Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a thriving urban refuge where nature connects people, communities and wildlife. Where diverse communities are welcomed through meaningful connections, educational opportunities and recreational experiences, while conserving wildlife habitat in the Minnesota River Valley.
Public entrance to Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, Bloomington, MN.
Visitor Center Hours

Current Bloomington Education and Visitor Center Services:

  • Hours: Thursdays through Sundays 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
  • Phone number: 952-854-5900
  • Exhibits, bird feeder viewing area, Confluence Gallery
  • Equipment lending: Binoculars, explorer backpacks (will offer snowshoes when there are at least 4 inches of snow)
  • America the Beautiful Passes (cash and check only - no credit)
  • Nature Store (accepts cash and credit)
  • Indoor restrooms available during open hours
  • Accessible outdoor portable restroom open daily
  • Drinking water available indoors only

Current Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center Services:

  • Temporarily closed to walk-in visitors due to a staff shortage
  • Scheduled field trips and programs are not affected by this temporary closure
  • 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.

Latest News

Two bald eagles perched along a nest
Wildlife Wonders
Eagles Across America
Half a century ago, the bald eagle was in danger of extinction. Conservationists helped lead a remarkable recovery, and in 2007 the bald eagle was removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. This article touches on why the bald eagle inspires the awe and respect that it does.
Wall gallery of flower paintings
Our Partners
Minnesota Valley NWR - Confluence Gallery
Next time you visit the Bloomington Visitor Center, stop by the Confluence Gallery to look at artwork inspired by nature, ecology, conservation, and the beauty of the Minnesota River Valley! Learn more about what is on display, as exhibits will rotate throughout the year.
A man and a woman sit on a bench, with their backs to us, facing the river at Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
Recreation
Urban Wildlife Conservation Day
Urban Wildlife Conservation Day recognizes national wildlife refuges located in or near cities for enriching the lives of Americans and their communities.
a yellow and black bird with a light stripe on the top of its head perches on a tree limb
Migratory Species
Putting a stop to bird collisions
Making our buildings bird-friendly, one window at a time
A dead bird lays on its back on concrete
Migratory Species
Minnesota Valley NWR - Saving Birds One Window at a Time
Around 1 billion birds die from window collisions every year in North America, and this is for many reasons primarily due to the expansion of urban development throughout the North American continent. How can we help reduce and ideally eliminate these fatal bird strikes? Lots and lots of dots!
Logo that reads "Walk For The Wild" with a graphic that outlines the heads of a bear, alligator, fish, hummingbird and cervid
Recreation
Minnesota Valley NWR - Walk for the Wild 5K Challenge
Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 8-15, 2022, by completing the 5k challenge! Pick one of our recommended trail routes, join a guided walk or explore the refuge at your desired location!
View All News

Visit Us

Old Cedar Avenue Bridge over wetland at sunset.
Image Details

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

      Our Species

      Drake wood duck near submerged stick.
      Image Details

      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.

      Our Library