was also donated to the park and restoration of the entire fort could proceed. Structures including walls, the round tower, barracks, the commandant's house, gatehouse, magazine, school, and others were either restored or rebuilt to 19th-century condition. Workers went so far as to recreate the rough trowel tuckpointing of the original stone blocks. Controversially, WPA murals from the 1930s were removed from the interior of the tower. In 1970 a swimming beach was opened in the park and visitation increased by 75%. An interpretive center was opened in 1974, the first year-round interpretive center in the Minnesota state park system. Even without a campground, this is the most visited state park in Minnesota for most years. Recreation Bicycling: of paved trail, connecting to regional paved trails. of gravel trails. Boating: Public boat ramp on Minnesota River by picnic area. Canoe access to lakes and rivers. Cross-country skiing: of groomed ski trails in the park. Fishing: Lake and river fishing. Fishing pier on Snelling Lake. Hiking: of hiking trails in the park. Interpretation: Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center with exhibits and year-round programs, operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Tours of historic Fort Snelling (separate fee), operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. Sports: Minneapolis Parks and Recreation operates a nine-hole golf course and a sports field west of the fort, on its historic polo ground. 2 playgrounds, by beach and by picnic area. Park office lends beach volleyball equipment. Swimming: Beach on Snelling Lake. Weddings and funerals: The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel, built in 1926, is reservable. No camping. The park is day-use only, open from 8am to 10pm. See also Fort Snelling Minnehaha Trail Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Minnesota Valley State Trail Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Winchell Trail References Meyer, Roy W. Everyone's Country Estate: A History of Minnesota's State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society Press: St. Paul, 1991. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2006. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Web Site (online). Morgan, Samuel H. "Birth, Death, and Reincarnation: The Story of Fort Snelling and Its State Park." Ramsey County History, Vol. 28, No. 2. Summer 1993. pp 4–12, 27. Nissen, Ruth et al. "Glaciers Left Their Mark on the Mississippi River." External links Fort Snelling State Park 1962 establishments in Minnesota Minnesota River Mississippi Gorge Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Protected areas established in 1962 Protected areas of Dakota County, Minnesota Protected