Fort Snelling National Cemetery

Fort Snelling National Cemetery is a military burial ground near the southern edge of Minneapolis in Minnesota. The site covers approximately 436 acres along the Minnesota River valley and holds more than 260,000 gravesites administered by the National Cemetery System.

The cemetery began operations in 1870 on a smaller parcel near the historic fort. Congress authorized construction of the current grounds in 1937 after citizens from Saint Paul submitted a petition, and burials began here two years later.

A dedicated volunteer group called Flags for Fort Snelling places thousands of memorial flags on graves during annual Memorial Day ceremonies.

The grounds remain open daily during regular hours that shift seasonally between longer summer days and shorter winter ones. Paved pathways allow wheelchair access throughout the site, making quiet visits possible in most weather conditions.

Among the thousands of American veterans lies a Royal Canadian Air Force airman who died during World War II. His grave is the only Commonwealth war burial in the cemetery and carries the distinct marker of his service branch.

Location: Fort Snelling

Inception: 1870

Address: 7601 34th Avenue South

Website: http://cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/nchp/ftsnelling.asp

GPS coordinates: 44.86940,-93.21710

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:31