Minnesota National Guard
Special Features

Topics

Airport Shuttle Information
Alternative Center
American Red Cross Blood Mobile
Archery Deer Hunt
Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
Camp Ripley Clubs
Chapel (Non-Denominational)
Disabled Veterans Deer Hunt
History Museum
Job Shadow Program
Norwegian Troop Exchange
On Post Recreation
SATO Travel
Training and Community Center (TACC)

Camp Ripley
Alternative Center

The Alternative Center (Bldg 10-86)(Phone # (320)632-7279) provides an alcohol-free environment for Soldiers to relax.  The center features satellite television, VCR's, movies, video games, and a small library.  The POC is the Camp Ripley Logistics Officer at DSN 871-2705 or commercial (320) 616-2705.

Laundry - Located on the first floor of the Alternative Center, the post laundry offers free washer and dryer service to Soldiers.  The laundry contains twenty-seven commercial washers and dryers for use.



Laundry Worker
Telephone
(320) 632-7000 (Automated Operator)
FAX
(320) 632-7702
DSN Prefix
          871-XXXX
Postal address
15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345-4173
Club Point of Contact: MMiller@sytekcommunications.com
Logistics Officer: Marie Festler
Personnel & Community Activities: Kristina Vonberge
American Red Cross Blood Mobile

American Red Cross Blood Mobile visits Camp Ripley on a regular basis.
The Blood Mobile is scheduled at Camp Ripley three times per year. The Camp Ripley Blood Mobile is open to the public. Announcement of dates and times are published in local newspapers.
Blood Draw in Progress
Archery Deer Hunt

The Department of Natural Resources and Department of Military Affairs have compiled the results of this year's archery deer hunt.

Hunters once again had an excellent harvest during the 2006 Camp Ripley Archery Hunt. Archers harvested 271 deer during the first hunt (October 19-20) and 243 deer during the weekend hunt (October 28-29), for a grand total of 514 deer harvested in 2006. "This represents a 8% increase over last years's take of 477 deer, and is 6% higher than the previous record harvest of 484 deer set in 2004," said Beau Liddell, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Little Falls Area Wildlife Manager.

A combined total of 5009 permits were issued for both two-day hunts, with 4351 hunters participating. Hunter success over both hunts was slightly more than11%, similar to last year and about 3% higher than the long-term average of 8 percent. For the third consecutive year, hunters at Camp were allowed to take up to two deer and to use bonus permits to increase harvest on antlerless deer. In the end, the proportion of antlerless deer taken this year at Camp was slightly higher normal with about 68% of the harvest comprised of does or fawns. Top weights for the largest males were 244, 239, 220, 219, and 217 pounds. Top female weights were 145 and 117 pounds.

Total deer harvested for all hunts at Camp Ripley (included are the DAV Rifle Hunt, Deployed Soldier Archery Hunt,Youth Bow Hunt and 2 - 2 Day Archery Hunts) was 542. Camp Ripley and the DNR will host another archery hunt next year. Visit our web site in the year 2007 for details.

Also see www.dnr.state.mn.us

Telephone
(320) 616-2469
Postal address
Department of Natural Resources, 16543 Haven Road, Little Falls, MN 56345
Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Post Exchange (PX) System - The Army and Air Force Exchange System (AAFES) operates a retail store on post. The PX sells health and beauty aids, snack items, clothing, electronics, jewelry, sporting goods, and other personal comfort items. It also features a barber shop and Military Clothing Sales Store.; It is open six days a week. Hours vary with the troop density on post. Commanders may request extended hours of operation. Other PX services include money orders, check cashing, and limited postal service.

Snack Bar - The post also features a brand new Snack Bar.It is contracted by AAFES to provide service to the post. The Snack Bar is located in Bldg 8-22 and is open Monday through Saturday. The Snack Bar also operates mobile food trucks that provide service to Soldiers at their training location.

