Plank Museum & Visitor Center
Begin your Historic Fort Snelling visit at the Plank Museum & Visitor Center where you can purchase admission, view displays, shop in the museum store, and purchase grab-and-go food and beverages.
About
Originally built in 1904 as US Army Cavalry barracks, and later converted to an outpatient VA Clinic in 1946, the building was abandoned in 1989 and sat vacant for several decades, with no power, water, or HVAC.
In June 2020, work began to rehabilitate the building into the new Plank Museum & Visitor Center as part of the Historic Fort Snelling Revitalization Project. This included interior demolition and hazardous material abatement, and the rehabilitation of historic wood floors and windows. New walls went up, new stair structures were built, and existing plaster walls and ceilings were repaired.
Raymond Plank
(May 29, 1922 – Nov. 8, 2018)
Born in Wayzata, Minnesota in 1922, Raymond Plank grew up on his family’s farm. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps Reserves at what is now known as Historic Fort Snelling.
During World War II, he piloted B-24 bombers, completed 40 combat missions, and earned a Bronze Star and numerous other commendations. Plank went on to graduate from Yale; form an accounting and tax service; and eventually co-found and become chairman and CEO of Apache Corporation, one of the world’s leading independent oil and gas companies.
Plank was active in state, national, and international politics and founded several non-profit organizations promoting the arts, education, and conservation. He donated business and personal archives to the Minnesota Historical Society and contributed significant funding to the restoration of Historic Fort Snelling.
Tickets
Purchase admission tickets at the historic fort. Or skip the line and purchase tickets before you go.
Museum store
Shop at the museum store for unique souvenirs and gifts for all ages, as well as snacks and cold drinks.
Exhibits
View displays on the first and second floors highlighting the fort's history.
New exhibit coming in 2023.
Restrooms
Restrooms have accessible stalls, and are equipped with diaper-changing facilities.
WiFi
Free wireless internet is available in the visitor center.