Home Introduction Calendar of Events Visitor Information Recreation Photo Blinds Photo Blind Reservations Refuge Lands Black Dog Bloomington Ferry Chaska Long Meadow Louisville Swamp Rapids Lake Upgrala Wilkie Bloomington Visitor Center Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center Hunting Regs Hunting Brochure Fishing Regs Education Teacher Workshops Jr. Duck Stamp - Grades 10-12 - Grades 7-9 - Grades 4-6 - Grades K-3 Internships Scout Programs Programs Resource Center Guidelines Trunks and Kits Puddles - Blue Goose Volunteer Wildlife Surveys Observations Wetland Management District WPA's Private Lands Restoration Habitat Management Oak Savanna Fire Exotics Water Small Wetlands Program Partners Contact Us Phone: 952-854-5900 Address: 3815 American Blvd. East Bloomington, MN 55425

This 1,400 acre preserve stretches on both sides of the Xcel Energy power plant to Hwy 35 on the west and Hwy 77 on the east. Black Dog Preserve is a fragile, yet enduring place, home to the calcarious fen and native prairie. Part of the Black Dog Preserve is managed as a Scientific and Natural Area, a program run by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) which preserves certain lands for their unique habitats.

	The Black Dog Preserve is a good place to spot native prairie grasses.

This area has historically been an important resting area for migratory birds and waterfowl. Today with Xcel Energy using the lake to cool water before it re-enters the Minnesota River, some birds are able to stay here longer in winter. A favorite bird among many local people is the American woodcock. Male woodcocks prefer the open habitat of Black Dog Preserve for their singing fields.

Black Dog Preserve is accessible by two trail heads: Cliff Fen Park, and Black Dog Overlook. Two miles of trail lead past wetlands in various stages of succession and remnant tall grass prairie that provides a spectrum of colors from spring through fall. Dogs are prohibited within the Scientific and Natural Area and must be leashed while on Refuge portions of the preserve. To protect the delicate habitats of Black Dog, please remain on the trails during your visit.

Trail Map

[ Click for .pdf ]

Cliff Fen Park
120 East Cliff Road, Burnsville
The Park is on Cliff Road about one mile northeast of I-35W. The trail head is north of the soccer fields by the information signs. The walking trail winds through prairie and bottomland forest, and offers good views of cattail marsh. Return to Cliff Fen Park by the same route.

Black Dog Overlook
677 Black Dog Road, Burnsville
The Overlook is on Black Dog Road in Burnsville. From I-35W, exit Black Dog Road, the first exit south of the Minnesota River. Follow road approximately 1/2 miles to the parking area on the right. A short trail (0.1 mile) leads to a platform overlooking Black Dog Lake.

---

Last updated: April 27, 2009

---

Minnesota Valley NWR Home | Midwest Refuges Home | Midwest Region Home

Midwest Region Home

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home Page | Department of the Interior  | USA.gov  | About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  | Accessibility  | Privacy  | Notices  | Disclaimer  | FOIA