minnesota valley national wildlife refuge

685jenp

This place has a lot of trails on a lot of beautiful different settings, if you want to be by the river, you have a selection of trails there where you can see lots of different birds that you don't normally see if you don't live in an area such as this, tons of forest trails and nice field trails. I've ridden my horse on these trails twice and you can literally go for hours. Lots to see, a lot of wildlife and very enjoyable.

AZRanger

Not too many places where you can see wildlife in a big city. Nice assortment of trails, lots of programs, and a fine visitor center. N entrance fees. Visited in December and had to walk through a small flock of wild turkeys just to get in the visitor center door! Great place for birdwatching.

greengirl68

I didn't go into the refuge, but the view of it from out hotel was gorgeous! It's nice to know that it's right there amid the hotels, shopping and airport.

Harleyz

Stopped by the NWR on the way to the airport. The visitor center is located between the Mall of the Americas and the MSP airport. What a nice way to chill before boarding a plane. A viewing platform, a couple of large feeders, large glass windows and a nice wooden bench made for easy viewing of cardinals, jays, nuthatches, sparrows, several types of woodpeckers, and lots of plump squirrels. Staff and volunteers were engaging and helpful.

1CindyL1

You can access miles of trails easily and be in the beautiful wildlife area on trails that are easy to hike. Total stress reliever. You can walk as far as you like. The visitor center is great, although we usually just hop on a trail and walk as long as we like. We love it because it is right at the end of our cul de sac.

68JustinB

I come here when I want to do some major hiking. The trails here are endless and it's near impossible to get lost down here when you have a river next to you. As long as the river isn't flooded or recently flooded these trails are pretty good and rugged. Amazing views and endless bird varieties this place is great. The actual Refuge follows the Minnesota River for miles and has many entrances or places to come and hike. The main headquarters area is usually a little too crowded for my liking.

bobfox98

The visitor's center is really nice; looks new. Unfortunately the trails are not well marked, so I was sometimes guessing where to hike.

julielp

There are stunning views of the Minnesota RIver valley at this refuge. There are miles and miles of hiking to the east and the west. You would never believe that you are just minutes away from the airport and the mall of America. The peace and serenity are in each step you take, and if you are lucky will see some wild life on your hike. Highly recommend .. You can make it any distance hike you want and the trails are difficult to navigate.

74suzannea

We had a few hours to spend before our flight home. We decided to stretch our legs and take a walk. The visitor center is new and lovely. It was nice to see the birds flocking to the feeds they keep right outside. The butterfly garden was nice too. The walk in a wildlife refuge though is not like a walk in a park or zoo. We walked for 3.5 miles (mostly flat once you go down the steps) and did not see anything but a muddy trail and a few frogs. Not sure what we were expecting, but I guess a little more than that. So if you keep your visit to just around the visitor center or take the short looping trail around it, it would be fine.

VVsleepy

Loved the viewing platform just outside the Visitor's Center, overlooking a field of wildflowers and surrounded by trees. Loaded with lots of birds! Saw my first male indigo bunting, who stayed in the area for hours singing. Never seen so many various woodpecker species in one spot - and lots of them! Trail down to the river is a nice walk, too. VERY interesting the absence of understory under the floodplain forest trees due to the recent floods.

Cemuni

I went here to bike and it had limited paved trails. I am sure it had a lot of mountain bike trails but the paved trials seemed very short.

832ScottT

After two other hikes on my half free day I took a short hike.It was starting to get a little dark out and I was getting tired.I took my shower and a had a great late dinner.

403larrys

This is a location I like to travel to when I want to shoot photos of wild life, both big and small.

Biztravr

I stayed at the Hilton which is across from the welcome center. The trail head has about a .4 mile steep decent then it levels out for the next 2 miles. The trail was under water in 50 to 100 yard stretches that forced you into the higher grass at times. Over all if dry I think it would be a great place. You do get constant road and plane noise to remind you that you are still in a metro area but it is a nice place to burn some calories

873nataliek

We went here to keep the kids busy while waiting for the MOA to open. It was only ok, but that may be because it was freezing out and so we were only inside. The kids had fun birdwatching, and there were a couple cute activities there. I would definitely give it another try in warmer weather.