Fort Ridgely State Park

Fort Ridgely State Park The park is located off State Highway 4, six miles south of Fairfax or twelve miles north of Sleepy Eye. Visit the museum and the cemetery to learn more.

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. For recreation, this park offers plenty. In the summer, hike or ride the trails on horseback, fish the stocked trout stream, camp (drive-in and walk-in sites are available), or stay overnight in the renovated farmhouse. In the winter, ski, sled, snowmobile, or stay overnight at the chalet.

06/03/2026
NEW DATE -- Bix Baker's naturalist programs for April 18 have been rescheduled to April 25.
04/14/2026

NEW DATE -- Bix Baker's naturalist programs for April 18 have been rescheduled to April 25.

**NOTE NEW DATE**Naturalist Programs at Fort Ridgely State ParkSpring Awakening: Ephemeral Wildflower Hikes 10-11 a...
04/11/2026

**NOTE NEW DATE**
Naturalist Programs at Fort Ridgely State Park
Spring Awakening: Ephemeral Wildflower Hikes
10-11 am and 1 - 2 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026
Meet at the Chalet.

Spring is a time of new beginnings and is a welcomed sight after many long winter days. Join volunteer naturalist Bix Baker to explore the exciting wildflowers that are some of the first signs of spring and how they reveal a landscape that awakens with life each year.

The hike will be approximately 1 mile long and follow the Fairway Trail but stay in the woods rather than going out in the prairie. Most ephemeral wildflowers are woodland. There are some gentle descents and climbs along this dirt trail. There should still be Pasque flowers blooming just below airplane hill if people want to hike up to see. Please wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather.

If you need an accommodation, please contact Bix Baker at [email protected] or (507) 995-5635 , two weeks prior to the event.

Address

72158 County Road 30
Fairfax, MN
55332

Telephone

(507) 426-7840

Website

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