Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center Phone: 952-854-5900 |
 |
||
|
 |
|
|
Squirrels use holes created by woodpeckers as homes. | |
|
||
Bloomington Ferry was one of the first Minnesota River crossings, today you cross the river by way of a six lane highway. Still, the Bloomington Ferry Unit is a great place to escape the bustle of the metro area and enjoy the 400 acres of flood plain forests and wetlands between the river and the nearby bluffs.
Here you can see where Pileated woodpeckers excavate roosting cavities that later become homes for squirrels and wood ducks. If you're really lucky you can to see these shy birds of the dense bottomland forests.
A half-mile spur trail to the west goes through bottomland hardwood forest. Cross over the bridge, approximately 200 yards, and you will enter the Wilkie Unit where you can access five miles of trails. The Minnesota Valley State Trail Corridor will soon connect lands to the north and the south of this area.
Trail Map |
| [ Click for .pdf ] |
Bloomington Ferry Parking Lot
11255 Bloomington Ferry Road, Bloomington
Located at the Old Bloomington Ferry Bridge. From Old Shakopee Road, turn south onto Bloomington Ferry Road at Dred
Scott Playfields. Continue on the Bloomington Ferry Road for ½ mile. Turn right on Bloomington Ferry Circle. Drive down the
hill to the parking area. You can also access this unit from the Wilkie Unit main parking area (7701 County Road 101 East, Shakopee).
