Falls-To-Fort Fall Colors Hike, Just Outside Your Door
(28 Sept 06) by Eric Gustafson, CNO Staff

Buy a light rail ticket and ride south, and soon you can be immersed in Minnehaha Falls park, and the lovely woods walk that connects to Fort Snelling. The following excursion, on foot or by bicycle with the aid of light rail, can be done in under 1-1/2 hours from the Corcoran Neighborhood. Disembark at the 50th Street station and cross Hiawatha Avenue into Minnehaha Falls Park. Once on the walking path, walk south through the park, noting the Veteran’s Home to your left. Keep going, and just beyond the entrance to the dog park, enter the pedestrian and bicycle path that begins near the Hiawatha/54th intersection. You are now entering Fort Snelling State Park, and signs indicate a trip of two miles to the Fort. The path is wooded and shady, with plenty of room for bicyclists and hikers, and follows a high ridge above the Mississippi. You'll catch glimpses of the river, and the dog park below, to your left.

Eventually you’ll see fortress walls rising above you to the right as you reach the Fort. Follow the trail up the hill and to the right, staying close to the buildings. Walk along the Fort buildings and finally, out the main entrance at parking area of the Fort grounds. You will see Bloomington Road, which crosses underneath the freeway. Follow Bloomington Road past the recreational complex and then follow the signs for ‘Fort Snelling Club.’ You will soon see signs for the Fort Snelling light rail station. Depending on your pace, your original ticket should cover your light rail ride home. The author completed the trip described, from the Lake Street/Midtown station to the Fort Snelling station, in 70 minutes.