# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Intro to Hiking: Wilkie
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sun, 26 Apr, 2026 at 01:00 pm – Sun, 26 Apr, 2026 at 02:30 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: The snow is melting and creatures are coming out of hibernation - so should you! Step outside for an afternoon of introductory level hiking with refuge staff and volunteers while we explore what spring has to offer.

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 at the Wilkie Unit Trailhead.

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. 

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. 

Accessibility at the Wilkie Unit Trailhead:
There are no restrooms or water located at this trailhead. The Minnesota Valley State Trail is a paved flat route, and the Blue Lake Trail is natural surface and mostly flat. 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 or rest areas along the route. The trailhead is <0.1 miles from the parking area.

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.

Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.

Photo of Blu Lake Trail Courtesy of Melisa Rodgriguez
Alt Text: a small stream runs through a lush green landscape and trees rooted in rocky earth.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/mendota/intro-to-hiking-wilkie/200029620345928
- **Event Categories**: trips-adventures, trekking
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 10

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Mendota
- **state**: MN
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN, United States, Minnesota 55425
- **lat**: 44.85987
- **long**: -93.21621
- **full address**: 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN, United States, Minnesota 55425, 3815 American Blvd E, Minneapolis, MN 55425-1659, United States, Mendota

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Intro to Hiking: Wilkie
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/95458321e66ec637a7dc4b8df0c7f40efd10068f80d6e454702111b30a7c4b78-rimg-w1200-h800-dc5d5f2e-gmir?v=1776028824

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Intro to Hiking: Wilkie being held?
  - **A:** Intro to Hiking: Wilkie takes place on Sun, 26 Apr, 2026 at 01:00 pm to Sun, 26 Apr, 2026 at 02:30 pm at 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN, United States, Minnesota 55425, 3815 American Blvd E, Minneapolis, MN 55425-1659, United States, Mendota.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Intro to Hiking: Wilkie?
  - **A:** Intro to Hiking: Wilkie is organized by Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

## Structured Data (JSON-LD)

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        "startDate": "2026-04-26T13:00:00-05:00",
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        "description": "The snow is melting and creatures are coming out of hibernation - so should you! Step outside for an afternoon of introductory level hiking with refuge staff and volunteers while we explore what spring has to offer.\n\nThis program is intended for all ages as an introduction to hiking and refuge trail",
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                "description": "For official information about the refuge visit: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_valley/\n\nThe Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset, daily.  Visit our website for up-to-date information about our visitor center and office hours\n\n"
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