Fort Ridgely State Park

05/03/2026

04/14/2026

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

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.

01/28/2026

Come out and enjoy the trails this Saturday evening!

01/26/2026

Online lecture coming up Thursday January 29th at 7pm. Hear Amy Ollila present: Archaeological Investigations of the Fort Ridgely CCC Camp SP-12/Fort Ridgely Creek Multicomponent Site.

Presentation is free and open to all, but registration is required here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/eCO3TgxMSR-cnMU1mTtRVg

11/18/2025

Enjoy the newest entry on the blog of our fabulous volunteer naturalist, Bix Baker!

Fall Work in the Park There are many jobs that need to be done before snow arrives at the hills and prairies of Fort Ridgely. Staff have been busy mowing down prairie grass and flowers for sliding hills. Also, the three year rotation of where to burn prairie was carried out in another part of the

10/26/2025

Julie Duehring, Fort Ridgely State Park

09/19/2025

Just a reminder that the Fort Ridgely Historic Site is not part of Fort Ridgely State Park. The Fort Site grounds and buildings are managed by the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS), whereas the park is managed by the MN Dept. of Natural Resources. If you have questions about the Historic Site, please call the MNHS.