Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Phone: 952-854-5900 |
15865 Carver Highlands Drive, Carver
  Photo Credit - FWS |
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center, located 3 miles south of Carver, MN off of County Road 11, is part of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge's Rapids Lake Unit. The construction of the facility was financed through the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, a mitigation agent for the Minneapolis-St. Paul runway expansion settlement.
The Center is set upon a bluff overlooking the Minnesota River. The Center's quiet setting and interpretive exhibits provide great opportunities for visitors and education groups to learn about the unique wildlife conservation efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Center provides an information desk, bookstore/gift-shop and outdoor restroom and drinking water. Several miles of public hiking trails are accessible from the Center.
The Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center staff places a strong emphasis on environmental education. When high volumes of outdoor field trip activities occur the Center may briefly close during business hours to accommodate education needs. Prior to visiting, visitors are encouraged to call the center at 952-361-4500 to confirm building hours.
The Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center is open:
May 1 through August 31: Tuesday - Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
September 1 through April 30: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Center is closed all Federal Holidays and may experience weather related or other periodic closures. The Center may also be closed when staff is leading school field trips. Please call to confirm hours.
From Hwy 169 in Jordan, proceed north 3.5 miles on County Road 9 across the Minnesota River (where it becomes County Road 11) to Carver
Highlands Drive, turn right and drive to the end of the road.
From Highway 212, exit on Jonathan Carver Parkway (County Road 11) and turn south. Proceed 2.5 miles, continuing on County Road
11 by turning left. Proceed 1.9 miles and turn left on Carver Highlands Drive, continuing east to the end of the road.
