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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Intermediate Hiking: Lyndale/Sorenson Landing
Lyndale Ave Trail Head, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 11135 Lyndale Avenue, Bloomington, MN, USAre you wanting to get more into hiking but are having a hard time finding trails? Well, we're here to show you the way!
This Intermediate Hiking program is designed for beginner hikers to take it to the next level with the guidance of refuge staff. Over 1.5 hours we will be walking 3 miles on a refuge trail with no scheduled breaks. Registration is optional.
This is a Find Your Wild event celebrating National Wildlife Refuge week. Learn more information here.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services).
Date and Time: Sunday, October 12th 2025 from 1-2:30 PM
Location: Meet us at the kiosk at Lyndale/Sorenson Landing.
11135 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420Registration 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 intermediate-moderate active program. Prior experience with hiking is recommended since we will be covering 3 miles in 1.5 hours with no planned breaks.
What to Bring: Please bring a full water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. We recommend wearing long pants, close-toed shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
Accessibility: Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. 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. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a <0.1 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.
15 attendeesIntro to Hiking: Bluff Park
Carver Bluffs Park, 102 Carver Bluffs Pkwy, Carver, MN, USBelieve it or not, the fall is often the perfect time of year to hike! With a chill breeze, bird migration, and gorgeous colors, our Intro to Hiking program makes for a prime excuse to get outside and enjoy the autumn season!
With the guidance of refuge staff and volunteers, you will be walking about 2 miles on a trail in the refuge system. This program is for all ages and more information on the trails can be found in the Accessibility section. Registration is optional.
This is a Find Your Wild event celebrating National Wildlife Refuge week. Learn more information here.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services).
Location: Meet us at the kiosk at Carver Bluff Park.
102 Carver Bluffs Pkwy, Carver, MN 55315Registration 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-moderate active program. No prior experience necessary. We will be covering 2 miles over 1.5 hours with some breaks. Information on trail conditions can be found in the Accessibility Section
What to Bring: Please bring a full water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. We recommend you wear long pants, close-toed shoes, and weather appropriate clothing.
Accessibility: Accessibility at Bluff Park:
Restrooms are available at the park pavilion. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Carver Creek Trail is flat natural surface paths. 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. Trail connects to the parking lot and is 1.6 miles one way.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.
11 attendees
Past events
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