It’s hard to believe that just a half mile from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America is one of the most important urban wildlife corridors in the state. If you’ve never visited the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (MVNWR), you’re in for a real treat.
Fall is the best time to visit the MVNWR because there’s so much going on. Excellent photography opportunities, as well as a huge number of migrating bird species, make it a wonderful time to come out and check the fall foliage. You’re within walking distance of the Twin Cities, but you won’t even notice. 
Learn About the Park
The MVNWR was established in 1976 to provide extensive habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife within an urban setting and to provide opportunities for environmental education. Comprised of 13 distinct units, the MVNWR covers 72 miles along the Mississippi River from Henderson to Bloomington.
This very important wildlife refuge covers 14,600 acres of land. Most of this acreage is actually owned by the refuge itself versus a partnership with private owners. Laced within those acres are over 30 miles of trails, which provide numerous short- and long-distance hiking opportunities for those who want to get out in the crisp fall air.
If you’re not sure where to start your visit, a good place is the Bloomington Visitor Center on American Boulevard. There, you can pick up maps for the various districts as well as see exhibits relating to all the plant and animal life.
Photography
The fastest growing activity at the MVNWR has been photography. More and more people are discovering the joy of capturing a bird in flight or a perfect sunset on film.
Fall is a great time to come out and take some beautiful photos, like the migrating birds coming through and the changing fall foliage. The refuge actually has two portable photography blinds that are available for use on refuge land. They are available for rentals for up to three days and can be checked out at either visitor center.
Make sure to check the calendar for the various photography workshops and hikes offered by refuge staff. These workshops and hikes are a great way to pick up some professional tips and catch that perfect fall shot.
Bird Watching
The MVNWR actually incorporates several distinct ecosystems. With forests, lakes, marshes, and prairies, you’ll be surprised at the vast numbers of birds and other wildlife that call this place home.
In the fall, the MVNWR becomes a birder’s paradise. Egrets, cranes, swans, ducks, and pelicans are among the 14 different species of waterbirds that utilize the refuge as a pit stop on their way south for the winter.
Don’t forget the other wildlife. Among the critters just waiting to be photographed are beavers, minks, raccoons, deer, and other birds such as turkeys, eagles, and other raptors.
Fall is absolutely the best time to visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Whether your goal is a hike under trees filled with yellow and red colors, a photo opportunity for that perfect bald eagle or pelican picture, or just to relax in an urban wilderness, you’ll love your fall visit to the MVNWR.
Image via Flickr by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region used under CC By
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