Visitors to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., this spring or summer can now take a tour of the Fort Snelling Upper Post, which covers interesting aspects of the fort’s 20th-century history, including the buildings used by the Military Intelligence Service Language School during World War II.
Sponsored by the Friends of Fort Snelling, a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the history of the Fort Snelling area, the free two-hour tours are scheduled on Sundays. No reservations are needed. Tours meet at 9 a.m. in front of the Headquarters building (with the clock tower). Upper Post Tours are set for May 29, June 12, July 3 and Aug. 14.
The Walking Tours will cover rough terrain. For those that want to take the light rail to the tour, Headquarters building is just a quarter mile from the Fort Snelling Light Rail Station on the blue line. The tour will take about two hours and will cover officers’ row, the barracks, administrative buildings and drill fields along Taylor Ave. Dates are scheduled for May 29 and Aug. 14.
A Biking Tour is set for June 12. Don’t have a bike? No problem, as Nice Ride kiosks are available at Historic Fort Snelling and Fort Snelling State Park. In addition to sites covered on the Walking Tour, the Biking Tour will also travel along Bloomington Road.
In addition, a “Murder Mystery Walking Tour” will take place on July 3 and includes the story of a 1940 murder mystery.
It is recommended that all participants bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes.
For more information, visit http://www.historicfortsnelling.org/events-programs/special-programs-exhibits/friends-upper-post-wwii-walking-tours or call (651) 964-9682.
