Fort Ridgely State Park is one of several state historic sites in Minnesota. While the frontier military fort was established in 1853, the Dakota called this area home for several centuries. A self-guided tour provides the history of the fort, a monument, historic buildings and remains as well as information about the tragic U.S.-Dakota War. Today, Fort Ridgely in rural Fairfax, MN offers beautiful hiking trails, trout fishing, campgrounds, and equestrian trails and campsite. Learn more about the top things to do at Fort Ridgely State Park in Minnesota.
See also my related Minnesota state park series.
- Take the Minnesota State Park Challenge – list of all the best MN state parks with reviews
- How to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks in a year
- Explore Minnesota State Parks on Free State Park Day (updated with 2023 dates)
- Top Minnesota state parks with waterfalls – ranked!
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Top 10 things to do at Fort Ridgely State Park in Fairfax, MN
Here are the top 10 things to do at Fort Ridgely State Park in Fairfax, Minnesota.
- Take a self-guided historic tour of Fort Ridgely State Park.
- Hike the scenic trails at Fort Ridgely through the hardwoods and prairie grasses.
- Camp overnight in a traditional tent, RV, or hammock.
- Rent a renovated farmhouse.
- Enjoy horseback riding on the designated trails. And spend the night at the equestrian campsite.
- Fish in a stocked trout stream at Fort Ridgely State Park.
- Look for wildlife like gray fox in the trees, beavers, snapping turtles, deer, red-tailed hawks, bluebirds, and more.
- Picnic at the historic stone picnic shelter or scenic views.
- Stay at the chalet in the wintertime.
- For more winter fun, try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling.
Frequently asked questions about Fort Ridgely State Park in Fairfax, Minnesota
Where is Fort Ridgely State Park located? What is the address for Fort Ridgely State Park?
Fort Ridgely State Park is located at 72158 County Road 30, Fairfax, MN 55332.
When is Fort Ridgely State Park open?
Fort Ridgely State Park is open year-round, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
Is Fort Ridgely State Park free? How much is the admission fee at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Fort Ridgely State Park in Minnesota only costs $7 per vehicle per day ($5 per motorcycle). That includes unlimited visits to all Minnesota state parks on the same day. I highly recommend an annual pass, which gives you entrance to all Minnesota state parks. See the Minnesota DNR website for more information. And it’s highly recommended to pay online ahead of time. Minnesota state parks are no longer accepting cash self-payment envelopes on site.
Admission to every Minnesota state park is free for all Minnesota state tribal members.
You can also visit Fort Ridgely State Park on any of the four free state park days in Minnesota. See my related post for this year’s free state park days.
Is the self-guided tour at Fort Ridgely State Park free? How much is the tour at Fort Ridgely State Park in Minnesota?
The self-guided tour at Fort Ridgely State Park is free. Here you’ll learn about the military frontier fort, historic buildings and ruins, the monument, and the two U.S.-Dakota War battles fought here.
Does Fort Ridgely State Park have a lake, river, or waterfall?
Yes. Fort Ridgely Creek, a tributary of the nearby Minnesota River, runs through Fort Ridgely State Park. And it has a small fishing pond.
Can you fish at Fort Ridgely State Park in Minnesota?
Yes. You can fish for brown and rainbow trout at Fort Ridgely Creek and the stocked pond at Fort Ridgely State Park. One of the most popular trout streams, best spots are near the horse camp access area and tent camping sites.
Does Fort Ridgely State Park have a swimming beach?
No. Fort Ridgely State Park does not have a swimming beach. However, a public swimming pool is located in the town of nearby Fairfax, Minnesota. Additionally, you can swim at the sandy-bottom pond at nearby Flandrau State Park Thursdays through Sundays. Open seasonally in the summer though mid- to late August.
Can you boat at Fort Ridgely State Park? Does Fort Ridgely State Park offer a boat ramp with trailer access?
No. You cannot boat at Fort Ridgely State Park. However, the Minnesota River is nearby.
Does Fort Ridgely State Park have a campground?
Yes, Fort Ridgely State Park offers several campgrounds, including:
- 33 drive-in sites with 15 electric sites; RV length limit is 60 feet
- 6 of these campsites allow one hammock per set of trees (no stacking)
- 3 private and secluded walk-in campsites
- A group camp that accommodates up to 30 campers (tents only)
- 14 horse campsites (with 13 of them with electric and water hook-ups
- A farmhouse near the equestrian campground available seasonally May through October
Is firewood available at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Yes. You can purchase firewood at the park office when open. Or buy certified safe-to-move firewood from a gas station. Additionally, download the Yodel app to purchase firewood at Minnesota state parks. You can also purchase your vehicle permits from the Yodel app.
