Home Introduction Calendar of Events Recreation Photo Blinds Refuge Lands Black Dog Unit Bloomington Ferry Unit Chaska Unit Long Meadow Unit Louisville Swamp Unit Rapids Lake Unit Upgrala Unit Wilkie Unit 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 Bird Checklist Wildlife Checklist (mammals, reptiles, amphibians & butterfiles) Dragonflies and Damselflies Surveys Observations Wetland Management District Waterfowl Production Areas Private Lands Restoration Habitat Management Ferns Trees and Shrubs Grasses and Grass-like Plants Oak Savanna Fire Exotics Water Small Wetlands Program Partners Contact Us Phone: 952-854-5900 Address: 3815 American Blvd. East Bloomington, MN 55425

Photo Credit - Chad Gustafson American White Pelicans use the Refuge as a rest stop during spring & winter migration.

This 1,400 acre preserve stretches on both sides of the Xcel Energy power plant to Interstate 35W 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 Black Dog is managed as a Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), a program run by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources which preserves certain lands for their unique habitats.

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 for their singing fields.

Black Dog is accessible through Cliff Fen Park in Burnsville. A hiking trail leads 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 Unit. To protect the delicate habitats of Black Dog, please remain on the trail 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 accessible by foot or bicycle on Black Dog Road in Burnsville. From I-35W, exit Black Dog Road. Park in the designated area off of Black Dog Road. Hike or bike on the road approximately 1/2 miles to the pull off lot on the right. A short trail (0.1 mile) leads to a platform overlooking Black Dog Lake.

---

Last updated: March 9, 2012

---

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