Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

About

Visit Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge any time of the year to enjoy natural habitats of Minnesota wildlife. Prairies, wetlands, bottom land forests and other woodlands provide a peek at wildlife on the edge of the Twin Cities urban community.

The Refuge offers free public programs, hiking, wildlife observation, hunting, fishing, some natural surface trail biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (no groomed trails) throughout 8 main units stretching along the Minnesota River from Ft. Snelling to Jordan. Two visitor and education centers provide orientation to activities in nature.

At the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, visitors can enjoy exhibits, videos, an art gallery, bird feeding station and nature store; or hike trails and view the valley from the overlook. Access the Visitor Center from 34th Avenue, south of Highway 494.

The Bloomington Education and Visitor Center is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday September-May; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday June - August. Trails are open to the public sunrise to sunset, year round.

The Rapids Lake Education Center near Carver is used for school groups by reservation through our Environmental Education program. Trails are open to the public sunrise to sunset, year round.

Free admission to visitor centers and refuge lands. Brochures and information are available at visitor centers and parking areas throughout the refuge.