Camping, Biking, Hiking, Golfing at Fort Ridgely State Park

Fort Ridgely State Park is within 2 hours of the Twin Cities and is a historic settlement in Minnesota's history. It is also the only Minnesota State Park with it's own golf course inside the park. Besides golfing, we can tackle the hiking and biking trails. OR how about getting a volleyball game together? To find out more about the park please clickHERE. (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fort_ridgely/index.html)

We'll be staying in the "Chalet" for two nights. The Chalet features a full kitchen with amenities, a fireplace, and central heat. There are no beds in the Chalet; guests should bring sleeping bags and spread out on the floor for an overnight stay. Bathrooms, with showers, are located on the lower level. Chalet info click HERE (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fort_ridgely/chalet.html)

There are tent camping options, but you’ll need to make your own reservations directly with the park for that.

Please note - the lower level of the Chalet is open for use by the public at all times. The upper level can be accessed from inside and outside the building, but can be locked off from the downstairs public use. So we’ll be able to keep our belongings safe.

Cost Includes: $25 pp for 2 nights lodging in the “Chalet”, firewood, plates, cups, eating utensils, charcoal, bottled water, Saturday breakfast and picnic dinner.

Biking: The Fair Ridge Trail is a paved recreational trail which connects the town of Fairfax to the park. This trail provides approximately 7.3 miles for your hiking and biking enjoyment.

Hiking: The 8 miles of trails trails take you through a wide variety of terrain from easy to challenging. Trails wind through mostly wooded areas and open prairie areas. These varied landscapes produce a wide variety of plant communities that offer hikers many different things to see throughout the year.

Golfing: This is a 2,739 yard, par 35 course with narrow fairways, many mature trees, and grass greens. It is a walk-only course. No advance reservation for tee times, it is first-come, first-served only. Weekend/Holiday Rates are $13 for 9 holes or $18 for all day. Equipment rental (golf clubs and pull carts) is available at park office. Contact the park for equipment rental fees.

Parking: there is parking right next to the Chalet.

What to Bring: sleeping bag, pillow, air mattress, golf clubs and/or bike, comfortable shoes for hiking, personal snacks/beverages/food.

Getting There: According to Mapquest from the TC go west on either Hwy 5 or 7 to 212. Stay on 212 until MN 15 and go south or take a left. Right or west on MN 19 (also called 4th street). Left or south on MN 4. Take a sharp right onto County Rd 21 and then a slight right onto County Rd 30. The entrance to the park is on the right side. The directions indicate the park is about 1.75 hours from the Western ‘burbs.

The address to use is: 72158 County Road 30, Fairfax, MN 55332

Check In time is 11am: and Check Out is 10am.

**MN State Park pass is required. The cost is either $25 for the entire year or $5 a day.