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• 2 picnic grounds Pa Because lands exist within the boundaries of this parkBecause lands exist check that are not under the jurisdiction of the D.N.R., such plan to use facilities with the park manager if you and roads other than those shown. as trails

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• Historic Fort Ridgely Creek Picnic Area

Lower Valley Trail H HELP US PROTECT 'S PAST: 1

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Overlooks Historic Site Equestrian Area Pa Campground Restrooms Golf Clubhouse H Prairie Trail township road township River Bluff Trail Bluff River NORTH Oak Savanna Trail Oak Savanna 500 1000 Feet 500 1000 100 200 300 Meters 300 100 200 CILITIES H alk-in Camping

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Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM) are

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Check it out - you'll be glad you did. Hiking Horseback/ Hiking F hiking/biking F horse trail Hiking Club H SUMMER TRAILS © 5/2008 by State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources savanna, gradually disappeared as the prairie Area, adjacent to the fort site, has a large, The CCC was followed by the Veteran’s Con- was plowed and its fires suppressed. Shrubs level, shaded picnic grounds with horseshoe servation Corps. The CCC constructed many a period of Minnesota’s history, and enjoy year- and other trees then invaded the oak savanna, courts, a volleyball court, playground equip- of the park buildings and assisted with road GEOLOGY:round outdoor The lastrecreational glaciers to activities. cover this part creating a forest-like condition. ment, and an open shelter, which may be building, trail construction, tree planting, of Minnesota retreated approximately 12,000 reserved. A second choice, the Chalet Picnic sodding and major erosion control projects. years ago. They left behind almost 200 feet Fort Ridgely State Park uses controlled burns Area, surrounds an enclosed, heated shelter Duluth of sand, gravel and rocks (called glacial till) to restore the natural character of the bluffs, building that may be reserved for family SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE PARK... • on top of a layer of clay sediments and hard meadows and oak savanna. Controlled burns reunions, parties or other get-to-gethers on a • The park belongs to all Minnesotans. Please bedrock. are fires deliberately set, under specific con- year-round basis. The winter sliding hill is treat it with respect and help us to protect ditions, by a trained crew. The fire is controlled located adjacent to this area. Another alterna- it by following the rules. Fort Ridgely State Park sits atop two layers by mowed breaks and fire-extinguishing tive, the Creek Picnic Area, provides more • The park is open year-round. On a daily Minneapolis/ St. Paul • of this glacial till. Lying underneath the till equipment. Fire kills woody plants, non- solitude. Picnic next to Fort Ridgely Creek, basis, the park gate is closed from 10 P.M. in parts of the park is a layer of white clay native flowers and grasses, while encouraging relaxing to the sounds of this spring-fed to 8 A.M. the following morning except to FORT RIDGELY known as kaolin. Deposits of this clay are the native prairie plants to flourish. stream on its journey through the park. registered campers. STATE PARK exposed in the banks along Fort Ridgely Creek • Camp only in designated locations. in the northern part of the park. Growing in the park’s deep ravines, and along Golfers will enjoy the challenging nine-hole • The use of firearms, explosives, air guns, Fort Ridgely Creek, are large ash, basswood, golf course which is nestled into the valleys slingshots, traps, seines, nets, bows and FORT RIDGELY The bedrock of granite and gneiss, visible at sugar maple, hackberry and black cherry surrounding the fort site. The golf experience arrows, and all other weapons is prohibited Morton and elsewhere in the river valley, is trees. During the 1970s and early 1980s an is reminiscent of golf as it was played in the in state parks. STATE PARK not visible anywhere in the park. insect-borne fungus (Dutch Elm Disease) past. The course is a walk-only course and • Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer FOR MORE INFORMATION invaded Fort Ridgely, killing most of the family members are welcome to walk along. than six feet. Pets are not allowed in park NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: Fort Ridgely State Park For over 130 years, park’s American and red elm trees. Rental clubs and green fees are available at buildings. the land that is now Fort Ridgely State Park the Park Office. • Park in designated areas only. 72158 County Road 30 has been greatly impacted by logging, farm- The park’s wildlife has been quick to utilize • Motor bikes and other licensed vehicles are Fairfax, MN 55332-9601 ing, grazing, road and building construction. these dead trees for feeding and cavity nesting HISTORY: Fort Ridgely was built in 1853 as a allowed only on park roads, not on trails. (507) 426-7840 ♦ Today, through active natural resource man- sites. The dead trees opened up the forest U.S. military garrison on Minnesota’s frontier. • Enjoy park wildlife and plants but please agement activities, the park is attempting to canopy, letting sunlight in and setting the This military post