Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Rapids Lake Unit is one of eight units that make up the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It is on the west side of the Minnesota River, across the river from the Louisville Swamp Unit and from the Carver Rapids Unit of the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area. The Rapids Lake Trail follows the west bank of the Minnesota River and ends at the Carver Creek Loop Trail. Together, these two trails make a 7 mile round trip hike. Most of the trail is a flat, unimproved forest road. It passes through marshy areas and river bottom forest. In late July, 2014, the water had finally receded after spring flooding. The trails were still muddy in places and had a few depressions with ankle deep water.

Rapids Lake, Chaska and Louisville Swamp Units Trail Map

1,480 acres

Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
15865 Rapids Lake Rd. (formerly Carver Highlands Dr.)
Carver, MN 55315
N44 43.140, W93 37.728

Sunrise to Sunset for approved activities, including federal holidays

No fee

No National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota charges a fee

Rapids Lake Trail and Carver Creek Loop Trail (round trip): 7 miles

Loop Trail: 0.6 mile

Service Road (round trip): 2.0 miles

Archery & Firearms: Deer, Upland Game, Migratory Birds.

See Hunting - Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge for details.

“Upland prairie, lake and marsh, river bottom forest, and forested river bluffs.”

Entrance

Parking

Visitor Center

Rapids Lake Trail

Carver Creek Loop Trail

Shallow Lake

Minnesota River

eBird Field Checklist (Complete)

eBird Field Checklist (Bluff Park)

eBird Field Checklist (South)

Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas Fishes List

Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas Fungi List

Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas Mammals List

Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas and Minnesota Biological Survey Vegetation Releves Plant List