Trails
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers close to 50 miles of trails along the Minnesota River from Bloomington to Henderson.
Learn more about the trails and current conditions below. Download one of the following trail maps to print or save to your device.
Downloadable Trail Maps
- Long Meadow Lake and Black Dog Lake Units trail map at Bloomington and Burnsville
- Bloomington Ferry and Wilkie Units trail map at Bloomington and Shakopee
- Rapids Lake, Chaska and Louisville Swamp Units trail map at Chaska, Carver and Jordan
Georeferenced Trail Maps
Download a georeferenced trail map to use on apps like Avenza, to track your location without using internet or network connection. Directions to download and add to your mobile device when you click any of the following trail maps.
- Long Meadow Lake and Black Dog Lake Units trail map at Bloomington and Burnsville
- Bloomington Ferry and Wilkie Units trail map at Bloomington and Shakopee
- Rapids Lake, Chaska and Louisville Swamp Units trail map at Chaska, Carver and Jordan
Trail and Hiking Related News (last updated 9/14/2023):
Fall hunting season is here. Visitors are encouraged to stay on trail and wear blaze orange during hunting seasons. We will have special hunts in the following days and units:
Long Meadow Lake and Bloomington Ferry Unit (usually closed to general hunting)
- 10/2-10/4 Metro Bowhunter Resource Base – Archery Deer Hunt
- 10/30-11/1 Metro Bowhunter Resource Base – Archery Deer Hunt
- 11/27-11/29 Metro Bowhunter Resource Base – Archery Deer Hunt
Louisville Swamp Unit, south of the Middle Road Trail (area closed these dates for public safety)
- 10/14-10/15 MN DNR Learn To Hunt – Firearm Deer Hunt
- Area will be closed to all public access
Current trail closures:
- Mendota Trail (MN DNR) - the Mendota trail between Jens Caspersen landing and Ft. Snelling State Park
Location of trail: Long Meadow Lake Unit, Bloomington
Information: Situated steps from the Mall of America, the Bass Ponds Trail loop is a premier birding hot spot on the refuge. Visit this former Izaak Walton League fish hatchery to spot some of the more than 250 bird species that visit the refuge each year. Walk down a steep driveway to flat loop trails that circle ponds, marsh and a spring-fed stream. Accessible parking at bottom of hill available by request.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: Bass Ponds Trailhead 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Information: Situated steps from the Mall of America, the Bass Ponds Trail loop is a premier birding hot spot on the refuge. Visit this former Izaak Walton League fish hatchery to spot some of the more than 250 bird species that visit the refuge each year. Walk down a steep driveway to flat loop trails that circle ponds, marsh and a spring-fed stream. Accessible parking at bottom of hill available by request.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: Bass Ponds Trailhead 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Trail Length (mi)
0.85
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Location of trail: Louisville Swamp Unit, Jordan
Information: Middle Road passes through areas of marsh, crosses a large stream, and passes the junction with the Mazomani Trail South, then wanders through restored prairie and forest until it meets the State Trail junction heading south. This trail experiences seasonal flooding.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to cycling.
Length: 1.5 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Information: Middle Road passes through areas of marsh, crosses a large stream, and passes the junction with the Mazomani Trail South, then wanders through restored prairie and forest until it meets the State Trail junction heading south. This trail experiences seasonal flooding.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to cycling.
