OutdoorMN News - Fort Snelling State Park remains closed through July 4th for cleanup

[Rick]

A popular Twin Cities destination for Independence Day family picnics, swimming and other summer fun will remain closed this 4^th of July due to continued cleanup efforts necessitated by extended spring flooding, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

Fort Snelling State Park, located near the Twin Cities airport at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, experienced major flooding following the spring snow melt and prolonged rains. While water levels have finally receded, DNR staff are still assessing damages to areas that have just recently become accessible.

“We’re busy removing silt from roads and trails, fixing the beach, sanitizing buildings, moving the fishing pier back into place and lots of other details,” said park manager Kelli Bruns. “On top of that, we’re waiting for repairs on a broken water main and significant damage to park roads.”

Bruns said the park could not safely re-open until those projects are completed, and there is no firm date for allowing visitors back in.

“We’re as anxious as anyone to get everything back up and running, but this is a floodplain park and it really lived up to the term this year,” Bruns said. “So we are asking our users to be patient a little longer and consider visiting another area park for the Fourth.”

To keep up to date on current park conditions, visit mndnr.gov/fortsnelling.

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