THE VISITOR CENTERS
Bloomington Visitor Center is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors (and volunteers) have been very excited to see the store open! Please visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge website for the latest updates, including trail conditions.
Know Before You Go:
Visitor Center hours of operation vary seasonally. Before visiting either of our visitor centers, please call to make sure we are open. Staff may be working off-site conducting educational programs or out in the field. Both visitor centers are closed on all federal holidays, and may experience weather-related or other periodic closures. (Call for more information).
Trail conditions on the Refuge vary throughout the year. Be prepared, as you may encounter changes in trail conditions while hiking, including periodic flooding, wet or muddy areas, thorny vegetation, and rough ground. Bug spray, sunscreen, and drinking water are recommended during warm weather. Trails are not groomed in winter and may be snow-packed and icy. To protect wildlife, please stay on designated trails and keep pets leashed at all times while visiting the Refuge. Thank you, and enjoy your visit.
Know Before You Go:
Visitor Center hours of operation vary seasonally. Before visiting either of our visitor centers, please call to make sure we are open. Staff may be working off-site conducting educational programs or out in the field. Both visitor centers are closed on all federal holidays, and may experience weather-related or other periodic closures. (Call for more information).
Trail conditions on the Refuge vary throughout the year. Be prepared, as you may encounter changes in trail conditions while hiking, including periodic flooding, wet or muddy areas, thorny vegetation, and rough ground. Bug spray, sunscreen, and drinking water are recommended during warm weather. Trails are not groomed in winter and may be snow-packed and icy. To protect wildlife, please stay on designated trails and keep pets leashed at all times while visiting the Refuge. Thank you, and enjoy your visit.
Bloomington Education and Visitor CenterBloomington Education and Visitor Center
3815 American Blvd. East Bloomington, MN 55425 Phone: 952-854-5900 TTY: 1-800-877-8339 minnesotavalley@fws.gov **GPS USERS** Type the visitor center address in to your GPS. If you type in "Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge", Google, Bing, and Mapquest will bring you to the Refuge's Louisville Swamp Unit. Driving Directions: From Interstate 494, exit 34th Avenue and head south. Proceed east on American Blvd East for 1/4 mile to the entrance on the right. Metro Transit: Hiawatha Light Rail - Depart at the American Blvd/34th Avenue Station. Proceed east on American Blvd East for 1/4 mile to the entrance on the right. Hours: Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Centers are closed on all federal holidays as well as Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Hours are subject to change due to weather-related or other periodic closures. Explore our Refuge with the Discover Nature App: Learn how to download this kid-friendly app here to explore the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. |
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor CenterPLEASE NOTE: Temporarily closed. Scheduled field trips and programs are not affected by this temporary closure. Refuge lands and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center 15865 Rapids Lake Rd. (formerly Carver Highlands Dr.) Carver, MN 55315 Phone: 952-361-4500 TTY: 1-800-877-8339 minnesotavalley@fws.gov **GPS USERS** Type the visitor center address in to your GPS. If you type in "Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge", Google, Bing, and Mapquest will bring you to the Refuge's Louisville Swamp Unit. Driving Directions from Hwy 169: From Hwy 169 in Jordan, proceed north 3.5 miles on County Road 9 across the Minnesota River (where it becomes County Road 11) to Carver Highlands Drive and turn right. Continue onto Rapids Lake Road. Follow to the visitor center. Driving Directions from Hwy 212: From Highway 212, exit on Jonathan Carver Parkway (County Road 11) and turn south. Proceed 2.5 miles, continuing on County Road 11 by turning left. Proceed 1.9 miles and turn left on Carver Highlands Drive. Continue onto Rapids Lake Road. Follow to the visitor center. |
MINNESOTA VALLEY REFUGE FRIENDS - 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington, MN 55425 - 952-858-0737
Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends is a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Contributions are tax-deductible.
View our donor privacy policy.
Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends is a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Contributions are tax-deductible.
View our donor privacy policy.
|
|
|
|
Website by Design In The Light Creative Services