Fort Snelling State Park welcomed visitors again on Friday, following weeks of extensive cleanup due to severe flooding from the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers.
Park Reopens After Severe Flooding
The park had been closed since June 22, when rising waters inundated main roads and several trails, but the recent clear skies and warmer weather allowed the park to reopen, much to the delight of local visitors. Eme Lenick, a frequent park-goer, expressed her relief and joy at the park’s reopening. “I love this park. This is where I come for my serenity,” she said, highlighting the park’s role as a personal sanctuary. Similarly, Gwen Holmberg, who has been visiting Fort Snelling for over 30 years, described the park as a peaceful retreat. “It’s a peaceful place to come. You can come down here and get away from everything,” she shared.
Ongoing Cleanup and Partial Closures
The flooding caused by relentless rain left behind silt and debris, requiring significant cleanup efforts. Some areas of the park remain closed as work continues to address the damage. Ali Schmitz, the Assistant Park Manager, noted that while many repairs have been made, they are mostly temporary. “A lot of what we were able to repair the past few weeks is temporary for now until we can get contractors out to complete the work permanently,” Schmitz explained. Currently, closed areas include restrooms and a picnic shelter on Picnic Island, hiking trails on the Minnesota River side of Pike Island, and the Caspersen boat launch near the Cedar Avenue bridge. Despite these closures, the majority of the park is now accessible, and visitors are returning to enjoy its scenic beauty.
Visitors Embrace the Reopened Park
The reopening of Fort Snelling has been met with enthusiasm from park-goers eager to reconnect with the natural environment. Gwen Holmberg was particularly excited to visit again after the lengthy closure. “I just wanted to come. It was exciting. It’s been a long time since we’ve come down here,” she said.
In addition to the general reopening, naturalists are offering guided walks on Sunday to explore the park’s recovery from the flooding. These walks aim to educate visitors about the environmental impacts of the flood and the ongoing efforts to restore the park to its full glory.
As Fort Snelling State Park gradually returns to its pre-flood condition, visitors can once again enjoy its serene landscapes and recreational opportunities. The park’s reopening marks a significant step in the recovery process, reflecting the resilience of the local community and the dedication of park staff in restoring this cherished natural space.