Minnesota Valley
Bloomington, MN 55425
Plan Your Visit
Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District, established in 1988, is a 14-county district located in the transition zone between northern tallgrass prairie and eastern deciduous forest. It manages more than 10,000 acres of grassland and wetland habitat for the benefit of wetland and grassland dependent species.
Visit Us
Visitors to waterfowl production areas will find numerous ways to engage with nature. The prairies and wetlands of waterfowl production areas are teeming with life, and often a short hike through the tall grass to the wetland edge will expose numerous species of plants, insects and animals to careful observers. All seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter can be enjoyed by wildlife and nature enthusiasts on the wetland management district . The diversity of wetlands, grasslands and forests, ensures no two trips will be the same regardless of your pursuits.
Driving Directions
To visit the district headquarters and Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3815 American Blvd. East Bloomington, MN 55425
From Interstate 494: Exit at 34th Avenue and head south. At the stop light on American Blvd. East, proceed east for 1/4 mile around a small bend in the road to arrive at the entrance and parking lot. Visitors can also take the Metro Transit Blue Line train south to the American Blvd. stop.
To visit the district contact station and Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
15865 Rapids Lake Road Carver, MN 55315
Driving directions from Highway 169: From Jordan, proceed north 3.5 miles on County Road 9 across the Minnesota River (where it becomes County Road 11) to Carver Highlands Drive and turn right. Continue onto Rapids Lake Road.
Driving directions from Highway 212: From Highway 212, exit on Jonathan Carver Parkway (County Road 11) and turn south. Proceed 2.5 miles, continuing on County Road 11 by turning left. Proceed 1.9 miles and turn left on Carver Highlands Drive. Continue onto Rapids Lake Road.
There is no charge to visit.
Activities
More Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Wetland management districts provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. They partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents to make a lasting difference and make American lands healthier.
Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Work with Us
Our dedicated employees perform a wide range of jobs at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries and with public, tribal and private partners.
We hope you’ll join us in advancing our mission of working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Services
About
Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District, established in 1988, is a 14-county district managing more than 10,000 acres of habitat, including over 30 waterfowl production areas and 50 easements. These areas are vital for migrating and nesting waterfowl, as well as grassland birds and other wildlife. The district aims to restore and maintain wetlands, grasslands, and forests while providing wildlife-dependent recreation and education. It is part of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge complex, conserving 25,000 combined acres.