Minnesota Valley
Bloomington, MN 55425-1659
Plan Your Visit
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a thriving urban refuge where nature connects people, communities and wildlife. Where communities are welcomed through meaningful connections, educational opportunities and recreational experiences, while conserving wildlife habitat in the Minnesota River Valley.
Visitor Center Hours
Current Bloomington Education and Visitor Center Services:
- Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays 10am-5pm.
- Phone number: 952-854-5900
- Exhibits, bird feeder viewing area, Confluence Gallery
- Equipment lending: Binoculars and explorer backpacks
- America the Beautiful Passes
- Nature Store (accepts cash and credit)
- Indoor restrooms available during open hours
- Drinking water available indoors only
Current Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center Services:
- Hours: Saturdays and Sundays 10am-5pm
- Scheduled field trips and programs are not affected by facility hours
- America the Beautiful Passes
- Phone number: 952-361-4500
- Outdoor heated restroom open daily
- No outdoor drinking water available
Land and trails are open daily, 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. With more than 45 miles of trails open to hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, you can easily find a trailhead within minutes of the Twin Cities south metro area.
Driving Directions to Bloomington Education and Visitor Center:
- From Interstate 494: Exit 34th Ave and head south. At the stop light on American Blvd. East, proceed east for 1/4 mile around the bend and up a small rise to find the entrance on the right.
- Metro Transit Blue Line Train: Exit at American Blvd Station and cross 34th Avenue to the east. Follow the sidewalk 1/4 mile around the bend to find the entrance.
Driving Directions to Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center:
- From Hwy 169 in Jordan: Proceed north 3.5 miles on County Road 9 across the Minnesota River bridge to Carver Highlands Drive and turn right. Continue onto Rapids Lake Road.
- From Hwy 212: Exit on Jonathan Carver Parkway (County Road 11) and head south. Proceed 2.5 miles, then turn left to stay on County Road 11. Proceed 1.9 miles and turn left on Carver Highlands Drive to reach Rapids Lake Road.
While there is no fee to visit the refuge, visitors can purchase an America The Beautiful pass Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center. Please bring a valid photo ID and a method of payment.
Available lifetime passes include the Senior Lifetime Pass ($80), Military Lifetime Pass (Free for veterans and Gold Star Families), and the Access Pass (Free for those with permanent disabilities).
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference. Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while doing something personally satisfying.
Events
Explore Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge through a variety of in-person and virtual programming to connect with and learn about the outdoor world. All programs and events are free and open to the public.
Want events sent straight to your inbox? Click here to sign up and subscribe: Community Engagement Electronic Newsletter.
Accessibility
If you need special accommodations to make the program or event accessible to you and your family, contact Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge at 952-854-5900 at least two weeks before the program or event.
Events
Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Work with Us
Our dedicated employees perform a wide range of jobs at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries and with public, tribal and private partners.
We hope you’ll join us in advancing our mission of working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Services
The refuge provides a variety of services including equipment lending (binoculars and explorer backpacks), nature stores, and the issuance of America the Beautiful federal recreation passes at the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center.
About
Established in 1976 by motivated residents, the refuge preserves wildlife resources threatened by commercial and industrial development along the Minnesota River. Spanning over 15,000 acres from Bloomington to Henderson, it offers free outdoor recreation and environmental education across rural and urban communities. As a designated urban refuge, it focuses on enhancing habitat while providing residents with meaningful connections to nature.