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Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1976 to protect, preserve and manage the lower Minnesota River.
This unique urban wildlife refuge is located along a 34-mile floodplain corridor between Fort Snelling and Jordan.
There are eight non-contiguous units along this corridor that cover 11,500 acres.
The refuge is a green belt of large marsh areas bordered by grain terminals, highways, residential areas, office buildings and farm fields. A typical valley cross-section starting at the blufftop would range from prairies and oak savanna to oak dominated hillside forest, to wetlands ranging from bogs, fens, and seeps to marshy lakes.
The cottonwood-lined Minnesota River completes the picture. This area is home to coyote, fox, wild turkeys, bald eagles and a myriad of song birds and other mammals. Here visitors have many photo opportunities. They can also observe wildlife, hike and ski the trails.
Visitors are encouraged to stop at the visitor center, located in Bloomington. The center is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center features interpretive exhibits about the river valley, a multimedia slide show, gift shop, art gallery and an events calendar.
The visitor center is located at 3815 American Boulevard East in Bloomington.
Outdoor Activities |