For further information, see Army & Air Force Exchange Service Web Site

Telephone
(320) 632-7382 (Post Exchange) or 632-7412 (Snack Bar)
FAX
(320) 632-9388
DSN Prefix
           871-XXXX
Postal address
15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345-4173

Post Exchange Manager:  Terry Lowery
Food Service Manager:  Mary Helton 
Operations Officer: Jay Morsching
Logistics Officer: Marie Festler
Personnel & Community Activities: Kristina Vonberge

Camp Ripley Clubs

The Camp Ripley Viking Clubs, Inc. operates in three locations on Camp Ripley.  The Community Club (NCO Club) located in Bldg 10-87 and the Officer/Senior Ranks Club located in Bldg 3-86, will be open from 1800 to 0030 daily during the months of June, July and August and Friday and Saturday nights during the high density winter training periods.  Both clubs offer Direct TV for your viewing pleasure.  The MWR Facility is available upon request and is specifically designed as an alcohol free facility.  All three locations offer cook you own pizzas.  Please contact the Club POC at (320) 616-3094 or e-mail your request to Club Reservations to coordinate specific events or reserve one of the facilities. Officers Club

 

Camp Ripley Chapel

The Camp Ripley Memorial Chapel (Bldg 10-98) is available for use by troops in training and the public.  Organizations and individuals normally provide their own chaplain.

The chapel provides the perfect setting for various services, such as weddings, funerals, baptisms and any other special ceremony performed by ministers of the church.  The chapel seats 440 people.  Both a piano and organ are available in the chapel.  For more information about leasing the chapel, contact our chapel manager at the phone number or e-mail listed below. 
Telephone
(320) 616-2708
FAX
(320) 632-7702
DSN Prefix
          871-XXXX
Postal address
15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345-4173
Chapel Management James Krousey
Chapel

Disabled Veteran's Deer Hunt

The Department of Natural Resources began monitoring the deer population at Camp Ripley in 1954, the first year of the annual white-tail bow hunt.   Offered each fall, is the Disabled American Veterans' deer hunt (established in 1992).  This opportunity to enjoy the experience of being outdoors and hunting has increased the confidence and self-esteem of many physically challenged veterans.  The 14th annual Disabled Veterans Deer Hunt at Camp Ripley was held on October 4-5, 2005.  Forty-five hunters participated.  Hunter success was high (33%), with a total of 13 deer harvested in 2005.  Hunters took 6 bucks, 7 does and 2 fawns in the two-day hunt.  The largest deer taken weighed in a 184 lbs.  The St. Cloud Veterans Administration (VA) conducts the hunt.

Dennis Erie at St. Cloud VA Hospital
Telephone
(320) 255-6323
FAX (320) 255-6461
Postal address St. Cloud VA Hospital, 4801 8th Street North, St. Cloud, MN 56303
DAV Deer Hunt
History Museum


The Minnesota Military Museum, located at Camp Ripley, is open to the general public as well as military personnel.  Hours are:  June1 - August 31:  10a.m. to 5p.m. daily except  national holidays.  September 1 - May 31:  9.a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.  Group tours can usually be arranged for other times upon request.  There is no charge for admission but a $3 donation is requested from adults who are not presently in the military.

Museum

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

Nowhere in Minnesota are the experiences of military men and women so vividly captured and interpreted as at the Minnesota Military Museum.  The museum aims to enhance public understanding of how armed conflicts and military institutions have shaped our state and national experience.  The museum also functions as a major repository in  Minnesota for historical artifacts and records.  Indoor and outdoor exhibits depict the stories and contributions of Minnesotans who served in all branches of service or on the home front, in time of peace and war, from our early frontier years to the present.

PERMANENT EXHIBITS

America at War - America's major wars since Minnesota became a state in 1858:  Civil War, Spanish American War and Philippine Insurrection, the World Wars, Korean War, and Persian Gulf War.  Exhibits illustrate the causes, conduct, and consequences.

Forts on the Frontier - How Minnesota's early forts and garrisons played an important role in maintaining peace and encouraging settlement on Minnesota's 19th century frontier.  Includes a scale model of Old Fort Ripley, 1849-1877, a former army outpost within the boundaries of present day Camp Ripley.

State Forces - The story of Minnesota's state armed forces - most notably its National Guard - is highlighted from pre-Civil War militia days to the present.

The Arms Room - The development of military small arms in the 19th and 20th century.  Pistols and revolvers, rifles and carbines, sub-machine guns, machine guns, edged weapons, ammunition, and more.

