Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 952-854-5900 |
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Two thousand four hundred acres of floodplain forest, ponds, marshes, bluffs, spring fed streams, historic sites, and of course the lake are all part the Long Meadow Lake Unit. Stretching from E. 86th Street near the Mall of America to the Russell A. Sorenson Landing at the bottom of Lyndale Ave., the Long Meadow Lake Unit is the most visited unit of the Refuge. You can easily reach the Long Meadow Lake Unit by three access points: Bass Ponds, Old Cedar Avenue, and the Russell A. Sorenson Landing (often known as Lyndale Ave.).
Bass Ponds:
Originally used to breed fish for stocking Minnesota lakes, this system of interconnected
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Muskrats are frequently seen at the Bass Ponds. |
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man-made ponds is a favorite for school groups and anyone interested in studying nature and water management first hand. If you want to observe wildlife or at least see their traces, the Bass Ponds offers a great opportunity for just that. Birds and waterfowl use the Bass Ponds as a stop over on their annual migration. Deer, fox, racoons, muskrats, and beaver can be seen year round.
The Bass Ponds offers two trail systems. Pick up the Bass Ponds brochure in the kiosk (near the gate) and take the easy half-mile interpretive loop around the ponds to learn their history. The main hiking trail heads south towards Old Cedar Ave. (it's approximately one mile to Old Cedar). On this trail you'll pass the ponds on your right and Long Meadow Lake on your left, you'll go under Highway 77 to Old Cedar Ave. An accessible fishing pier is located in the Bass Ponds on the youth fishing pond.
The gate at Bass Ponds is always closed, park at the top and walk down the road. People with disabilities can obtain a key for the gate at the Visitor Center.
Old Cedar Avenue:
Old Cedar Avenue is another great place to spot wildlife. The Old Cedar Avenue Bridge is
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Old Cedar Avenue is a great spot for bird watching. |
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a favorite place for wildlife observation, particularly during spring bird and waterfowl migration. Another popular spot is the boardwalk that ambles through the marsh out to the open water of Long Meadow Lake. Keep your ears and eyes open for wildlife! The main hiking trail meanders southwest through floodplain forest heading towards the Russell A. Sorenson Landing (Lyndale Ave.). It's approximately 2 1/2 miles to Lyndale Ave. An accessible fishing pier is located approximately 1/4 mile northeast of the parking lot.
Russell A. Sorenson Landing (Lyndale Ave.):
Many people use Lyndale Ave. as an access point to the Minnesota River. At the end of the parking lot is a boat ramp open to the public. On the trail from Old Cedar Ave. you can see floodplain forest, hillside forest, and remnants of oak savanna (once a prominent habitat throughout Minnesota, covering 33% of the state, today only .02 % remains).
Trail Map
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Bass Ponds
Bass Ponds trail head is at the end of E. 86thSt., approximately two miles from the Visitor Center. From I-494, exit on 24th Ave. Drive south past the Mall of America and turn left on E. 86th St. Follow the road on the left to parking area.
Old Cedar Ave.
The trail head is at the base of Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. From Hwy. 77 (Cedar Ave.) Exit on Old Shakopee Road. Drive west on Old Shakopee Road and turn left at Old Cedar Ave. The trail head is at the bottom of the hill near the old bridge (bridge is now closed). Plans to re-open the bridge are in the works.
Russell A. Sorenson Landing (Lyndale Ave.)
The trail head is at the end of Lyndale Ave. on the north side of the Minnesota River. From I-35W, exit onto 106th Street, and drive east. Turn right at Lyndale Ave. Parking area and boat ramp are at the end of the road.
