Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 952-854-5900 |
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center |
|
The Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center is nearing completion and is located about 3 miles south of the city of Carver, MN in the Refuge's Rapids Lake Unit. Construction was financed by the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, the mitigation agent for the Minneapolis-St. Paul runway expansion settlement.
The Center is located on a bluff overlooking the Minnesota River, and will contain an information desk, two educational classrooms, offices, restrooms, and drinking water. Interpretive exhibits and a bookstore/gift-shop will be added in the near future. In addition, hiking and walking trails will be under construction during the summer of 2008.
The Center is currently not fully staffed and at times may be closed during regular business hours. Visitors are asked and highly encouraged to call 952-361-4500 prior to visiting to confirm building hours.
Please check back for updates on trail construction, operational hours, and programs and events.
To reach the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center from Jordan, follow CR9/11 north across the
Minnesota River to Carver Highlands Drive, turn right and drive to the end of the road. From
westbound Hwy. 212 in the Carver area, exit on Jonathan Carver Parkway (County Road 11) and turn
south. Proceed 2.5 miles, continuing on CR 11 by turning left (CR 40 proceeds straight at this point).
Proceed 1.9 miles and turn left on Carver Highlands Drive, continuing east to the end of the road.