Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a nature preserve along the Minnesota River that includes prairies, wetlands, forests, and several lakes. The landscape extends across a large area and provides habitat for many different animal species.

This refuge was established in 1976 to protect the Minnesota River valley from development. The area has expanded over time to include multiple sections spread across a large region.

The two education centers display exhibits and host programs that help visitors connect with local wildlife and the natural world around them. These spaces bring people together to learn about the habitats they inhabit.

Visitors can walk on trails and watch birds with binoculars in various parts of the refuge. The education centers are good starting points for orientation and learning about the area.

An old bridge from 1920 crosses Long Meadow Lake and shows how transportation routes once moved through this area. This structure is a trace of a past era in local infrastructure.

Location: Dakota County

Inception: 1976

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_valley

GPS coordinates: 44.86030,-93.21670

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41