the park's trails or visit the picnic areas for a quick birding session. Even a brief visit can offer a chance to spot several bird species that are unique to the area.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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