Main Camp and Creek Picnic Area

Fort Ridgely is an overall solid state park. The highlight of this state park is definitely the historical aspect of the area. The remains of the old fort buildings, and all of the signs documenting the history behind what the fort was used for are definitely worth the drive to this state park. This is also a great place for horse trail riding. They even have a stable. If you go to the small amph... Fort Ridgely is an overall solid state park. The highlight of this state park is definitely the historical aspect of the area. The remains of the old fort buildings, and all of the signs documenting the history behind what the fort was used for are definitely worth the drive to this state park. This is also a great place for horse trail riding. They even have a stable. If you go to the small amphitheater by the large bathroom building, there is some great trails that start right behind the amphitheater and go down the hill. Much of the trails go through the woods and prairies. There was a decent amount of mosquitoes when I went in early September.

Short Review of Fort Ridgely State Park We recently camped at Fort Ridgely State Park and really enjoyed the quiet, peaceful setting. The campground was clean and easy to access, with nice wooded sites that gave us a good amount of space and privacy. We appreciated how close the trails were—perfect for a morning hike with views of the surrounding prairie and bluffs. One of the highlights was exp... Short Review of Fort Ridgely State Park We recently camped at Fort Ridgely State Park and really enjoyed the quiet, peaceful setting. The campground was clean and easy to access, with nice wooded sites that gave us a good amount of space and privacy. We appreciated how close the trails were—perfect for a morning hike with views of the surrounding prairie and bluffs. One of the highlights was exploring the old fort ruins and reading about the history of the U.S.-Dakota War. It's a meaningful place, and the combination of history and nature makes it a unique state park experience. If you're traveling through southern Minnesota, Fort Ridgely is definitely worth a stop.

A nice little historic state park in south-central MN. Busy but quiet, this state park offers decent hiking trails including thru beautiful restored prairie (best in July/Augist when flowers are blooming or grasses are turning golden brown), large campsites (some along the river, some near the restrooms) with large trees and decent amounts of grass, a very nice equestrian campground, the historic... A nice little historic state park in south-central MN. Busy but quiet, this state park offers decent hiking trails including thru beautiful restored prairie (best in July/Augist when flowers are blooming or grasses are turning golden brown), large campsites (some along the river, some near the restrooms) with large trees and decent amounts of grass, a very nice equestrian campground, the historic Fort Ridgely itself and two lookouts offering spectacular views of the Minnesota River valley. Cell service is spotty in the campground and best at the Fort up on the bluff. Wifi is available at the park office. Bugs can be heavy at this park, especially during the hot summer months, plan appropriately. The restroom/shower building is new and nice but note there are only TWO showers for the entire campground so they can be busy, especially on packed weekends. There is a Little Library here as well ( right outside the restrooms). Bring an old book to share. The fort site offers a self-guided tour of the un-excavated grounds. Unfortunately many of the information placards have faded beyond recognition and are un-readable. Its also a good place to catch the breeze as the campground down in the valley does not often get any. The historic picnic shelter is quite nice but currently has a roosting bat challenge and needs to be cleaned. In winter, shift gears and rent out the Chalet and spend the afternoon sledding down the adjacent hillside.