Details:
Want to enjoy an evening of free summer hiking but don't know where to start? Well, look no further - the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has got you covered. Meet us at the Old Cedar Avenue trailhead for a stroll along our Bluff trail. Acting as an intersection of urban and natural landscapes, a guided hike with refuge staff at this location is the perfect excuse to start your hiking journey.No experience necessary! We'll help you learn the basics of hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Registration is optional.Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services).Date and Time: Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 from 5:30-7pmLocation: Meet us at 5:30pm at Old Cedar Avenue.9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425Registration Information: Registration optional through Signup.com.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!Activity Level: This program is a staff led, easy-medium, outdoors activity and will cover between 1-1.5 miles of trail. We will walk at a slow to medium pace and will be taking frequent breaks throughout the program.What to Bring: We recommend that you bring a pair of good, close toed shoes for walking, bug spray, sunscreen, and a water bottle.Accessibility: Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. 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 on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a 0.1 mile distance from the parking lot.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.
