What we’re about
This Meetup group provides free events and activities centered around the Big 6 wildlife-dependent recreational uses for visitors of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and interpretation.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is composed of 14,000 acres that stretch 70 miles along the Minnesota River from Fort Snelling in Bloomington to Henderson and includes a 10,000-acre, 14-county Wetland Management District. Since its founding in 1976 by motivated residents, all activities and events at the Refuge have remained free and open to everyone. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is one of 14 National Priority Urban Refuges within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With more than 46 miles of trails and two visitor centers, the Refuge is unique in its urban setting that is tucked within the shadows of the Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, as well as within walking distance of the metro area's light rail system. The Refuge provides its 3.5 million neighbors in the Twin Cities, as well as visitors from around the world, with opportunities to connect with nature, participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities, and improve habitat for resident and migrating wildlife. Plan your visit to Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge by visiting https://www.fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_valley/.
This group is sponsored by Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends, a mostly volunteer group supporting the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge through volunteering, fundraising and advocacy. To more, sign up for our newsletter and become a member at our website, https://www.mnvalleyrefugefriends.org/.
Photo of Old Cedar Avenue bridge by Mike Richards. Used with permission.
Upcoming events
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Intro to Hiking: Bass Ponds
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds, 2400 86th St E, Bloomington, MN, USJust because it's cold doesn't mean the outdoors can't be enjoyed! Come out for a hike with refuge staff and volunteers as they lead you down snowy paths to see the winter wonderland of Minnesota Valley. Snowshoes will be provided if suitable snow conditions are met.
This program is intended for all ages as an introduction to hiking and refuge trails. No experience necessary - we're here to show you the ropes! Registration optional. For information on trail conditions, please read the accessibility section.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Sunday, December 7th from 1-2:30pm
Location: Meet us at the upper trailhead kiosk at Bass Ponds. 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Registration Information: Registration optional through Signup.com.
Optional registration allows us to prepare supplies and materials for the program, send reminders, and allows us to contact you in the event of inclement weather!
Activity Level: This is an easy to moderate outdoor activity. We hope to reach 2-2.5 miles in 1.5 hours. This will be guided by refuge staff and volunteers. Frequent breaks will occur.
What to Bring: Please wear winter clothing as this program is fully outdoors (coat, pants, boots, mittens, hat, etc). Consider dressing in layers. A full water bottle is recommended.
Accessibility: Accessibility at Bass Ponds:
Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short 0.3 mile, but steep, downhill walk on paved road from the parking lot. Persons who cannot travel the steep hill from the upper to the lower trailhead on foot may receive a gate code to drive down to the lower lot. Please call (952) 854-5900 for the gate code. There are no water fountains at this location. Trails are natural surface, mostly flat. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are two benches along the trail near the fishing piers.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.3 attendees
Nature Novice: Winter Birding
15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN, USGrab your warm boots – we're heading onto the trails! Join us for a winter birding hike along the forest loop trail by Rapids Lake Visitor Center where we'll enjoy a scenic winter walk. We’ll cover how to use binoculars and field guides to identify and learn more about the birds we see around us. Too much snow? No problem — we’ll start with a quick snowshoe tutorial and set off on an easy, beginner-friendly trek. This is an introductory hike so no experience needed! Binoculars, field guides, and snowshoe equipment will be provided.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 1-2pm
Location: Meet us at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center. 15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315
Registration Information: Registration optional through Signup.com.
Optional registration allows us to prepare supplies and materials for the program, send reminders, and allows us to contact you in the event of inclement weather!
Activity Level: This is an outdoor program. The introductory activity is easy active and at-your-own pace.
What to Bring: Bring warm shoes comfortable for hiking and winter gear - hat, gloves, scarves, etc.
Accessibility: Accessibility at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center:
Restrooms and a water bottle filler are available inside the visitor center. There is an outdoor restroom, but no outdoor water fountains. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Rapids Lake Trail and Forest Loop are flat natural surface paths and the trail leading to both is paved with a slight downward slope. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It is a 0.1-0.2 mile walk to get to the trailhead from the parking lot. There are no rest areas along the trails, but are present inside and outside the visitor center.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.8 attendees
Star Party: Under the Urban Night Sky *Registration Required Through Signup.com*
Refuge Headquarters and Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN, USWant to learn about what happens at the refuge after dark? This FREE experience includes a guided walk, stargazing (to the extent conditions allow) local art viewing and many more hands-on activities that help us explore the mysteries of the night sky. Open to all ages. No experience needed, come learn about the wonders of the darkness and how you can help reduce light pollution!
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Friday, December 19, 2025 from 6-8 pm
Location: Meet us inside the front doors at the Bloomington Visitor Center.
3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com. Capped at 50 participants
Activity Level: This program will have indoor and outdoor components that may require sitting or standing. Guided walk will maintain a good but leisurely walking pace and make some stops.
What to Bring: Good walking winter boots, water, and appropriate winter gear for participants participating in outdoor activities (guided walk or stargazing).
Accessibility: Accessibility at Bloomington Visitor Center:
Restrooms and water fountains are located inside the visitor center. Handicap parking and drop-off available. Visitor center is flat aggregate or carpeted flooring with ramps to access all areas. There are benches and rest areas around the visitor center.
Hillside and Spur trails are natural surface with has steep slopes, with a wooden staircase for a portion of it. Long Meadow Lake trail is accessed via these sloped trails, but itself is mostly flat and is natural surface. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are no benches in the trail area. Trailheads are a 0.1-0.2 mile distance from the parking lot.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.12 attendees
Intro to Hiking: Rapids Lake
15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN, USJust because it's cold doesn't mean the outdoors can't be enjoyed! Come out for a hike with refuge staff and volunteers as they lead you down snowy paths to see the winter wonderland of Minnesota Valley.
This program is intended for all ages as an introduction to hiking and refuge trails. No experience necessary - we're here to show you the ropes! Registration optional. For information on trail conditions, please read the accessibility section. Snowshoes will be provided if conditions are met.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Saturday, December 20th from 1-2:30pm
Location: Meet us at the front doors of the Rapids Lake Visitor Center. 15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315
Registration Information: Registration optional through Signup.com.
Optional registration allows us to prepare supplies and materials for the program, send reminders, and allows us to contact you in the event of inclement weather!
Activity Level: This is an easy to moderate outdoor activity. We hope to reach 2-2.5 miles in 1.5 hours. This will be guided by refuge staff and volunteers. Frequent breaks will occur.
What to Bring: Please wear winter clothing as this program is fully outdoors (coat, pants, boots, mittens, hat, etc). Consider dressing in layers. A full water bottle is recommended.
Accessibility: Accessibility at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center:
Restrooms and a water bottle filler are available inside the visitor center. There is an outdoor restroom, but no outdoor water fountains. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Rapids Lake Trail and Forest Loop are flat natural surface paths and the trail leading to both is paved with a slight downward slope. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It is a 0.1-0.2 mile walk to get to the trailhead from the parking lot. There are no rest areas along the trails, but are present inside and outside the visitor center.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.2 attendees
Past events
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