Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Biking is a great way to experience the refuge. Nearly 50 miles of trail are available along the river, in the prairie bluffs, and through the floodplain forest. Trails are open to biking year-round and electric-assist bicycles are welcome.  

Refuge trails are mixed use; please...

The Refuge's 14,000 acres include prairies, woodlands, marshes, forests, savannas, and lakes that attract many types of shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds to the refuge as a stopover on their migration route between their breeding grounds further north and their wintering areas in the south....

The Long Meadow Lake Trail, River Bottoms Trail, and Mazomani Trail are groomed for winter trail use by hikers, bikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. No classic tracks are laid for cross-country skiing.

Taking a stroll with your four-legged friend is a great way to enjoy the refuge. Dogs are allowed outdoors anywhere that visitors are, as long as they are on a 6-foot leash. Learn the B.A.R.K. principles so you and your pet can have a safe and fun visit on our trails. 

Educators are invited to participate in the various education partnerships or utilize self-guided environmental education content. Contact the Environmental Education Manager to schedule a field trip. We also offer a suite of outdoor learning resources to be used on school campuses, at home or...

The refuge is located along a 39-mile stretch of the Minnesota River from Fort Snelling to Jordan. Major species include northern pike and carp. 

Be sure you are also familiar with Refuge regulations when you plan your visit to go fishing. 

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is host to over 46 miles of trails!  Many trail heads are moments from public transit, and providing you with safe, convenient, and nearby nature experiences

Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers. Hiking...

The Minnesota Valley NWR is a hunter's getaway from the urban and suburban areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The refuge is located in a green belt of large marsh areas, bordered by office buildings, highways, residential areas and grain terminals. While this may seem like an unusual place for...

Perhaps the fastest growing activity on National Wildlife Refuges in the past ten years has been wildlife photography. That’s not surprising when you consider the popularity of digital cameras and cell phones with ever-improving picture-taking abilities. You don’t need to purchase expensive...

We host a variety of programs on the refuge at our visitor centers and trail heads. Learn something new or meet new people at a program that fits your interest. We partner with local organizations and have talented volunteers that lead many of our programs in addition to staff led talks and...

Venturing around the refuge on a pair snowshoes offers incredible exercise in the middle of Minnesota's snowy winter. 

Don't have snowshoes? That's okay! Stop by one of our visitors centers to borrow a pair of adult or child-sized snowshoes for free for the day. Snowshoe checkouts are...

Foragers may enjoy picking mushrooms or berries at the Refuge. There are limits to what you can take, and we recommend checking our regulations before your search.  Reminder: Some mushrooms and berries are poisonous - if you are unsure, don't eat!

Visitors are...

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a premier, wild location just minutes from your doorstep in the Twin Cities. With over 14,000 acres of Refuge, two visitor centers, and more than 45 miles of trails, this urban Refuge can help you rediscover nature, and provide excellent opportunities...