Park Highlight: Fort Ridgely State Park
As Veterans Day approaches, we offer gratitude to past and present members of our military and we reflect on the inspiring history of our nation; a history whose fabric is woven tightly with stories of human conflict and war. Across Minnesota, our state parks preserve diverse perspectives and stories of people and places involved in battles and wars of America's past. One such site is Fort Ridgely State Park.
From 1855 to 1872, Fort Ridgely was not only a military fort but it was also a self-sufficient community populated by 300 soldiers and civilians. The military fort played a role in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, a major event in Minnesota's early history.
Today, visitors can tour Historic Fort Ridgely and wander through the ruins of this once thriving outpost. Visit the museum and the cemetery to learn about the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. For recreation, hike or ride the trails on horseback, fish the stocked pond or trout stream, camp (drive-in and walk-in sites are available), or stay overnight in the renovated farmhouse. In the winter, ski, snowmobile, or stay overnight at the chalet.
 The List: War Stories Found in Parks
Like Fort Ridgely State Park, many Minnesota state parks hold powerful stories of past human conflict. For example, did you know:
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 Learn more about the fascinating history of Fort Ridgely State Park.
Game Time: Outdoors in Every Language
Encourage your family to love the outdoors by exploring a variety of activities and finding ones that you enjoy together!
Below is an outdoor action word to share with young children and non-native English speakers to build new literacy skills and to experience the joy of connecting with nature.
This month's outdoor action word is hike! As a family, take a hike in a nearby park, cemetery or other green space to explore nature in your neighborhood. How many different kinds of trees, birds or animal signs can you find on your hike?
An
excerpt from “Let’s Play Outside! 50 Ways to Connect Kids with Nature,” a
project of the 2014
Collaborative Leadership Fellows Program, Rochester, MN.
 Traveler Tip: Free Entry for Military Families
In 2017 the Minnesota legislature approved a statute to provide free year-round vehicle permits to active military personnel in any branch or unit of the United States Armed Forces and veterans with a service-related disability. These vehicle permits provide qualifying military families unlimited access to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.
As a Yellow Ribbon Company, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources strives to support active and retired military personnel and their families. We are grateful for their service and sacrifices!
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 Find out more about military and veteran benefits from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
 Discover: The Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Did you know that seven Minnesota state parks, five state water trails and six state bike trails lay within a one-million-plus acre state forest that covers seven counties in southeast Minnesota? This forest was originally known as the Veterans Memorial Hardwood Forest and was championed by Richard J. Dorer.
Dorer was a graduate of West Point Military Academy and a decorated World War I veteran. He worked for the Minnesota Department of Conservation from the 1940s-1960s and was responsible for planning the restoration of the Whitewater Valley in Wabasha and Winona counties. After his retirement, Dorer set out on a crusade to advocate for a memorial hardwood state forest that would stand in honor of Minnesota's pioneers and veterans while protecting the steep wooded hillsides of southeast Minnesota in order to prevent erosion and runoff from destroying the trout streams of the region.
After his death in 1973, the forest was renamed in his honor. Today, this large tract of land stands as a testament to the hard work and determination of a man who has gone down in Minnesota history books as "our militant steward."
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Find out more about Richard Dorer and his legacy.
 Meet the Field Staff
Did you know that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources currently employs 228 military veterans? Many of these dedicated individuals can be found mowing, cleaning and managing state parks and trails across Minnesota.
Meet Kelly Allen-Sobek, a veteran Boatswain Mate of the US Navy and a Parks and Trails Associate at Whitewater State Park.
Kelly has worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for nearly 30 years, mostly doing work on our state trails and waterways. She has been at Whitewater State Park for two years.
Kelly enjoys talking with park visitors and her favorite place in the park is Coyote Point trail because of the historic picnic table built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that sits along the trail and the amazing views. She loves hiking in our state parks because each park is so unique and well maintained and she encourages people to explore our state parks and check out the great trails!
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 Explore careers within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
 November Events
Walk off that turkey and stuffing on Free Park Friday, November 23! Entry into all Minnesota state parks will be free for the day to encourage family time together outdoors instead of standing in hectic shopping lines.
To stay safe in the woods this hunting season, make sure you know before you go; be aware of special hunts that are taking place in select state parks.
Check out some upcoming activities at Minnesota state parks:
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Find more programs and events.
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