Features

  • Flooded LML Trail 4/25/18

    Alert! Flooding

    Flooding on the Minnesota River has impacted some trails and roads leading to the refuge. Please see the most up to date information here:

    Flooding

  • Kirtland Warbler Banding Rotator

    Minnesota Valley CD 2019

    ●Research, Scientific Collecting and Surveys on Refuge ●Use may allow the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in certain circumstances

    Learn More

  • Urban Waters Clean Up

    Urban Waters Clean Ups

    Join the refuge, Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, and ArtStart in cleaning up areas near the Minnesota River this spring!

    Learn More!

  • Frozen Photographers 216x116

    Refuge Art Gallery

    Our March & April 2019 gallery features the Frozen Photographers group!

    Meet the photographers

  • Snowshoeing

    Have fun and learn!

    The refuge offers many different programs and events throughout the year. Check often to find an event for you.

    Click here for programs and events

News

Current Education & Visitor Center Hours

Bloomington: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Rapids Lake: Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Read more

Discover Minnesota Valley NWR

Discover Nature App

Download our refuge apps for Apple and Android to play our wildlife trivia game or learn about the refuge through virtual signs.

Nature at Your Fingertips

Old Cedar Ave. Road Project

Old Cedar Ave Bridge

The City of Bloomington has released the Old Cedar Avenue area, and it is once again open! First phases of construction are complete, and plans are moving along for the second phase, to include construction of a shelter and restrooms.

Learn more about the project
Recreation Passes

America the Beautiful Passes

Federal Lands Pass

Annual and Lifetime passes are in stock! Purchase your pass at our Bloomington visitor center to support Refuge visitor services projects and programs. (cash or check only).

More information

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online