Prepare For Your Day: Historic Fort Snelling

Before you come

• Divide your students and adults into the groups designated on your itinerary.
• Give a copy of your schedule to all the teachers coming with your group.
• A ratio of one chaperone for every five students is recommended. One chaperone per five students is admitted free; additional chaperones will be invoiced at the student rate.
• Make name tags for your students.
• Make copies of directions (200 Tower Ave. St. Paul, Minnesota) for bus drivers (and chaperones if necessary). Free parking is available on site. 
• Make sure to plan your travel time accordingly to not affect your field trip start time. Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes if traveling long distance to accommodate bathroom breaks prior to starting.
• Follow signage to the Welcome Amphitheater for group check-in.

Prepare your chaperones

• Preview: send chaperones the link to the Chaperone page to get them excited for their day.
• Print the Chaperone guide (PDF) for your chaperones to review before coming to Historic Fort Snelling.
• Chaperones are responsible for the conduct of the students they are accompanying.
• Students must stay in their chaperoned groups throughout their visit, including self-guided time.
• Be prepared to be outdoors in the elements and wear walking shoes.

Prepare your students

• Discuss Museum Manners.
• Watch the 17 minute orientation film Where the Waters Meet at your school before your visit.
• Students must stay in their chaperoned groups throughout their entire visit including their teacher-led time.
• Be prepared to be outdoors in the elements and wear walking shoes.
• Learn more about the long history of the area.
• Check out the new virtual tour and preview the historic fort. 

Accessibility

Historic Fort Snelling welcomes all visitors and strives to make everyone's visit a positive experience. Please let us know if your group has anyone with special accommodation needs. Call 1-888-387-5008 to discuss your access needs.

• Sign language interpreters are available with two weeks' notice
• Limited number of wheelchairs are available on site for use during your visit
• Private spaces and restrooms are available for diaper changing and tube feeding
• More about Historic Fort Snelling accessibility

The day of your visit

• Give bus drivers directions (200 Tower Ave., St. Paul, Minnesota).
• Give chaperones a list of the students in their group.

When you arrive at the Fort

• Unload buses in the designated location.
• Follow signs for group check-in.
• Give an accurate count of the number of students, teachers, and chaperones at check-in.
• Fort staff will give an orientation at the beginning of your field trip.
• Late arrival will impact your group’s schedule and activities for the day.
• Running late? Please call 1-888-387-5008.