Why can’t you bring in your own firewood? To protect Minnesota trees, you can only burn certified wood on MN DNR land. Collection is not allowed in state parks and you may not bring firewood from home. This helps prevent spreading harmful insects and diseases.
How big is Fort Ridgely State Park in Minnesota?
Fort Ridgely State Park is one of the smaller state parks with 537 acres.
Is Fort Ridgely State Park buggy? Mosquitos? Ticks?
I visited Fort Ridgley State Park on a stormy and windy day. No bugs that day.
How long and how difficult are the hiking trails at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Fort Ridgely State Park offers nine miles of short and fairly easy to moderately challenging hiking trails. You can hike across flat, mowed grass paths and over rolling hills of packed dirt. Hiking trails through the woods and prairies at Fort Ridgely State Park range from 1 mile one-way to a 2.5-mile loop.
Note: Due to flooding, the Valley Tail east of Fort Ridgely Creek is closed until further notice. From mid-summer to early fall, tree removal will also take place in this area.
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trails at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Yes. Fort Ridgely State Park offers five miles of ungroomed x-skiing trails and eight miles of snowmobile trails. Additionally, you can snowshoe anywhere in the park in the winter (except groomed trails).
Are hiking poles needed on the trails at Fort Ridgely State Park?
No. Hiking poles are not required on easy trails at Fort Ridgely State Park.
What are the best views at Fort Ridgely State Park?
One of the best views at Fort Ridgely State Park is on the 1.5-mile loop Hilltop Trail. Here you’ll find a scenic overlook on Airplane Hill.
Are there bike trails at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Yes, but it’s short. The paved bike trail at Fort Ridgely Sate Park is only one-half mile. However, it connects to the seven-mile bike trail that leads to nearby Fairfax, Minnesota.
Does Fort Ridgely State Park have horse trails?
Yes. Fort Ridgely State Park features 13 miles of equestrian / horse trails. Make sure to check the Fort Ridgely State Park website for horse trail conditions especially in the spring.
Does Fort Ridgely State Park have a visitor center? Modern restrooms?
Fort Ridgely State Park features a historic visitor center site and interpretive exhibit. However, it is currently closed until further notice. A park office is open seasonally Thursdays through Sundays. The park does not keep regular office hours from late October to mid-May.
Modern restrooms with flush toilets are located in the chalet year-round. Flush toilets are also available in the horse campground and upper picnic area seasonally. Vault toilets are located throughout Fort Ridgely State Park seasonally. They are typically open April 1 through mid- to late October. While showers are not available in the main campground, you can find them in the equestrian campground. Additional showers at the chalet are available for those who reserve the building.
Is Fort Ridgely State Park dog-friendly?
Yes, leashed dogs and pets are welcome at Fort Ridgely State Park. All Minnesota state parks welcome dogs except inside buildings, including the camper cabins (with the exception of service dogs). Leashes must be six feet or less.
Are there bears at Fort Ridgely State Park?
Bears don’t usually hang out at Fort Ridgely State Park.
What wildlife can you see at Fort Ridgely State Park?
I saw lots of wild turkeys on my drive to Fort Ridgely State Park. Watch for other wildlife in and near Fort Ridgely State Park including gray fox in the trees, beavers, snapping turtles, deer, red-tailed hawks, bluebirds, and more
How far is Fort Ridgely State Park from the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul (MSP) airport?
Fort Ridgely State Park is located 99 miles from the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport.
What’s nearby Fort Ridgely State Park? Top things to do near Fort Ridgely State Park?
Fort Ridgely State Park is in a pretty rural area. I had a hard time finding it initially due to road and bridge closures. But you can find a few things to do near Fort Ridgely State Park in Minnesota.
- Bike to nearby Fairfax, Minnesota on the seven-mile bike trail.
- Explore nearby Flandrau State Park, which is located 19 miles from Fort Ridgely State Park. This state park offers a swimming pond in the summer as well as hiking trails and historic buildings. Learn how to plan and hike all 66 Minnesota state parks in one year.
