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. 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.
Meet us at the kiosk in front of the Bloomington 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.
Accessibility at Bloomington 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
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Questions? Contact
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Photo courtesy of Jensen Bigelow/USFWS
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