Pike Island

Pike Island is a 210-acre river island at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers within Fort Snelling State Park. The site contains natural trails along the riverbanks and supports diverse wildlife habitats throughout its landscape.

In 1805, Zebulon Pike negotiated the purchase of land from the Mdewakanton Sioux, bringing the island under US control. During the Dakota War of 1862, it served as an internment camp where over 1,600 Dakota people faced harsh winter conditions.

The Dakota call this place Wita Tanka and hold the river confluence sacred as Bdote, where their creation story says the first people emerged into the world.

A 3.7-mile trail circles the island with access points for fishing and designated winter areas for cross-country skiing. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for varying terrain and potentially muddy conditions along the routes.

The island served as an internment camp during the 1862 Dakota War, but many visitors do not realize that today it holds memorials and markers honoring this tragic chapter. These sites allow visitors to acknowledge the experiences of the Dakota people and understand an important part of local history.