- Another state park, Minneopa State Park in Mankato, MN is about 40 miles from Flandrau State Park. Minneopa State Park offers a two-tiered waterfall, hiking trails, and a bison range you can drive through. See my full review of the top things to do at Minneopa State Park.
When was Fort Ridgely State Park in Minnesota established?
Fort Ridgely State Park was established in 1911, making it the fourth oldest state park in Minnesota.
How did Fort Ridgely State Park get its name?
Fort Ridgely State Park is named after the frontier military fort built here in 1853.
Does Fort Ridgely State Park host deer hunts? Is Fort Ridgely State Park closed during deer season?
No. Fort Ridgely State Park does not typically host deer hunts during deer hunting season.
For a complete list of which Minnesota state parks are closed or limited to the public during deer season, see my post: Hiker safety: MN state parks that host deer hunts.
Hiking safety tip during deer season: Wear bright orange when hiking during deer season. I typically avoid hiking even when the state park is partially open to non-hunters.
A list of the best Minnesota state parks
All Minnesota state parks are the best in my opinion. You can read reviews of each one to create your own list of top-ranked Minnesota state parks: Take the Minnesota state park challenge
- Afton State Park | Hastings, MN (26 miles)
- Banning State Park | Sandstone, MN (97 miles)
- Bear Head Lake State Park | Ely, MN (240 miles)
- Beaver Creek Valley State Park | Caledonia, MN (148 miles)
- Big Stone Lake State Park | Ortonville, MN (186 miles)
- Blue Mounds State Park | Luverne, MN (208 miles)
- Buffalo River State Park | Glyndon, MN (240 miles)
- Camden State Park | Lynd, MN (161 miles)
- Carley State Park | Plainview, MN (88 miles)
- Cascade River State Park | Lutsen, MN (257 miles)
- Charles A. Lindbergh State Park | Little Falls, MN (112 miles)
- Crow Wing State Park | Brainerd, MN (134 miles)
- Father Hennepin State Park | Isle, MN (113 miles)
- Flandrau State Park | New Ulm, MN (93 miles)
- Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park | Preston, MN (115 miles)
- Fort Ridgely State Park | Fairfax, MN (99 miles)
- Fort Snelling State Park | Bloomington / St. Paul, MN (2 miles)
- Franz Jevne State Park | Birchdale, MN (336 miles)
- Frontenac State Park | Frontenac, MN (62 miles)
- George H. Crosby Manitou State Park | Finland, MN (231 miles)
- Glacial Lakes State Park | Starbuck, MN (156 miles)
- Glendalough State Park | Battle Lake, MN (194 miles)
- Gooseberry Falls State Park | Two Harbors, MN (197 miles)
- Grand Portage State Park | Grand Portage, MN (308 miles)
- Great River Bluffs State Park | Winona, MN (136 miles)
- Hayes Lake State Park | Roseau, MN (343 miles)
- Hill Annex Mine State Park | Calumet, MN (197 miles) Editorial Note: This park is now closed as mining has resumed.
- Interstate State Park / Taylors Falls State Park | Taylors Falls, MN (56 miles)
- Itasca State Park | Park Rapids, MN (219 miles)
- Jay Cooke State Park | Carlton, MN (146 miles)
- John A. Latsch State Park | Winona, MN (99 miles)
- Judge C.R. Magney State Park | Grand Marais, MN (282 miles)
- Kilen Woods State Park | Lakefield, MN (153 miles)
- Lac qui Parle State Park | Watson, MN (141 miles)
- Lake Bemidji State Park | Bemidji, MN (230 miles)
- Lake Bronson State Park | Karlstad, MN (409 miles)
- Lake Carlos State Park | Alexandria, MN (152 miles)
- Lake Louise State Park | Le Roy, MN (113 miles)
- Lake Maria State Park | Monticello, MN (60 miles)
- Lake Shetek State Park | Currie, MN (168 miles)
- Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park | Soudan, MN (229 miles)
- McCarthy Beach State Park | Side Lake, MN (227 miles)
- Maplewood State Park | Pelican Rapids, MN (217 miles)
- Mille Lacs Kathio State Park | Onamia, MN (108 miles)
- Minneopa State Park | Mankato, MN (82 miles)
- Monson Lake State Park | Sunburg, MN (141 miles)
- Moose Lake State Park | Moose Lake, MN (116 miles)
- Myre-Big Island State Park | Albert Lea, MN (93 miles)
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park | Nerstrand, MN (52 miles)
- Old Mill State Park | Argyle, MN (350 miles)
- Rice Lake State Park | Owatonna, MN (70 miles)
- St. Croix State Park | Hinckley, MN (105 miles)
- Sakatah Lake State Park | Waterville, MN (60 miles)
- Savanna Portage State Park | Northeast Aitkin, MN (149 miles)
- Scenic State Park | Bigfork, MN (232 miles)
- Schoolcraft State Park | Deer River, MN (198 miles)
- Sibley State Park | New London, MN (128 miles)
- Split Rock Creek State Park | Jasper, MN (202 miles)
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park | Two Harbors, MN (204 miles)
- Temperance River State Park | Schroeder, MN (239 miles)
- Tettegouche State Park | Silver Bay, MN (217 miles)
- Upper Sioux Agency State Park | Granite Falls, MN (122 miles) – Note: Minnesota returned this park’s land to the Native Americans in February 2024. It is no longer open to the public.