Honors - A tribute to Minnesotans who received the Medal of Honor.  Other military decorations past and present are also displayed and explained.

Story of the Jeep - The story of the fabled American jeep is told, including how it got its name during maneuvers at Camp Ripley in 1940.   Six representative models are on display, from early World War II until phase-out in the 1980s.  (This exhibit is open only during the summer months.)

OUTDOOR EXHIBITS

Numerous vehicles, tanks, aircraft artillery pieces - even a French "40 and 8" boxcar.  You can also inspect one of those ubiquitous Camp Ripley "tin huts", outfitted ca. 1965.

MILITARY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA

The museum is operated by the Military Historical Society of Minnesota (MHSM), an organization dedicated to documenting, preserving, and interpreting Minnesota's military history.  MHSM is registered federally as a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation.  The museum is certified by the Center for Military History, U.S. Army, although its mission encompasses all branches of military service.  For information about MHSM membership and financial contributions, artifact donations, and volunteer opportunities, please contact the museum.

Camp Ripley.doc
Old Fort Ripley 1849-77.doc
General John W. Vessey Jr..doc
Minnesota National Guard History

Executive Director - David L. Hanson
Administrator - Sandra Erickson
Curator - Doug Bekke
Archivist - Leland P. Smith 
Telephone (320) 632-7374
FAX (320) 632-7374
DSN Prefix 871-7374
Postal address
15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345-4173

Job Shadow Program

The Mid-State Education District located in Little Falls, MN, in partnership with Camp Ripley and the Minnesota National Guard, has established a Job Shadow Program offering students technical work site opportunities. This partnership is intended to serve High School students across the state.

The intent of the program is to provide 11th and 12th grade students an opportunity to experience technical work site settings in career clusters consistent with their Lifework Plan. The partnership was formed in October 1996. Students participate in Accounting, Drafting, Electrician, Electronics, Environmental, Machine Shop and Welding, Mechanics, Office and Administration (Computers), Plumbing and Travel Agent (SATO). Additional career opportunities are currently being developed.

Application information is available from Mr. Loren Boyum, Mid-State Education District. Mr. Boyum is available by telephone (320) 632-5417 or Electronic Mail at lboyum@upstel.net. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Mr. Boyum for additional information on the program or to request a site visit to their school. Mr. Boyum will coordinate use of Camp Ripley facilities with the Job Shadow coordinator for the Camp.

Job Shadow Coordinator: Loren Boyum
Telephone (320) 616-2699
FAX (320) 632-7702
DSN Prefix 871-XXXX
Postal address
15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345-4173
Job Shadow

On Post Recreation

Indoor Recreation - Camp Ripley has several indoor recreational facilities.  The Recreation and Training Center (Bldg 6-97) and the Training and Community Center (Bldg 11-1) both have facilities that can be used by organizations.
Facilities include: Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Weight Machines, Wellness Room, Free Weights, Exercise Machines, and Sauna.

Outdoor Recreation - Camp Ripley also has several outdoor recreational facilities.  Equipment is available from the Supply and Services Division. (see MWR Brochure)
Facilities include: Swimming, Softball, Tennis, Basketball, Horseshoes, Cross Country Skiing, Volleyball, Running Track, Picnic Areas, Snowshoeing, Fishing, Boating, Canoes, Badminton, and Archery.

Recreation

 

SATO Travel

Location of SATO Travel is in Building 11-1, Training and Community Center, Camp Ripley.

Army Moral, Welfare and Recreation- http://www.armymwr.com

Armed Forces Vacation Club- http://www.afvclub.com
Minnesota National Guard AFV Club # is 313. You will be asked to provide this number when making reservations.

Customer Support:
SATO Travel: Joanne King

Training and Community Center

This 98,684-square foot facility houses the Post Headquarters, as well as the Facilities Management Office, the Director of Logistics, and seven National Guard units. It has a 204-seat theatre with state of the art IT/VTC capabililties, five conference rooms, 2 with VTC capabilites, and five classrooms to accommodate up to 200 students.

Scheduler:
William Leisenheimer
Telephone (320) 616-2699
FAX (320) 632-7702
DSN Prefix 871-XXXX
Postal address
15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345-4173

TACC


 
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