Length: 1.5 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Trail Length (mi)
1.91
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Location of trail: Bloomington Ferry Unit, Bloomington
Information: From the parking area, go through the gate on the west side of the parking lot. This trail travels west through forest its entire length, ending at the Hwy 169 bridge, though it may appear to continue. Return by the same route. Going farther ahead leads to trespass on privately owned lands.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 0.5 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 11255 Bloomington Ferry Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Information: From the parking area, go through the gate on the west side of the parking lot. This trail travels west through forest its entire length, ending at the Hwy 169 bridge, though it may appear to continue. Return by the same route. Going farther ahead leads to trespass on privately owned lands.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 0.5 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 11255 Bloomington Ferry Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Trail Length (mi)
0.65
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Location of trail: Long Meadow Lake Unit, Bloomington
Information: The trail can be accessed from the Old Cedar Ave Trailhead, Mound Spring Park at 11th Ave South near Indian Mounds Elementary, Pond-Dakota Mission Park, Hopkins Road or Lyndale/Sorensen Landing. This narrow trail rises and falls over forested hills and natural springs, with drainages leading to wetlands below. Bicycling is not allowed between Old Cedar Ave and the Mound Spring Park/11th Ave spur trail for the safety of all trail users.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is closed to biking from the Mounds Spring spur to Old Cedar Avenue trailhead.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 or 11135 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
Information: The trail can be accessed from the Old Cedar Ave Trailhead, Mound Spring Park at 11th Ave South near Indian Mounds Elementary, Pond-Dakota Mission Park, Hopkins Road or Lyndale/Sorensen Landing. This narrow trail rises and falls over forested hills and natural springs, with drainages leading to wetlands below. Bicycling is not allowed between Old Cedar Ave and the Mound Spring Park/11th Ave spur trail for the safety of all trail users.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is closed to biking from the Mounds Spring spur to Old Cedar Avenue trailhead.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 or 11135 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
Trail Length (mi)
4.77
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Route Type
Point to point
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Location of trail: Rapids Lake Unit, Carver
Information: This trail begins at the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center. It follows river bottom forest and marsh for much of its length. At 0.6 miles, you will pass a pond at the base of the ridge. River rapids can be viewed (at low river levels) 1 mile from the visitor center. This trail is mostly flat and floods seasonally. Look for tracks along the trail after wet periods. Northern/middle portions of this trail are typically inaccessible due to flooding and flood impacts. The north end no longer connects to the Carver Creek Loop Trail.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center, 5865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315
Information: This trail begins at the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center. It follows river bottom forest and marsh for much of its length. At 0.6 miles, you will pass a pond at the base of the ridge. River rapids can be viewed (at low river levels) 1 mile from the visitor center. This trail is mostly flat and floods seasonally. Look for tracks along the trail after wet periods. Northern/middle portions of this trail are typically inaccessible due to flooding and flood impacts. The north end no longer connects to the Carver Creek Loop Trail.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center, 5865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315
Trail Length (mi)
2.21
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Location of trail: Chaska Unit, Chaska
Information: Starting from either the Chaska Athletic Park or Riverside Park in Carver, the trail winds through floodplain forest along the MN River, as well as passing wetlands, Chaska Lake, former farm fields and a wooded slough. This trail is mostly flat and floods seasonally.
Open Season: Open year round: walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 1.7 miles one way
Surface : Natural surface
Trailhead Address: 725 W 1st St, Chaska, MN 55318
Information: Starting from either the Chaska Athletic Park or Riverside Park in Carver, the trail winds through floodplain forest along the MN River, as well as passing wetlands, Chaska Lake, former farm fields and a wooded slough. This trail is mostly flat and floods seasonally.
Open Season: Open year round: walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 1.7 miles one way
Surface : Natural surface
Trailhead Address: 725 W 1st St, Chaska, MN 55318
Trail Length (mi)
1.78
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities
Location of trail: Black Dog Unit, Burnsville
Information: Also known as Minnesota River Greenway. This pedestrian and bicycle trail is reached from the west by Minnesota Riverfront Park (City of Burnsville) or from the east by Jens Caspersen Landing (MN DNR). Heading east, the trail winds through forest and along the river. A short spur leads to an observation deck overlooking Black Dog Lake. The trail continues through grassland then winds between the road and river to the east trailhead. This trail is flat and floods seasonally. Fishing pier available on west end. MN State Park permit required on east end.
Open season: Open year round for hiking and biking.
Surface: Paved/ADA compliant
Trailhead address: 600 W Black Dog Rd, Burnsville, MN 55337
Information: Also known as Minnesota River Greenway. This pedestrian and bicycle trail is reached from the west by Minnesota Riverfront Park (City of Burnsville) or from the east by Jens Caspersen Landing (MN DNR). Heading east, the trail winds through forest and along the river. A short spur leads to an observation deck overlooking Black Dog Lake. The trail continues through grassland then winds between the road and river to the east trailhead. This trail is flat and floods seasonally. Fishing pier available on west end. MN State Park permit required on east end.
