Upon completion, the trail will connect the Visitor Center in Bloomington with upstream communities such as Belle Plaine and LeSueur, Minnesota. Limited opportunities also exist on this Trail for horseback riding and snowmobiling. Bird Watching and Nature Photography. Except for a heron rookery and bald eagle nesting sites, most of the Refuge is open for bird watching and nature photography. Popular bird watching locations include Old Cedar Avenue, the Bass Ponds, and the Wilkie Unit.
Fishing occurs on or adjacent to many parts of the Refuge consistent with state regulations.
Favorite spots for anglers along the Minnesota River include the Black Dog Unit, the Bass Ponds, and the Sorenson Landing just off of Lyndale Avenue in Bloomington. A handicapped accessible fishing dock is available at Cedar Pond near our Old Cedar Avenue parking lot. The Refuge also sponsors an annual Youth Fishing Day to promote fishing among disadvantaged Twin Cities youth. Several portions of the Refuge are open to hunting consistent with state regulations. In addition, nearly 3000 acres of waterfowl production areas administered by the Refuge are open to hunting.