Saturday, September 12th, 2026, 1-5PM

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Creative Placemaking division of the City of Bloomington, Indigenous Roots, Huellas Latinas and the Minnesota Zoo presents Nature Fest an event to celebrate the cultures that make up our community and the nature that connects us all. Join us for a day of music, art, and food. Everyone is welcome at this FREE event!

Enjoy cultural performances, family-friendly activities, try something new at the food trucks, discover wildlife, and so much more! Explore the refuge and discover new ways to enjoy the outdoors. The first 200 people to arrive will also receive free meal tickets to use at the food trucks. This is an event you won’t want to miss – bring the whole family!

Monday, September 14, 2026 from 8-10:30am

Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 5:30-7pm

See the sights, hear the birds, and feel the cooler weather this fall on a guided hike with refuge staff and volunteers! We'll introduce you to trails on the refuge and teach you some insider tips for hiking.

This program is intended for all ages as an introduction to hiking and refuge trails. No experience necessary - we're here to show you the ropes! Registration optional. For information on trail conditions, please read the accessibility section.

Wednesday, September 16th from 10am - 5pm

Come enjoy reading about nature in fall as colors change and the air begins to chill! Everyone is invited to take a comfortable stroll at the refuge while following the pages of a children's storybook. All ages are welcome. More books are available in the hearth room.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 6-7:30pm

Ride into the Sunset – literally! Join us on a guided bus tour through the Long Meadow Lake trail. This tour offers the opportunity to view floodplain forests, and diverse wildlife all from the comfort of our climate-controlled bus. No experience needed. This program requires registration.

Thursday, September 17th, 2026 from 10am - 5pm

Come enjoy reading about nature in fall as colors change and the air begins to chill! Everyone is invited to take a comfortable stroll at the refuge while following the pages of a children's storybook. All ages are welcome. More books are available in the hearth room.

Friday, September 18th, 2026 from 10am - 5pm

Come enjoy reading about nature in fall as colors change and the air begins to chill! Everyone is invited to take a comfortable stroll at the refuge while following the pages of a children's storybook. All ages are welcome. More books are available in the hearth room.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 8-10:30am

Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required.

Saturday, September 19th, 2026 from 10am - 5pm

Come enjoy reading about nature in fall as colors change and the air begins to chill! Everyone is invited to take a comfortable stroll at the refuge while following the pages of a children's storybook. All ages are welcome. More books are available in the hearth room.

Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 8-10:30am

Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required.

Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 10am - 5pm

Come enjoy reading about nature in fall as colors change and the air begins to chill! Everyone is invited to take a comfortable stroll at the refuge while following the pages of a children's storybook. All ages are welcome. More books are available in the hearth room.

Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 7-9pm

Join us for an informative presentation coordinated by the Minnesota Valley River Audubon Chapter. Participants can expect a well known presenter to give a lecture on their area of expertise. This series is intended for anyone interested in learning more about conversation topics. More info to come, visit https://mrvac.org/trips-events/ for updated information.

Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10-2pm

Join us for the Refuge’s 50th Anniversary Celebration! Celebrate 50 years of the Minnesota Valley Refuge with a day full of fun, nature, and community! Enjoy birdwatching, archery, arts & crafts, and a special panel featuring past refuge leaders sharing stories and memories from throughout the years. Winners of the Find Your Wild Nature Art Contest will be announced, with their artwork displayed during the celebration. Bring your family and friends and help us honor five decades of conservation, wildlife, and outdoor adventure at this unforgettable anniversary bash!

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 8-10:30am

Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required.

Sunday October 18, 2-4pm

No registration required.

For Love of a River: The Minnesota addresses geology, early and modern agriculture, citizen advocacy, water-quality challenges & solutions, river-based recreation, dams & dam removal, prairie pothole lakes, the rich diversity of plant & animal life, and the Dakota–US War.

Copies of the book will be available. Free-will donation; all proceeds benefit river restoration efforts.

——————

Program preceded by tabling by partner organizations:

Program followed by Q&A.

Oct 31, 2026 10:00 am - Oct 31, 2026 4:00 pm (CDT)

Come celebrate and learn about the unique role that bats play both in Minnesota and world-wide during International Bat Week at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge's Visitor Center!