Temporary Closures:
The Old Cedar Avenue boardwalk is being replaced beginning July 20th, with work concluding in mid-October. Throughout this project, the following closures and access limitations are in place:
- Boardwalk: Closed
- Old Cedar Avenue parking lot: Reduced parking capacity
- Bluff Trail west of Old Cedar Avenue parking lot: Closed Monday - Friday, 7 am to 6 pm
Visit our trails page for more information.
Hunting Season:
Hunting season is underway on sections of the refuge. When recreating on areas of the refuge open to hunting, we encourage all trail users to be proactive about their safety. It is recommended all visitors wear blaze orange or pink during hunting seasons. Pets are to be leashed at all times. Learn more about hunt safety on our hunt page.
Habitat Restoration - Goats on the Refuge:
Over the summer season, visitors may see a team of goats grazing to clear invasive plants near the North Hunter Lot on our Rapids Lake Unit as well as the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center. We ask visitors to enjoy the goats from a distance, respecting the herd and their work by staying on trail and outside of the fence, and do not attempt to feed or pet them. Learn more about Invasive Species Work on the refuge.
America the Beautiful pass sales changes at our sites!
Beginning Wednesday, September 2nd, we will no longer be accepting cash or checks for America the Beautiful passes at our Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, located at 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425.
Starting Saturday, September 5th, all America the Beautiful passes will also be available for purchase our Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center! Located on 15865 Rapids Lake Road, Carver, MN 55315, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-5pm.
We accept all major credit cards and digital wallets for pass sales.
Contact the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center with questions at: 952-854-5900.
Visit Us
With more than 45 miles of trails open to hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, in the south metro you can easily find an adventure for all levels of experience. The Minnesota River Valley unfolds in front of you, and moments later you can find safe, quiet lands filled with wildlife. Visitors can easily find opportunities to try out fishing in ponds, lakes and the Minnesota River, and there are also portions of the refuge open for hunting.
See our Visit Us page to find out what the refuge has to offer, including:
- Trails
- Visitor Centers
- Hiking
- Fishing & Hunting
- Snowshoeing
- Environmental Education
Location and Contact Information
What We Do
The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.
Our Species
The tallgrass prairie, floodplain forests and wetlands found within the refuge provide exceptional opportunities to find iconic and rare species of plants, birds, insects and freshwater mussels. Moments from the busy Twin Cities core you can find bald eagles, wood ducks, river otters, prairie skinks, and white-tailed deer. Endangered and threatened species such as the northern long-eared bat, rusty-patched bumblebee and rare freshwater mussels benefit from the protected habitats found throughout the refuge.