Nature Novice

Updated November 13, 2026

See our native birds up close at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge! Our instructors will help you with the basics of birding, from how to use binoculars to how to listen for birds. Families are welcome with kids ages 6 and up. No previous experience needed!

Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.

Date and Time: Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 1-2pm

Location: Meet us in the classrooms at the Bloomington Visitor Center.

3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425

Registration Information: There is no registration. This is a drop-in event.

Activity Level: This is an indoor/outdoor program with an easy level of activity.

What to Bring: Weather appropriate clothing, walking shoes, and binoculars if you have them.

Accessibility: Accessibility at Bloomington Visitor Center:

Restrooms and water fountains are located inside the visitor center. Handicap parking and dropoff available. Visitor center is flat aggregate or carpeted flooring with ramps to access all areas. There are benches and rest areas around the visitor center.

Hillside and Spur trails are natural surface with steep slopes, with a wooden staircase for a portion of it. Long Meadow Lake trail is accessed via these sloped trails, but itself is mostly flat and is natural surface. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are no benches in the trail area. Trailheads are a 0.1-0.2 mile distance from the parking lot.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.

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