Just 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. Meet us at the front doors of the Rapids Lake Visitor Center.
Registration optional here:
https://signup.com/go/gPPrWjW
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!
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. 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.
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
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Questions? Contact
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Photo of Frozen Rapids Lake, courtesy of Laura Gould
Alt Text: The Minnesota River is covered in lush white snow with bare trees around
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