Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist
State Commissioner visits annually or bi-annually by making an appointment with the I.C. Director or appropriate personnel.
The goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (I.C.) and the MRPC.
During the visit, the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRPC. The talking points should include benefits of being an I.C. (e.g., featured on website, printed maps, social media, itineraries and more.)
- Interpretive Center Visited Historic Fort Snelling
- Date of VisitDec 15, 2021
- Visiting Commissioner's NameCarol Zoff, Tim Wilcox, David Kelliher, Chris Miller
- Name, Title, Email and Telephone Number of I.C. Personnel InterviewedNancy Cass, Site Manager, 612-726-1171, [email protected] and Patrick Naidl, Visitor Services Manager, [email protected]
- What are your regular hours?Check website for most updated information; Hours: October 24, 2021 – May 27, 2022 Closed for the season.; May 28 – 30, 2022 Memorial Day weekend Day Hours Saturday 10:00 am–5:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am–5:00 pm Monday 10:00 am–5:00 pm Visitor center open until 5:30 pm.; May 31 – September 5, 2022 Day Hours Monday* Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday 10:00 am–4:00 pm Thursday 10:00 am–4:00 pm Friday 10:00 am–4:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am–4:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am–4:00 pm Visitor center open until 4:30 pm.; *Open Independence Day (July 4, 2022); *Closed Labor Day (September 5, 2022); September 6 – October 31, 2022 Day Hours Sunday - Friday Closed Saturday 10:00 am–4:00 pm Visitor center open until 4:30 pm.; November 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023 Day Hours Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday 10:00 am–4:00 pm (Visitor Center only) Friday 10:00 am–4:00 pm (Visitor Center only) Saturday 10:00 am–4:00 pm (Visitor Center only) Sunday Closed; 2021 Holiday schedule Closed all holidays.; 2022 Holiday schedule Open Memorial Day weekend (May 28–30, 2022, 10:00 am–5:00 pm) Open Independence Day (July 4, 2022, 10:00 am–4:00 pm) Open Veterans Day, visitor center and ceremony only; (November 11, 2022, 10:00 am–4:00 pm)Closed all other holidays
- What is your admission pricing?Adults $12; Seniors ages 65+ College students (w/ID) Active military $10; Children ages 5–17 $8; Children age 4 and under Free; MNHS members Free; Native Americans Free; Veterans and up to 5 family members Free. Check website for most updated information.
- How many visitors do you see annually?65,000 in the past, expect an increase after opening of new visitor center
- Does I.C. have a website?Yes
- Website URLhttps://www.mnhs.org/fortsnelling
- Do you have a button on your website with the Great River Road logo and link to the experiencemississipprver.com website?No
- URL to page where button is located
- When will you be adding a logo and link?Will be discussing with others at MNHS. Website will be redone to reflect new visitor center and programming.
- Do you have a Facebook page?Yes
- Facebook URLhttps://www.facebook.com/historicfortsnelling
- Do you carry GRR maps or rack cards for sale, distribution or on display?No
- Do you display a GRR banner or other signage?No
- Are your frontline personnel knowledgable of the GRR? Do they receive any formal training?No
- Do you have photos or video of your I.C. to share for promotional use?Yes
- What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding GRR activities?
- How could the state or national MRPC help your interpretive center?
- What do you need from us?
- How have you worked with the MRPC in the past?
- How does being affiliated with the Great River Road help your visitation?
- Do many people visit your IC because they are travelling the Great River Road?No
- Has the status as an All-American Road led to more visitation?No
- Do people know about this designation and why it matters?No
- How does your organization currently connect visitors to the Mississippi River and the Great River Road?
- Are the descriptions for your listing on the National Great River Road website and, if applicable, on your state’s Great River Road website up to date?No
- Please send updated information as needed, along with a photo (or photos) that you’d like us to use for promotional purposes.
- What are you doing to engage diverse audiences?
- Is the contact information on you website up to date?No
- Please send updated information as needed, include a phone number and email contact?
- COVID-19 Impacts
- How has Covid affected your staff and visitation at your IC over the past two years?
- How are you planning to adjust or how have you adjusted in 2022?
- What do you see as the long-term impacts?
- How can MRPC help with regard to the impacts of Covid?
Comments:
The visitor center has been closed during 2021 and a new, completely refurbished visitor center will open in 2022. (https://www.mnhs.org/fortsnelling/revitalization) GRR maps were available in the past and will be available at the new center. GRR signage will be considered as part of the new sign plan, as will placement of the GRR link on the website. When new staff members are hired they will receive GRR information. Photos and updated site information will be available after the visitor center is completed. Help promoting grand opening events would be appreciated.