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Minnesota
12

Minnesota State Parks

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USA Parks
Minnesota
Southern Region
Fort Ridgely State Park
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It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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FORT RIDGELY STATE PARK
FORT RIDGELY STATE PARK
72158 County Road 30
Fairfax, Minnesota   55332

Phone: 507-426-7840
Toll Free: 888-646-6367
Reservations: 866-857-2757
Email: park email button icon
Tour Historic Fort Ridgely and wander through the ruins of this once thriving outpost. Learn about the U. S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862, a major event in Minnesota's early history. Stop by the cemetery to learn more about the history. For recreation, this park offers plenty: play a nine hole course; hike or ride the trails on horseback; play volleyball or softball; fish; and camp (drive-in and walk-in sites are available). Come winter, ski, snowmobile or sled down the big hill.
Nature of the Area
For over a century, the land that is now Fort Ridgely State Park has been affected by logging, farming, grazing, and development. The open bluffs overlooking the Minnesota River have been the least disturbed of any area in the park and contain the best displays of prairie wildflowers and grasses. The park includes a variety of meadows, each distinct in character. Some have scattered prairie wildflowers and grasses; others are dense stands of non-native plant species. On the park's bluffs, and by some of the meadows, are large bur oak trees. At one time, these oaks grew out in the open surrounded only by prairie grasses. These areas, known as Oak Savanna, gradually disappeared as the prairie was plowed and its fires suppressed. Large ash, basswood, sugar maple, hackberry, and black cherry trees grow in the park's deep ravines and along Fort Ridgely Creek.

The last glaciers to cover this part of Minnesota retreated 12,000 years ago. They left behind almost 200 feet of sand, gravel, and rocks, called glacial till, on top of a layer of kaolin clay sediments and bedrock. Deposits of this clay are exposed in banks along Fort Ridgely Creek in the northern part of the park. Fort Ridgely State Park sits atop two distinct layers of this glacial till.

White-tailed deer, red and gray foxes, racoons, minks, beavers, hawks, owls, Canada geese, wild turkeys, reptiles and many songbirds can be seen in the park.
History of the Area
In the spring of 1853, the steamboat West Newton left Fort Snelling to journey up the Minnesota River, bound for a plateau above the river in Nicollet County. The steamboat carried soldiers and their families, carpenters, and supplies. The people were assigned to build a fort at the edge of the Dakota reservation. The fort was named "Ridgely" in honor of three men of the same name who had died during the Mexican War. Fort Ridgely was complete by 1855. Before long, Fort Ridgely developed into a self-sufficient community populated by 300 soldiers and civilians. The Fort played a role in the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862 when it was attacked twice by Dakota Indians. After Fort Ridgely closed in 1872, local farmers used the buildings. The first purchase of land for the park occurred in 1896 as a war memorial to those who fought in the U.S.-Dakota Conflict. More acres were purchased in 1911 when the site was designated a state park.
Fishing
The park offers fishing in the Minnesota River, with species like walleye, northern pike and channel catfish available. There's also a chance to catch smallmouth bass or sauger. Fishing from shore is popular but boat access is limited due to shallow waters.


Location
Fort Ridgely State Park is located near New Ulm

Picnicking
Fort Ridgely State Park offers picnic tables and grills, a reservable shelter with electricity, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the park's 8 miles of multi-use trails. Be aware, these paths are shared with horseback riders.

The terrain is hilly and challenging in some areas; novice bikers should proceed carefully to avoid accidents.

Winter biking isn't recommended due to snowfall levels making it unsafe for cyclists.

Remember that helmets are not provided but highly encouraged for safety reasons while riding on uneven surfaces.

Please note: there aren't any bike rental facilities available within the park boundaries so plan accordingly.

Stay cautious around wildlife when cycling through wooded sections or open prairies as encounters may occur unexpectedly.
Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including warblers and woodpeckers. A checklist is available for tracking sightings. Birding hikes are organized regularly by the park staff during spring migration season. The diverse habitats within the park attract different types of birds throughout the year.

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Directions
Off State Highway 4, 6 miles south of Fairfax or 12 miles north of Sleepy Eye, then follow the signs to the park.

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Minnesota
12

Minnesota State Parks

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