Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeNearby: Court Square Chatfield Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a 14,000-acre protected area located in the state of Minnesota.
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Summary
The refuge is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and river otters. Visitors to the refuge can participate in a range of activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing. There are also several points of interest to explore, including the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, where visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the region.
One of the best reasons to visit the refuge is its stunning natural beauty. The area is characterized by rolling hills, wetlands, and streams, and offers spectacular views of the Minnesota River Valley. Another draw for visitors is the opportunity to observe the refuge's many resident and migratory bird species, including great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, and wild turkeys.
In addition to its natural wonders, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge also has a rich cultural history. The area has long been home to indigenous peoples, and visitors can learn about the region's Native American heritage through guided tours and interpretive exhibits.
Overall, the best time to visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and wildlife is abundant. Visitors should also be aware that some areas of the refuge may be closed during hunting season, which typically runs from September through December.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
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Allansons Park
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Allanson's Park
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Le Sueur Landing
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High Island Creek Park
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Minnesota Valley Rec Area
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Minnesota Valley State Park -Horse Camp
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