Directions, Address and Contact Information

Refuge Headquarters and Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3815 American Blvd. East
Bloomington, MN 55425
Phone: 952-854-5900
TTY: 1-800-877-8339
minnesotavalley@fws.gov

The Bloomington Education and Visitor Center is open:
April 1st through October 31st, Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
November 1st through March 31st, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

During the winter season (November 1st through March 31st), the center will be open the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Driving Directions: From Interstate 494, exit 34th Avenue and head south. Proceed east on American Blvd East for 1/4 mile to the entrance on the right.

Metro Transit: Hiawatha Light Rail - Depart at the American Blvd/34th Avenue Station. Proceed east on American Blvd East for 1/4 mile to the entrance on the right.

Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
15865 Carver Highlands Dr.
Carver, MN 55315
Phone: 952-361-4500
TTY: 1-800-877-8339 
minnesotavalley@fws.gov 

The Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center is open:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and the 1st Saturday of the month, April through October.

Driving Directions: 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.


 

Know Before You Go

Both visitor centers are closed on all federal holidays, and may experience weather-related or other periodic closures.  (Call for more information).

 
Trail conditions on the refuge vary throughout the year. Be prepared, as you may encounter changes in trail conditions while hiking, including periodic flooding, wet or muddy areas, thorny vegetation, and rough ground. Bug spray, sunscreen, and drinking water are recommended during warm weather. Trails are ungroomed in winter and may be snow-packed and icy. To protect wildlife, please stay on designated trails and keep pets leashed at all times while visiting the refuge. Thank you, and enjoy your visit!