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          • • • • • • • • • • • Mississippi River • • • • • • • • • • •

Recently, I noticed an overlook with a great view of Fort Snelling, and noted that it would be best viewed on a bright morning. Today was such a day, and I took advantage. These shots are the result. All photos were taken from the eastern side of the river. (click on any thumbnail for a larger version)	Aerial view of the area all these photos cover
Aerial view of the Two Rivers Overlook and surrounding area	View of the rather elaborate overlook itself
Plaque at the overlook	An upright plaque with text about the area	Another plaque, difficult to read in the morning sun
Looking west from the overlook, a view of Fort Snelling	Similar view, across the Mississippi, in which you can see the tower of the fort	Closeup of the fort tower and walls
Closeup of the south, river end of the fort. Mendota bridge in the background, across the Minnesota River.	Some of the older Fort Snelling buildings, and the church tower	The merging point of the two rivers, just below the fort. On the right is Pike Island, part of Fort Snelling state park. It has a 3-mile walking path around it.
The riverbank just below the overlook	A view of the Mendota bridge	Another view of the old fort buildings
Aerial view of the Lower Hidden Falls park area	The same old fort buildings, now seen from the Lower Hidden Falls area	Looking down river from the same location on the river
The park area of Lower Hidden Falls	A little friend, busily ignoring me
These trees have seen their riverbank erode back, exposing many of their roots	Looking down river	Man enjoying a river respite
Aerial view of Crosby Farm, once an early working farm, now maintained as a wetland. Notice the Watergate Marina too. On the bluff above is Shepherd Road.
This large marsh is filled with sounds. I recorded them, but they really must be experienced firsthand.
Aerial view of Upper Hidden Falls	The road leading down to the park is bordered with natural rock outcroppings
Aerial view of the Ford bridge, locks, Ford spillway and power plant. This image from maps.google.com was obviously taken when the bridge was being reconstructed.	This little building is above the power plant, near the smokestack. The bluff area in this area is fenced and inaccessible.	The grand brick smokestack of the power plant
Closeup of the top of the smokestack	One of the very old buildings of the Veteran's Home, across the river	Another old building of the Veteran's Home
Looking down onto the Ford spillway	Directly across from the Ford plant is this secured entrance down to the plant. Notice the tiled roof.	The main entrance to the Ford plant
The old turbine wheel on display across the street from the plant	Plaque with the turbine wheel story	Another view of the lock and the Veteran's Home
From the Ford Bridge, looking downriver	The power house	A broader view from further out on the bridge
A little, ever-changing sandy island just below the spillway	The double lock, massive wall above it, and the Veteran's Home. Notice the sandstone lower level, and limestone above it	The areas shown in these photographs are all easily accessible, and well worth a visit. I think you'll find them surprisingly and pleasantly unbusy.