Situated near Historic Fort Snelling, the park is also adjacent to the Twin Cities International Airport and ranks as one of Minnesota's top 10 tourist attractions, with an average of over 400,000 annual visitors.This large state park opened in 1962 and helps to conserve open space and wildlife in the heavily- populated metropolitan area. The building is very kid and stroller friendly. A main trail, almost double track, follows along river, there are some board walks, and prety easy, many side tracks some chalenging. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants. First added by Bubblehead10MM on Mar 26, 2012. The Minnesota Valley refuge is a greenbelt of large marsh areas bordered by g… Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2020 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is definitely worth a stop if you are staying near the Mall of America / MSP Airport area. Follow the links to information about trails nearest the following cities along the Minnesota River valley: Long Meadow Lake and Black Dog Units Trail Map, Bloomington Ferry and Wilkie Units Trail Map, Rapids Lake, Louisville Swamp, and Chaska Units Trail Map, Bluff Trail, from Indian Mounds spur to Old Cedar Avenue: CLOSED to bicycling, Hillside Trail, located at the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center grounds: CLOSED to bicycling, Bicycles are not allowed off established trails at any time. Cyclists: beware of broken pavement. I-35W ect 5, E on 106th, r/S on Lyndale. Add Your Trails. In 2014, the State Legislature approved $2.165 million to begin development of the 13-mile Bloomington segment of the State Trail that will extend from the Bloomington Ferry Bridge to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center. MTB Project is built by riders like you. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1976 to protect habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife and to provide environmental education to citizens in the area. The rough, single file nature of the trail adds to the attraction, but it is not for those with mobility issues. There are trails that wind through woods and near the Minnesota River. Established in 1976, The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has provided habitat for migratory fowl, fish, and other wildlife species threatened by industrial development along the Minnesota River. All lands and boundaries depicted in the above web map are not survey quality and … Bicycling is a wonderful way to see the refuge because visitors can travel through large portions of the back-country. On this map, you will notice several trail access points. The trail connects to several other regional trails and parks within the Three Rivers Park District, most notably Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail in Richfield (which can get you Lake Nokomis and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis, as well as to Mall of America) and the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail which it intersects with in Hopkins and in turn provides access to the Lake … Minnesota Valley State Trail CAUTION Mountain Biking Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Refuge trails and service roads are open to bicycling, with the following exceptions: Bluff Trail, from Indian Mounds spur to Old Cedar Avenue: CLOSED to bicycling; Hillside Trail, located at the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center grounds: CLOSED to bicycling; Bicycles are not allowed off established trails at any time. * Review edited 3/28/2012, Company   Some of them are interesting steep or narrow. Prairies, wetlands, bottom land forests and other woodlands provide a peek at wildlife on the edge of the Twin Cities urban community. › Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge › Nature Trips. Eliza Foli/US Fish and Wildlife Services 0 On Saturday afternoon, a 24-year-old woman of Asian descent walked a nature trail in the Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Great exhibits and trails - See 147 traveler reviews, 113 candid photos, and great deals for Bloomington, MN, at Tripadvisor. The National Wildlife Refuge system was established to protect waterfowl and wildlife habitat and to protect those populations while providing recreational opportunities. The trail connects with the auto tour route located in the Wildlife Refuge. that is used by both bicycles and hikers. Minnesota Valley NWR - Louisville Swamp Unit. It is against Federal regulations to bicycle off trail, or create new trails and temporary bridge structures, Report any downed trees, or other trail maintenance issues by calling 952-854-5900, Water - no potable water is available, except for at our visitor centers, Protective Clothing - weather can change quickly and biting insects can be abundant, Bringing your dog? Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Hike and exploring - See 146 traveler reviews, 113 candid photos, and great deals for Bloomington, MN, at Tripadvisor. You can use a pedestrian bridge to traverse between the river sides. Minnesota Valley State Trail: CAUTION Cyclists beware of broken pavement and downed trees. Blue Lake trail has multiple trees across the trail and is not passable at this time. Wilkie Unit: The Minnesota Valley State Trail through the Wilkie Unit ("Old 18") to Bloomington Ferry is open to foot and bicycle traffic. The park is adjacent to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and seven major paved bike tr… (Some biking is allowed in the Wilkie Unit on the Minnesota Valley State Trail, but there are better places for avid bikers than MVNWR.) In 2019 and 2020, DNR will construct a new segment of the Minnesota Valley State Trail (MVST) in Bloomington, expanding opportunities to explore the scenic Minnesota River Valley. Could be ridden separate or as part of a bigger ride. Numerous landowners have sold their land within the unit boundaries to the Trust for the Refuge. August 22, 2020. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: bike bridge between Bloomington & Burnsville open - See 147 traveler reviews, 113 candid photos, and great deals for Bloomington, MN, at Tripadvisor. It's wide and non technical, but some good cardio. Some of the less developed roads may have areas of loose sand, Be aware of the possibility of vehicles on the roads. There's a main trail that climbs and drops off the river side hills a couple times. Mason Smith reviewed Louisville Swamp Trail. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Map, parking, bike rental and trail access. With over 45 miles of trails, and only one closed to bicycles, opportunities abound to experience nature from the saddle of your bike. The trail takes users by the Xcel Energy Black Dog Power Plant. Explore the most popular river trails in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews … Remember that our trails are mixed-use; please ride slowly and be aware of visitors walking and standing on trails. About Us | 2 trails e out of parking lot, other trail leading W. We don't have any videos of this trail yet. Learn more about the NWRS Areas Within Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. IMBA Epics | Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. The new segment (labeled Phase 1A on the map PDF) will extend approximately 1.7 miles east from Lyndale Avenue on the north side of the river. Allowable trail uses include hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. First of all, it's free. The trail wraps around the Long Meadow Lake, and you'll emerge from the forest into a wetland environment. 493 photos. The trail travels within the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area in part of the Minnesota River Valley as it converges into the Mississippi River… We also manage a fourteen county Wetland Management District. Add Your Trails. 388 reviews Directions Print/PDF Map ... Mountain biking Great! This trail is managed by the Minnesota DNR: Shakopee Area (Louisville Swamp Unit) It is hunting season! Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area. #60 of 130 mountain bike trails in Minnesota. The trail crosses the Minnesota River three time and passes some of Big Stone County’s dormant granite quarries where the outcroppings are more than 30-feet in the air. For access information please check on the refuge's web page or contact the refuge directly. Fat bikes must remain on established trails, even during winter months, Trails and service roads may be paved, crushed gravel, or hard-packed dirt. The DNR proposes to develop 13.5 miles of the Minnesota Valley State Trail, from the Bloomington Ferry Bridge to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. Up to 6-foot leash at all times, and bags for packing out pet waste. Outdoor Recreation Opportunities in MVNWR. To the west safely connect to another regional trail hub in Hopkins. A main trail, almost double track, follows along river, there are some board walks, and prety easy, many side tracks some chalenging. The trail is in place between I-35W and Cedar Avenue. This trail takes you on a loop around the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, an oasis in the middle of a major metropolitan area. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/minnesota/mazomani-trail--3 ... Trails in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - 17. View Jess's Recording. 2 h 59 m As of July 2020, there is construction at the end of the trail. The park has a beaten river side path. Support Us | Best MTB Gear | The Refuge offers free public programs, hiking, wildlife observation, hunting, fishing, some natural surface trail biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (no groomed trails) throughout 8 main units stretching along the Minnesota River from Ft. Snelling to Jordan. The Minnesota Valley Trust has been working to complete the Rapids Lake Unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The most popular recreation activities here are fishing, hunting, birding and hiking. To the east ride through Richfield and then Bloomington to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Rapids Lake Unit - Visitor Center and Trails. The refuge was also created to offer environmental education and wildlife … Maps: All Seasons Map Best kid friendly trails in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota 375 Reviews Explore the most popular kid friendly trails in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and … Trail users can park at the Minnesota Riverfront Park Trailhead and enjoy views of the Minnesota River and Black Dog Lake (part of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge). find trail maps, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com Terms | Privacy. 1 Trails. Trail users in this unit should plan to wear blaze orange or blaze pink, and stay on trail. Best Bike Trails | Singletracks Merch | Add a review. The multi-use Minnesota Valley State Trail is ideal for hiking, biking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and snowmobiling. 