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 pavilion. 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 waterbottle is recommended.
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
b3NjYXJfaGVybmFuZGV6IHwgZndzICEgZ292.
Questions? Contact
TWlubmVzb3RhVmFsbGV5IHwgZndzICEgZ292 or call (952) 854-5900.
Winter2022-OCA by Rita Frederick
You may also like the following events from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge:
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Mendota.
