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.

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.
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
  • Nature Store and America the Beautiful Pass sales
  • Equipment lending: binoculars, explorer backpacks
  • Indoor restrooms open Thursdays through Sundays 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
  • Outdoor portable restrooms open daily
  • Drinking water available indoors only
  • Confluence Gallery will display in August. Nature exhibit area and administrative offices closed for construction. Construction is slated to be completed in the Summer of 2022. The Minnesota Valley NWR Office renovation project will include creating an Ecological Services wing and updating office facilities and meeting space for refuge staff and partners.

Current Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center Services:

  • Hours: Thursdays through Sundays 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
  • Phone number: 952-361-4500
  • Information desk
  • Equipment lending: binoculars, explorer backpacks
  • Indoor restroom open Thursdays through Sundays 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
  • Outdoor heated restroom open daily
  • Drinking water available indoors only
     

Visitor Center parking lots and hiking trails are open daily, sunrise to sunset.

Latest News

Parent and child walk into nature play area
Minnesota Valley NWR-Nature Play Area
Transforming an overgrown gravel pit into a play area took the expertise of skilled and passionate refuge staff.
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/or the beauty of the Minnesota River Valley! Learn more about what is on display, as exhibits will rotate throughout the year.
Pin oak with two bands of bark missing from its circumference
Habitat Restoration
Minnesota Valley NWR - Oak Savanna Restoration at Rapids Lake
What happened to those oak trees? To protect bur oaks and create habitat for wildlife, our habitat restoration team has been girdling pin oaks at Rapids Lake.
Four kids face towards a pond with backpacks on
For Parents and Educators
Minnesota Valley NWR - Nature in Your Neighborhood Club
Participate in our free youth program that inspires creativity and adventure in the outdoors. By accomplishing program goals youth will receive a backpack filled with goodies!
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.
Dirt path in construction site.
Working Lands
Minnesota Valley NWR - Construction and Maintenance Projects
Stay current with construction and maintenance projects at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
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.

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

      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.