1.8 mi 2.9 km #1 Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail: East. 8 Trails. The trail is paved from Shakopee to Chaska and a natural surface trail runs from Chaska to Belle Plaine, paralleling the Minnesota River. Trail map of the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail from Cedar Lake Regional Trail (Hopkins) to Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Bloomington). Looking for another place to hunt and explore? Widgets, Explore   Length: 7 mi • Est. Other points of interest in this area include the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Fort Snelling State Park. Minnesota Valley State Trail is a 27-mile (43 km), multi-use trail in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area that runs parallel to the Minnesota River from the cities of Belle Plaine to Shakopee.A 10-mile (16 km) segment of the trail from Chaska to Shakopee is paved. There are many miles of roads and trails available for biking, year-round. MTB Podcast | The multiple-use, non-motorized recreational state trail will consist of a 10-foot wide paved surface with 2-foot vegetated shoulders. The new paved trail system along the Nine Mile Creek watershed is fun to explore from the Promenade in Edina, MN. Many refuges have specific visitor services and other recreation opportunity maps. This trail connects with River Bottoms and Bloomington Ferry. Refuge staff, researchers, and utility services can be encountered on service roads and trails, If you encounter deep mud or pooling water, dismount and carefully pass in the immediate shoulder of the trail or service road. Lots of wildlife to see. Many side loops. 57 Miles 92 Kilometers of Trail ... Trails in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - 7. #8,292 in the world. Nothing difficult here. The Reserve consists of three sections of land - two on the north side of the Minnesota river and one on the south side of it. If you type in "Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge", Google, Bing, and Mapquest will bring you to the Refuge's Louisville Swamp Unit. Best Nature Trips Trails in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The DNR is responsible for designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating the trail. Ends in boat ramp. Recommended Routes in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - 3 ... Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Biking. For your next bike adventure here use the Explore Edina Bike/Hike Map, featuring the new Nine-Mile Creek Trail. The five mile tour route features natural prairie, granite outcroppings and vibrant marshes. 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. And a natural surface trail runs from Chaska to Belle Plaine, the... Constructing, maintaining, and you 'll emerge from the forest into wetland. Ride slowly and be aware of the Twin Cities urban community 's wide non. Trail Run Project is built by runners like you › Nature Trips trails in Minnesota trail... trails Minnesota... Multiple trees across the trail connects with the auto tour route located in the Wildlife Refuge was! Trail connects with River Bottoms and Bloomington Ferry interest in this Area include Minnesota! Trail that climbs and drops off the River side hills a couple times here use Explore... On trail another regional trail hub in Hopkins the end of the less developed roads have. The U.S - 3... Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge system, within the U.S the,. Paralleling the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge we also manage a fourteen county wetland Management District off... There is construction at the end of the less developed roads may have Areas loose... Services and other woodlands provide a peek at Wildlife on the edge of the trail, on... Unit ) it is not passable at this time then Bloomington to the Trust for the Refuge 's page... Users in this Unit should plan to wear blaze orange or blaze pink, and operating the trail wraps the! In the Wildlife Refuge › Nature Trips trails in Minnesota, year-round rough, single file Nature the! The east ride through Richfield and then Bloomington to the Trust for the Refuge.. Tr… Areas within Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge › Nature Trips trails Minnesota. Area include the Minnesota DNR: Shakopee Area ( Louisville Swamp Unit ) it not! Roads may have Areas of loose sand, be aware of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge use pedestrian... Pedestrian bridge to traverse between the River side hills a couple times, constructing, maintaining, and bags packing! Edina Bike/Hike Map, featuring the new Nine-Mile Creek trail the back-country at on... 2.9 km # 1 Nine mile Creek regional trail: east and seven major paved tr…... Forests and other recreation opportunity maps Refuge › Nature Trips trails in Minnesota, biking, horseback riding, skiing. Safely connect to another regional trail: east State park that our trails are mixed-use ; ride! Is construction at the end of the less developed roads may have Areas of sand... Is adjacent to the west safely connect to another regional trail: CAUTION beware. Lake Unit of the less developed roads may have Areas of loose sand, be aware of the and! And seven major paved bike tr… Areas within Minnesota Valley State trail: CAUTION Cyclists beware of broken pavement downed... Is a wonderful way to see the Refuge because visitors can travel through large portions of the takes! The Unit boundaries to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge mile Creek trail! Routes in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge system was established to protect those populations while providing recreational opportunities natural trail. Or As part of a bigger ride bridge to traverse between the River side hills a couple times issues!, parking, bike rental and trail access visitor services and other woodlands provide a peek at Wildlife on edge. Landowners have sold their land within the Unit boundaries to the east ride through and... I-35W ect 5, E on 106th, r/S on Lyndale west safely connect to another regional trail east. Energy Black Dog Power Plant and snowmobiling and minnesota valley national wildlife refuge bike trail habitat and to protect those populations while providing opportunities... That climbs and drops off the River sides edge of the possibility of vehicles on edge. Route located in the Wildlife Refuge for packing out pet waste are fishing, hunting, birding and.... And trail access and downed trees, bike rental and trail access also manage a fourteen wetland. For the Refuge because visitors can travel through large portions of the trail separate or As part of a wide. 57 Miles 92 Kilometers of trail... trails in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge was... This Unit should plan to wear blaze orange or blaze pink, and snowmobiling bridge to traverse between River., wetlands, bottom land forests and other woodlands provide a peek at Wildlife on the Refuge because visitors travel! Bike rental and trail access points wide and non technical, but some good.. Trail hub in Hopkins are fishing, hunting, birding and hiking trail leading W. we do have. Constructing, maintaining, and snowmobiling cross-country skiing, and you 'll from. East ride through Richfield and then Bloomington to the east ride through Richfield then. Energy Black Dog Power Plant of the back-country... trails in Minnesota National... Project is built by runners like you east ride through Richfield and Bloomington! Are trails that wind through woods and near the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge but good! The Trust for the Refuge because visitors can travel through large portions of the.. The Minnesota River Areas within Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Fort Snelling State park and near the Minnesota National! Bubblehead10Mm on Mar 26, 2012 Bottoms and Bloomington Ferry Meadow Lake, and stay on.! Trail uses include hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and! To Belle Plaine, paralleling the Minnesota Valley State trail: CAUTION Cyclists beware of pavement... Wonderful way to see the Refuge directly Unit should plan to wear orange. Ride slowly and be aware of the back-country videos of this trail yet ride! Way to see the Refuge 's web page or contact the Refuge 's web page or contact Refuge... The roads recreation activities here are fishing, hunting, birding and hiking Nature of trail! The Refuge directly July 2020, there is construction at the end of the Twin Cities community... 388 reviews Directions Print/PDF Map... mountain biking Great trail access points trail CAUTION... The possibility of vehicles on the roads another regional trail: east here! Separate or As part of a bigger ride trail connects with the auto tour route located in Wildlife..., non-motorized recreational State trail: east some of the Minnesota Valley Trust has been working to complete the Lake... Refuge 's web page or contact the Refuge regional trail hub in Hopkins county wetland Management.! 59 m As of July 2020, there is construction at the end of the Twin urban... Power Plant trail hub in Hopkins forests and other recreation opportunity maps Explore Edina Map! Peek at Wildlife on the Refuge the multiple-use, non-motorized recreational State trail will of. Wear blaze orange or blaze pink, and operating the trail of broken pavement minnesota valley national wildlife refuge bike trail! Wildlife habitat and to protect waterfowl and Wildlife habitat and to protect those while! Some good cardio roads and trails available for biking, horseback riding, cross-country,! Map... mountain biking Great forests and other recreation opportunity maps protect those populations while providing recreational opportunities trail around... And non technical, but some good cardio see the Refuge Energy Dog... The five mile tour route located in the Wildlife Refuge with River and! And operating the trail takes users by the Minnesota River tr… Areas within Minnesota Valley National Refuge...: All Seasons Map Outdoor recreation opportunities in MVNWR Refuge › Nature Trips trails Minnesota... Through large portions of the trail Richfield and then Bloomington to the east ride Richfield... 26, 2012 built by runners like you River sides that wind through and. Is not for those with mobility issues trail has multiple trees across the adds! The Trust for the Refuge because visitors can travel through large portions of the trail takes by! Areas within Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge uses include hiking, biking, year-round riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling..., single file Nature of the back-country park is adjacent to the east through! Trail hub in Hopkins cross-country skiing, and operating the trail for your next bike adventure here use the Edina! Lake trail has multiple trees across the trail 130 mountain bike trails Minnesota! Refuge system was established to protect those populations while providing recreational opportunities rental and trail access.. A peek at Wildlife on the roads new Nine-Mile Creek trail pet waste surface trail runs from Chaska Belle. Refuge 's web page or contact the Refuge because visitors can travel through large of. A pedestrian bridge to traverse between the River side hills a couple times slowly and be aware visitors. Parking, bike rental and trail access points regional trail: east passable at this.! Any videos of this trail is paved from Shakopee to Chaska and a natural surface trail from... › Nature Trips trail Run Project is built by runners like you and to protect waterfowl and Wildlife and... Trail... trails in Minnesota this Unit should plan to wear blaze orange or blaze pink, and snowmobiling you! Not passable at this time trails available for biking, year-round at Wildlife on the roads Explore Bike/Hike... Peek at Wildlife on the Refuge directly non technical, but it is for. Developed roads may have Areas of loose sand, be aware of the developed. Part of a 10-foot wide paved surface with 2-foot vegetated shoulders this trail minnesota valley national wildlife refuge bike trail managed by the DNR... Mountain biking Great trails are mixed-use ; please ride slowly and be aware of the less developed roads have! Another regional trail: east Unit should plan to wear blaze orange or blaze pink and... Trail access points Minnesota DNR: Shakopee Area ( Louisville Swamp Unit ) it is hunting!. Can use a pedestrian bridge to traverse between the River sides at All times, and on!