BLOOMINGTON
COMMUNITY M GUIDE 2024 2
Wildlife Refuge is a gateway to nature
A short drive east from Mall of America is a gateway to many miles of undeveloped Minnesota River Valley and opportunities to connect with nature throughout the year .
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is Bloomington ’ s contribution to a substantial preservation effort along the Minnesota River . Formed in 1976 to provide a natural habitat for many wildlife species , the national wildlife refuge now stretches nearly 70 miles , covers more than 14,000 acres of natural land and consists of multiple units throughout the Minnesota River Valley .
And all of that begins in Bloomington , where the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center serves as an access point for a majestic trip along the Minnesota River .
The visitor center features both interpretive and educational exhibits , a 125-seat auditorium for viewing wildlife videos , a rotating art gallery , a bookstore and an information desk stocked with all the necessary materials and know-how needed to enjoy the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge .
Just outside the front steps of the building is the Hillside Trail . The half-mile loop leads visitors through prairie , hillside forest and wetlands . It is one of many trails maintained by the refuge , totaling nearly 50 miles of trails between Bloomington and Henderson .
Panoramic views of Long Meadow Lake can also be enjoyed from the visitor center observation platform .
The refuge is home to more than 50 types of mammals and 30 different types of amphibians and reptiles . Bird watching is a popular activity throughout the refuge .
More than 225 species of birds reside within the refuge throughout the year , and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge staff members maintain the habitats in which the animals live .
Opportunities to enjoy the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge abound , from hiking in the spring , summer and fall to cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter .
Bike trails are also available on a limited basis throughout the refuge , and leashed dogs are welcome .
The visitor and education center is open 10 a . m . to 4 p . m . Thursdays through Sundays .
Access to the refuge trails and lands are open from 5 a . m . until 10 p . m . daily , unless otherwise posted , and outdoor portable restrooms are available when the visitor center is closed .
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge 3815 American Blvd . E . 952-854-5900 tinyurl . com / mnrefuge
Bloomington Community Guide | 2024 | 13