Overlooking the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, Fort Snelling was once the farthest outpost of the U.S. military. Today, students learn about Fort Snelling's role in Minnesota history, and about the people who lived in and around the fort during the early 1800s. Costumed guides will engage your class in a variety of learning activities during a tour of the historic site.
Field Trips
Historic Fort Snelling
Field Trip Options
Students visit fort buildings and learn about the past from guides dressed as soldiers, fur traders and settlers. The 90-minute tour includes the story of Dred and Harriet Scott, two of many slaves who lived at Fort Snelling. It also introduces students to the politics between the U.S. government and American Indian nations. Allow extra time to see the archaeology exhibit, History Under the Floorboards, and to visit the gift shop. Available September through October and mid-April through mid-June.
Contact Historic Fort Snelling for field trips designed especially for homeschool families and groups.
Bring your class to Historic Fort Snelling for a special program for upper grades which delves into the stories of the people who lived and worked at the fort at different points throughout history.
This program utilizes digitized primary sources, such as oral history interviews, letters, images, videos, and more to help tell the stories of the many people connected with Fort Snelling. Using touch screen computers, students will be guided by a staff member who will facilitate historical investigation and group discussion.
Programs are available about:
- Fort Snelling in WWII
- U.S. Dakota War of 1862
- Civil War (Coming Soon)