A 45-day comment period for Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge’s Draft Environmental Assessment and Compatibility Determination for issuing right-of-way permits to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Minnesota Valley State Trail begins on April 15, 2022.
The refuge offers a variety of recreational activities: hiking, biking, hiking/walking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and so much more. You can find maps/brochures, exciting programs, guided tours, exhibits, and a nature store at the two visitor centers on the refuge.
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.
Find out more about Minnesota Valley NWR by exploring the menu to the left.
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
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.