was to provide protection respect them. Do not pick or dig up plants, Department of Natural Resources recreate or restore the park’s original natural stage for a new round of plant succession. for the newly settled lands of southern and disturb or feed animals, or scavenge dead Information Center character. Since dead trees are an asset to woodland central Minnesota. It eventually played a wood. 500 Lafayette Road wildlife, the only trees removed are those prominent role in the Dakota Conflict of 1862. • Build fires only in designated locations— St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 The open bluffs overlooking the Minnesota which pose a hazard to park users. The rest fire rings or fireplaces. Wood is available (651) 296-6157 (Metro Area) River have been the least disturbed of any are left for wildlife to use. The Minnesota Historical Society’s Interpre- for purchase from park staff. Portable stoves area in the park. The best displays of prairie tive Center at the fort site contains exhibits or grills are permitted. 1-888-646-6367 (MN Toll Free) wildflowers and grasses are found in these RECREATION: A variety of year-round recre- and information about garrison life and the • Daily or annual permits are required for TDD (Telecommunications areas. In fall, these bluffs are a favorite sun- ational opportunities are available at Fort people and events surrounding Fort Ridgely all vehicles entering a state park. They may Device for Deaf) ning place for garter and bull snakes. (There Ridgely State Park. A modern campground during the 1850s and 60s. be purchased at the park headquarters or (651) 296-5484 (Metro Area) are NO poisonous snakes in the Minnesota offers 22 level, grassy sites (15 with electricity) the Information Center in St. Paul (see 1-800-657-3929 (MN Toll Free) River Valley.) Soaring overhead, hawks and for all types of camping enthusiasts, with The old fort site, with five acres of land, was “FOR MORE INFORMATION” to left). bald eagles can be seen riding the warm air flush toilets and showers. For those seeking purchased by the State of Minnesota in 1896 DNR Web Site: www.dnr.state.mn.us thermals that rise from the river valley below. a more rustic experience there is a separate to create a memorial to the participants of the ♦ State Parks Page: www.mnstateparks.info 9-site campground with just the basics avail- Dakota Conflict at Fort Ridgely. When an Throughout the park are numerous mead- able. The park also offers 3 walk-in campsites additional 148 acres were purchased in 1911, This information is available in FORT RIDGELY STATE PARK is located ows, each distinct in character. Some have for backpackers, a primitive group camp and the site was designated as a state park. By alternative format upon request. along Minnesota State Highway 4, six miles scattered prairie wildflowers and grasses, a 25-unit horse campground. the end of 1927, park facilities included a south of Fairfax in Nicollet and Renville others are dense stands of non-native plant nine-hole golf course and an elaborate con- “Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit Counties. The entrance to the park is off species. In 1982, a large meadow was rees- Nature lovers will enjoy the eight miles of crete stage which had been constructed in a from programs of the Minnesota Department of Nicollet County Highway 21. Highway map tablished on the park’s western edge. This hiking trails which wind through a variety natural amphitheater. Natural Resources is available to all individuals index: G-18. planting of native prairie grasses and wild- of wooded ravines and open prairie mead- regardless of race, color, creed or religion, national flowers is an attempt to return this area to ows. Twelve miles of this trails system are The park was developed by the U.S. Depart- origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to GENERAL DESCRIPTION: public assistance, sexual orientation, age or dis- Fort Ridgely State its original character. available to horseback riders from spring to ment of Interior under the State Park Emer- ability. Discrimination inquires should be sent to the Park covers 478 acres of wooded ravines and fall, and to snowmobilers in the winter. There gency Conservation Work Program during Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 open meadows on the north bluff of the Min- On the edge of the park’s bluffs, and by some are over four miles of scenic trails groomed the 1930s. A 240-man unit of the Civilian Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155- nesota River Valley. The park is named after of the meadows, are large bur oak trees with for skiers during the snow season. Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the 4031; or the Equal Opportunity Office, Minnesota the military post which occupied the site in the low, spreading branches. At one time, these park under the supervision of the National Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.” 1850s and 1860s. It is a place of quiet and calm oaks grew out in the open surrounded only A choice of picnic areas awaits visitors Park Service. The CCC camp was located in DEPARTMENT OF where visitors can observe nature, learn about by prairie grasses. These areas, known as oak throughout the year. The main Upper Picnic the area now used as the rustic campground. © 5/2008 by State of Minnesota, NATURAL RESOURCES Department of Natural Resources DNR Maps