3/28/2013: Cliff Fen Park Hike (Burnsville)

Join the group for a hike from the Cliff Fen Park through a portion of the Black Dog Reserve of the Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established through local citizen efforts. It is part of the 24,000 acre Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Recreation Area and State Trail. The dry grasslands are characterized by encroaching shrubs, such as sumac, hazel, and prickly ash. Wetlands in the Valley's bottoms are thick with sedge meadows, cattail, and river bulrush. Over 250 species of birds use the area, either year round or during migration. At least 50 species of mammals and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians live in the refuge. Previously, the group heard beavers slapping warning signals with their tails and also heard a family of coyotes howling.

Note: The reserve is on the flood plain of the Minnesota River, so the unpaved trails may be muddy, especially after a rain.

If driving: The Park is on Cliff Road/County Hiway 32 about one mile northeast of I-35W (MTC Park & Ride). The parking lot for the combined Burnsville park and Wildlife Refuge facility is located on the river side of Cliff Road, just across from the offices of the Xata Corporation, 151 Cliff Road. FROM THE NORTH & THE WEST: Go south on I-35W across the Minnesota River. Exit on Cliff Road (which is the second exit after crossing the river.) Go straight as the road winds around and goes under I-35W and crosses over railroad tracks. After passing Nicollet Avenue, look for the park on the north side of the road. FROM THE EAST: Go south on I-35E. Exit on Cliff Road. Take a right (west) at the top of the exit. Cross Highway 77 and Highway 13. After crossing Highway 13, go through two stop lights and look for the park on the north side of the road. The actual trail head is east of the parking lot and north of the soccer fields, by the Wildlife Refuge information signs. From there, the trail crosses the railroad track and proceeds into the reserve.

If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 37W; 48B; 444. The bus service points appear to be along Cliff Road or Hwy 13. Applicable Metro Transit Map / Bus Schedule information

Map to hike starting point: 151 Cliff Rd E
Burnsville, MN 55337-1533

Map to Cliff Fen hike starting point

Map to the Burnsville Perkins Restaurant

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This webpage was last updated on February 28, 2013.