Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
Fort Ridgely State Park and Historic Site, MN

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.

Within the boundaries of the state park is the Fort Ridgely State Historic Site. Built in 1853 without a protective outer wall, Fort Ridgely was intended to serve as a "police station" between the line of settlement and the Dakota reservations along the upper Minnesota River. A staging ground for Civic War volunteers, Fort Ridgely was attached twice during the U.S./Dakota Conflict of 1862. The restored commissary building houses an audio-visual program, exhibits and gift shop. The Minnesota Historical Society administers the historic site. The state park is administered by the Department of Natural Resources.