Open season: Open year round for hiking and biking.
Surface: Paved/ADA compliant
Trailhead address: 600 W Black Dog Rd, Burnsville, MN 55337
Trail Length (mi)
0.12
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Route Type
Point to point
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
Location of trail: Rapids Lake Unit, Carver
Information: Leaving from the asphalt trail below the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center, this mostly level trail courses through oak and hickory forest, with a brief view of a slough connecting to Long Lake. View wood ducks in the slough and listen for frogs calling.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Surface: natural surface
Trailhead address: 5865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315
Information: Leaving from the asphalt trail below the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center, this mostly level trail courses through oak and hickory forest, with a brief view of a slough connecting to Long Lake. View wood ducks in the slough and listen for frogs calling.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Surface: natural surface
Trailhead address: 5865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315
Trail Length (mi)
0.63
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Route Type
Loop
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Location of trail: Long Meadow Lake Unit, Bloomington
Information: This loop trail descends steeply into floodplain forest to an observation platform overlooking Peterson Pond. Look for migratory waterfowl, turtles and beaver or muskrats before ascending back up towards the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center through restored prairie.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing in winter. Not open to biking or horseback riding.
Length: .4 mile loop
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Information: This loop trail descends steeply into floodplain forest to an observation platform overlooking Peterson Pond. Look for migratory waterfowl, turtles and beaver or muskrats before ascending back up towards the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center through restored prairie.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing in winter. Not open to biking or horseback riding.
Length: .4 mile loop
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Trail Length (mi)
0.43
Trail Difficulty
Moderate
Route Type
Loop
Trail Activities
Location of trail: Long Meadow Lake Unit, Bloomington
Information: The one-way Hogback Ridge Trail connects the Bass Ponds and Old Cedar Ave trailheads. Travel west past the stocked fishing ponds, fishing dock, marshes and Long Meadow Lake for exceptional bird watching and easy walking. These trails are flat and may experience seasonal flooding. Stocked fishing ponds are available.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Information: The one-way Hogback Ridge Trail connects the Bass Ponds and Old Cedar Ave trailheads. Travel west past the stocked fishing ponds, fishing dock, marshes and Long Meadow Lake for exceptional bird watching and easy walking. These trails are flat and may experience seasonal flooding. Stocked fishing ponds are available.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Trail Length (mi)
2.42
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Location of trail: Long Meadow Lake Unit, Bloomington
Information: With a trailhead 0.4 miles from the METRO Blue Line American Blvd station, this trail begins below the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center heading south and west through floodplain forest and marshlands. Travel 3.5 miles to the Hwy 77 pedestrian bridge or continue 3.7 miles on a minimally maintained single-track trail to the Lyndale Ave trailhead and boat launch. Hike, bike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski this rustic trail. This trail is mostly flat and floods seasonally.
Open Season: Open year round: walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 3.5 miles one way (continues 3.7 miles single track
Surface : Natural surface
Trailhead Address: 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425, or 11135 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
Information: With a trailhead 0.4 miles from the METRO Blue Line American Blvd station, this trail begins below the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center heading south and west through floodplain forest and marshlands. Travel 3.5 miles to the Hwy 77 pedestrian bridge or continue 3.7 miles on a minimally maintained single-track trail to the Lyndale Ave trailhead and boat launch. Hike, bike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski this rustic trail. This trail is mostly flat and floods seasonally.
Open Season: Open year round: walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 3.5 miles one way (continues 3.7 miles single track
Surface : Natural surface
Trailhead Address: 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425, or 11135 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
Trail Length (mi)
5.38
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities
Location of trails: Louisville Swamp Unit, Shakopee
Mazomani Trail North
Information: Starting at the W 145 St parking area go 0.4 miles south past the kiosks to the trail junction. Travel west to loop back to the parking area via the State Access Trail. Enjoy a beautiful vista above Louisville Swamp where soaring hawks and Yellow warblers can be seen.
