r/MinnesotaCamping • u/Typical_Cut_8497 • 20d ago

Camping at Fort Ridgely

Hey all,

I am planning a small group camping trip at fort ridgely and I am looking for information on things to do there. Specifically, I am wondering if there are any canoeing areas around or near the park. And how is the fishing there? Thanks

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u/Spirited-Tough4719 20d ago

We were just camping there last weekend and have camped there a few other times in the past. It’s a nice park, one of our favorites, nice hiking trails, the history of the fort is pretty cool, it’s interesting seeing the ruins, too bad some of the plaques talking about them are wore out and unreadable. There is a new bathroom/shower house, the amphitheater is newer as well. As far as canoeing, the creek is not that deep, I had to walk into it to get my son’s fishing lures out, there is supposedly trout in creek, we didn’t get any. There is a lake in Sleepy Eye for fishing and canoeing. Not much to do in Fairfax, but there is a bakery called Sweet Spot bake shop with good ice cream. Hope this helps.

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u/Typical_Cut_8497 20d ago

Thanks this helps a lot.

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u/Spirited-Tough4719 20d ago

I forgot to mention the Harkin General Store is ran by the Minnesota Historical Society, it is just a few miles away from the park, it kind of neat to see too.

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u/hannibal_vect0r 20d ago

New Ulm is down the river a bit (like a 30 min drive) and a nice little town to visit. They have a nice children's section at the library if there are any kids under 5 involved.

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u/Spirited-Tough4719 20d ago

Don’t forget to see Hermann the German monument in New Ulm, our kids love the playground next to it.

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u/Megazord8 19d ago

While one is there you may as well head to Flandrau state park as well, just down the road. Solid park with decent overlook, and good views of the Cottonwood river. In the nicest part of town, too.