We spent Friday doing some sight-seeing. Our first stop was the Fort Snelling State Park, which includes the historic fort which stood on the bluff overlooking the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The lower-level park has some beautiful walking and biking trails and a modern interpretive center/gift shop/comfort station. From there we hiked up the steep trail to the fort.
Built around 1820 the fort served as peace-keeper, commerce center and Indian affairs monitor. The restored area is well preserved and, when open, features an enthusiastic corps of docents in historical dress, many of whom address visitors in the vernacular of the period. We saw soldiers, officers, wheelwrights, blacksmiths, cooks and one schoolmarm who gave us to know why the fort was important for the settlement of the Northwest Territory. The picture shows Jan atop the round tower overlooking the parade grounds and post buildings.
Later we shifted to the 21st century for lunch at Johnny Rocket's counter at the Mall of America. We even helped the economy a bit in several of the mall stores before heading back to the hotel for a swim. The trip to Red Wing for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner completed a great day.