Open season: Open year round - walking, cycling spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat tire biking in the winter.
Length: 2.8 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Mazomani Trail South
Information: Starting at the W 145 St parking area go 0.4 miles south to the trail junction. Continue south passing the historic Ehmiller home site. Cross the bridge over Sand Creek at 0.8 miles. The trail goes through upland forest, across creeks and past wetlands until it meets Middle Road. Head east, passing a large glacial erratic boulder. Travel west 1.6 miles through forest to Jabs Farm historic site. Return same way.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to cycling.
Length: 3.8 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Mazomani Trail North
Information: Starting at the W 145 St parking area go 0.4 miles south past the kiosks to the trail junction. Travel west to loop back to the parking area via the State Access Trail. Enjoy a beautiful vista above Louisville Swamp where soaring hawks and Yellow warblers can be seen.
Open season: Open year round - walking, cycling spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat tire biking in the winter.
Length: 2.8 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Mazomani Trail South
Information: Starting at the W 145 St parking area go 0.4 miles south to the trail junction. Continue south passing the historic Ehmiller home site. Cross the bridge over Sand Creek at 0.8 miles. The trail goes through upland forest, across creeks and past wetlands until it meets Middle Road. Head east, passing a large glacial erratic boulder. Travel west 1.6 miles through forest to Jabs Farm historic site. Return same way.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to cycling.
Length: 3.8 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Trail Length (mi)
5.60
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Location of trail: Louisville Swamp Unit, Jordan
Information: Middle Road passes through areas of marsh, crosses a large stream, and passes the junction with the Mazomani Trail South, then wanders through restored prairie and forest until it meets the State Trail junction heading south. This trail experiences seasonal flooding.
Open Season: Open year round: walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to cycling.
Length: 1.5 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Information: Middle Road passes through areas of marsh, crosses a large stream, and passes the junction with the Mazomani Trail South, then wanders through restored prairie and forest until it meets the State Trail junction heading south. This trail experiences seasonal flooding.
Open Season: Open year round: walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to cycling.
Length: 1.5 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Trail Length (mi)
1.44
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities
Location of trail: Long Meadow Lake Unit, Bloomington at Bloomington Visitor Center
Information: This trail is short, yet is steep and contains stairs. The trail descends steeply into floodplain forest to an observation platform overlooking Peterson Pond. Look for migratory waterfowl, turtles and beaver or muskrats before ascending back up toward the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center through restored prairie.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing in winter. Not open to biking or horseback riding.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: Bloomington Education and Visitor Center 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Information: This trail is short, yet is steep and contains stairs. The trail descends steeply into floodplain forest to an observation platform overlooking Peterson Pond. Look for migratory waterfowl, turtles and beaver or muskrats before ascending back up toward the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center through restored prairie.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing in winter. Not open to biking or horseback riding.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: Bloomington Education and Visitor Center 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Trail Length (mi)
3.77
Trail Difficulty
Moderate
Route Type
Loop
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Location of trail: Louisville Swamp Unit, Shakopee
Information: From north to south through the refuge, the trail passes the State Access Trail then drops to cross a bridge over Sand Creek. It veers west to follow the river most of the way through the Louisville Swamp Unit. The trail passes a junction with Middle Road before exiting the Refuge. This trail is mostly flat and floods seasonally.
Open Season: Open year round: walking, horseback riding, cycling spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat tire biking and snowmobiling in the winter.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Information: From north to south through the refuge, the trail passes the State Access Trail then drops to cross a bridge over Sand Creek. It veers west to follow the river most of the way through the Louisville Swamp Unit. The trail passes a junction with Middle Road before exiting the Refuge. This trail is mostly flat and floods seasonally.
