Here, you will find the MN River Bottoms Trail System towards the southern edge of Bloomington, a short distance from the Mall of America. It is the perfect place for a great wildlife adventure. It is also a fun place to bike, hike, and watch the annual fall migration, where you can observe over 250 species of birds. I regularly use the trailhead near the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge (See flag #4 below), overlooking Long Meadow Lake. Here, at the trailhead, you can easily view the marsch land of Long Meadow Lake, which is full of waterfowl activity.

You can also ride your bike on the trail, grab your walking stick, and use some of the other designated hiking trails to find more observation points.

The Minnesota River Valley provides essential habitat for birds flying south. Look for waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds like white-throated sparrows, yellow-rumpled warblers, and American robins. Shorebirds, including sandpipers and plovers, can still be spotted in the early fall.  

The trails on the north side of the lake, both east and west, are for hiking only. If you prefer single-track trails for mountain biking or hiking, you must follow the paved trail south over the bridge and towards the river. The trail also goes east and west at the river’s edge, giving you many observation points between the meadows and the Minnesota River. This trail is also safe for hybrid bikes; stay on the main trail.

The Bloomington River bottom trails

A ride or hike can be fun and as challenging as you want if you decide to leave the main path. The trail is made of heavy soil with a mix of dried river debris. When dry, it may be smooth riding. However, Mother Nature’s unpredictability can quickly change the conditions of the trails here, adding a few potholes you will have to circumvent.

For most of your ride or hike, the trail parallels the river, with a few trails leading you away around several backwater waterfowl sanctuaries. A part of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, from the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, this wilderness area is about a mile from the Mall of America.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge highlights

From the Minnesota Autobon Society, here is a Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge map with several essential fall viewing locations along the river that you may want to check out.

Flag 1—At Fort Snelling State Park, watch for Bald Eagles, Broad-winged Hawks, Cooper Hawks, and many other migratory birds gathering.

Flag 2 – At the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center, see over 250 species of birds, including Bald Eagles.

Flag 4 – Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge at the old Cedar Bridge overlooking Long Meadow Lake. From the bike/ped bridge or viewing dock, you have plenty of room to spot warblers and several species of waterfowl.

Fall, winter, spring, or summer plenty of wildlife to see

Escape to nature throughout the year in Bloomington, MN.

Why the trail is fun throughout the year

Also, it is common to see Bald eagles, owls, and hawks throughout the year.

When you are not exploring the banks of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers and need a break from the outdoors, there are plenty of fun options to keep your visit exciting in Bloomington. Check out more here.