3815 American Blvd. East Bloomington, MN 55425 US, Refuge Headquarters and Bloomington Education and Visitor Center 15865 Rapids Lake Road Carver, MN 55315, Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Showing Bloomington Hours. See Below for More Detailed Hours
Details:
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (“MVNWR”) is actually two visitor centers — one located in Bloomington and the other in Carver. We feature the Bloomington hours here. The MVNWR was established in 1976 to provide habitat for a large number of migratory waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife species threatened by commercial and industrial development, and to provide environmental education, wildlife recreational opportunities, and interpretive programming for Twin Cities residents.
Annual Bat Festival Image courtesy Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Hours
Both visitor centers are closed on all federal holidays, and may experience closures due to weather and other reasons. We recommend calling in advance of your visit.
Bloomington:
7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m
Carver
Memorial Day – Labor Day: Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Labor Day – Memorial Day: Tuesday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Kid Friendly Activities at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor
The center suggests the following activities for families with kids:
Check out a “Let’s Go Outside” backpack. Like many of the other nature center, MVNWR loans a backpack full of fun activities to try while visiting. The pack contains items like bug jars, binoculars, and a magnifying lens. Borrow the pack from the front desk.
Become a Junior Refuge Manager! Kids can earn a badge and certificate by learning about the plants, birds, bugs, and other critters living on the refuge. Families can either download the activity booklet (←PDF) or pick one up at either visitor center. Fill out the booklet to become a Junior Refuge Manager!
Nature Journals and Scavenger Hunts. MVNWR shares the following links with activities you can do at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Families can either print from these sites or pick up a printed versions at either visitor centers.
Snowshoe, Bike, or Hike the Refuge! Discover the refuge in every season. Once the area has six inches of snow, both visitor centers loan snowshoes for free.
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