Open Season: Open year round: walking, horseback riding, cycling spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat tire biking and snowmobiling in the winter.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Trail Length (mi)
5.65
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities
Location of trail: Chaska Unit, Chaska
Information: Starting from either the Chaska Athletic Park or Riverside Park in Carver, the trail winds through floodplain forest along the Minnesota River, as well as passing wetlands, Chaska Lake, former farm fields and a wooded slough. This trail is mostly flat and floods seasonally.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 1.7 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 725 W 1st St, Chaska, MN 55318
Information: Starting from either the Chaska Athletic Park or Riverside Park in Carver, the trail winds through floodplain forest along the Minnesota River, as well as passing wetlands, Chaska Lake, former farm fields and a wooded slough. This trail is mostly flat and floods seasonally.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 1.7 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 725 W 1st St, Chaska, MN 55318
Trail Length (mi)
1.90
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Location of trail: Long Meadow Lake Unit, Bloomington, at Bloomington Visitor Center
Information: Explore the restored prairie around the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing in winter. Not open to biking or horseback riding.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: Bloomington Education and Visitor Center 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Information: Explore the restored prairie around the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing in winter. Not open to biking or horseback riding.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: Bloomington Education and Visitor Center 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Trail Length (mi)
0.23
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
Location of trail: Wilkie Unit, Shakopee
Information: Walk 0.3 miles west from the parking area near Blue Lake to an old farm road. The trail passes between Blue Lake (west) and Fisher Lake (east), continuing to a junction with the loop trail. Proceed straight ahead to the MN River or head west to follow the river.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 3.8 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 7701 County Road 101 E, Shakopee, MN 55379
Information: Walk 0.3 miles west from the parking area near Blue Lake to an old farm road. The trail passes between Blue Lake (west) and Fisher Lake (east), continuing to a junction with the loop trail. Proceed straight ahead to the MN River or head west to follow the river.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 3.8 miles one way
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 7701 County Road 101 E, Shakopee, MN 55379
Trail Length (mi)
1.16
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Route Type
Point to point
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Location of trail: Bloomington Ferry Unit, Bloomington
Information: From the parking area at Bloomington Ferry, a trail begins next to the kiosk heading southeast. It follows the river for most of its route, passing Opus Marsh at 0.6 mi. For more than a half mile, the trail winds through very large cottonwoods, then crosses a small stream, before exiting refuge lands.
Open Season: Open year round: walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 1.8 miles one way (refuge portion from Bloomington Ferry to Izaak Walton, trail extends to Lyndale Landing)
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 11255 Bloomington Ferry Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438 or 7701 County Road 101 E, Shakopee, MN 55379
Note: the trail continues to Lyndale/Sorensen Landing in the Long Meadow Lake Unit, crossing privately owned and City of Bloomington property for an additional distance of about 4 miles. The Refuge does not promote entering private property.
Information: From the parking area at Bloomington Ferry, a trail begins next to the kiosk heading southeast. It follows the river for most of its route, passing Opus Marsh at 0.6 mi. For more than a half mile, the trail winds through very large cottonwoods, then crosses a small stream, before exiting refuge lands.
Open Season: Open year round: walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to biking.
Length: 1.8 miles one way (refuge portion from Bloomington Ferry to Izaak Walton, trail extends to Lyndale Landing)
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead address: 11255 Bloomington Ferry Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438 or 7701 County Road 101 E, Shakopee, MN 55379
Note: the trail continues to Lyndale/Sorensen Landing in the Long Meadow Lake Unit, crossing privately owned and City of Bloomington property for an additional distance of about 4 miles. The Refuge does not promote entering private property.
Trail Length (mi)
8.68
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities
Location of trail: Louisville Swamp Unit, Shakopee
Information: Know as State Trail Access trail. This straight, level trail goes 1 mile to a junction with the Minnesota Valley State Trail to the north. Continue west on the State Access Trail to join the Mazomani Trail to the south and loop back to the parking area.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to cycling.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead Address: W 145 St. 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Information: Know as State Trail Access trail. This straight, level trail goes 1 mile to a junction with the Minnesota Valley State Trail to the north. Continue west on the State Access Trail to join the Mazomani Trail to the south and loop back to the parking area.
Open season: Open year round - walking spring to fall, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. This trail is open to cycling.
Surface: Natural surface
Trailhead Address: W 145 St. 3801 W 145th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
Trail Length (mi)
1.19
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly