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Nature on display daily at Wildlife Refuge
A scenic view of Bloomington’ s river valley is available throughout the year, just a short drive from the city’ s retail mecca.
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, an art gallery featuring several exhibits throughout the year, a bookstore and an information desk stocked with all the necessary materials and know-how needed to enjoy the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
The visitor center also serves as a gathering place for a variety of indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year.
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 more than 45 miles of trails between
Bloomington and Henderson. Panoramic views of Long Meadow Lake can also be enjoyed from the visitor center observation platform.
Bird watching is a popular activity throughout the refuge, and there are hundreds of species of birds, as well as numerous plants, mammals, reptiles and insects that can be found throughout the river valley. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge staff members maintain the habitats in which these flora and fauna live.
Opportunities to enjoy the refuge abound, from hiking in the spring, summer and fall to cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Portions of the refuge are also available for hunting in the fall.
Bike trails are available on a limited basis throughout the refuge, and leashed dogs are welcome.
The visitor and education center is open 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
Access to the refuge trails and lands are open from 5 a. m. until 10 p. m. daily, unless otherwise posted. 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 | 2025 | 13