- Whitewater State Park | Altura, MN (99 miles)
- Wild River State Park | Center City, MN (58 miles)
- William O’Brien State Park | Scandia / Marine on the St. Croix, MN (43 miles)
- Zippel Bay State Park | Williams, MN (345 miles)
Pin it for later: A local’s guide to Fort Ridgely State Park in Minnesota
Please share and pin this guide for when you visit Fort Ridgely State Park in Fairfax, MN – one of the best historic Minnesota state parks.
Staying in the farmhouse sounds like a really unique feature!
I thought so too! Nice that Fort Ridgely State Park offers this farmhouse to rent.
I’ve not been to Minnesota and clearly this state has many choices of national parks. It’s good to know that the Fort Ridgely state park has a number of opportunities to experiences spending time in the park, including horseback riding and that one would see local wildlife. And, I’ve never heard of a snapping turtle.
Minnesota does offer some beautiful state parks for hiking and other adventures.
What an array of choices to do at Fort Ridgely state park! I would love to a couple of nice relaxing short scenic trails. Renting the renovated farmhouse and enjoying a day sounds great. Must visit this park in Minnesota when I am there next.
For such a small place, Fort Ridgely State Park does offer a variety of activities. The hiking trails are pretty easy and scenic.
Interesting! I would like to go hiking here if I were planning a visit to Fort Ridgely State park.
Fort Ridgely State Park offers some easy kid-friendly hiking trails. And a lot of history!
Fort Ridgey looks like a great place! Such a beautiful place to visit!
Thanks! Fort Ridgely is a beautiful state park with lots of history.
Such a comprehensive guide. So useful!
Thank you so much! Love sharing what I learn at the best Minnesota state parks.
What a lovely park 😍 will definitely put it on my Minnesota bucket list.
Thank you! Fort Ridgely features a lot of history and cool things to do.
Fort Ridgely state park looks like a great place to spend a day or several days camping! That overlook sounds like it would be fun to hike to as well!
Fort Ridgely State Park offers so much to do! It’s small, but packs in a lot.
Would you recommend reserving a campsite well in advance? Thanks!
Definitely recommend reserving a camping site at Fort Ridgely State Park well in advance if camping on a weekend. They book up fast. But have reserved camping at Minnesota State Parks on the day of my arrival during the week.
So many amazing things to do at Fort Ridgely Start Park. We are placing this Minnesota State Park on our must visit list.
So good to hear! Minnesota state parks offer some cool things to do.
Love that there so much to do! Would love to visit the other state park too and see the waterfall!
Despite its small size, there are quite a few things to do at Fort Ridgely State Park in Minnesota.
Fort Ridgely State Park looks like a good spot to visit to learn more about the local history. And the Fort Ridgley State Park adds some great outdoor fun too. A chalet stay in the winter looks like a fun option for some cold weather fun.
Lots of history to learn about at Fort Ridgely State Park. Love learning about Minnesota history.
I’d love to investigate the history and ruins at Fort Ridgely State Park. The variety of walks and hiking trails would keep me happy too.
There is a lot of interesting history here at Fort Ridgely State Park. The Minnesota State Historical Society has a lot of information.
It’s so cool that you can hop down into the fort and see the earth-works up close! They must have taken ages to dig out and build, but it is interesting that they lasted so long! Fab post (as always) Karen!
Thank you so kindly! It was really cool to see the historic fort ruins at Fort Ridgely State Park. They’ve done a great job at preserving this piece of history.