Fort Snelling

As an adult it is sometimes difficult to remember what it is like to feel like a kid again. But if you go to Fort Snelling you might just be reminded. This field session is a literal blast from the past. When visiting school kids are on the grounds you can hear the startling sounds of gun and cannon fire as the Fort’s interpreters, dressed in period costume, try to entertain and educate.

Fort Snelling is the state’s first National Historic Landmark and is often referred to as the birthplace of Minnesota. You will have a chance to view an exhibit that details the fort’s history at the visitor center and then take a walking tour of the grounds. Only three original buildings remain standing but every effort has been made to capture the fort’s original atmosphere and is used as not only an interactive historic teaching laboratory but is also an example of multi-interest partnerships in producing a renovation and restoration project open for both public and private use.

This field session will take you through not only the interpretive side of the Fort, but you will also have the chance to explore the currently undeveloped “upper post” where plans for restoration, renovation and usage are still pending.

So fill up your water canteens, dust off your compasses and put on your marching boots because if you open your eyes and ears you’ll learn a lot about historic preservation. But if you close them…you might see yourself as an officer in the infantry or as a lady in one of the officers’ families….and then only you know where you will go from there….

~Farin