Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. This nearly 300-acre site features a diverse landscape, including tallgrass prairie, oak savanna, oak woodland, and riparian forests, along with various water features like ponds and a backwater lake. The topography and geology of the Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge were shaped by glacial activity, offering varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. The area supports several sports like hiking, jogging, touring…
39
Routes
4.7
(12)
Average rating
329
People visited

19
hikers
8.91km
02:18
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

10
hikers
2.81km
00:44
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
2
hikers
19.6km
05:06
130m
130m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
2
hikers
8.81km
02:18
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

5
runners
13.1km
01:36
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
8.05km
00:57
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

7.78km
00:52
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
runners
12.5km
01:19
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

5.0
(1)
39
riders
55.4km
03:26
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
3
riders
23.6km
01:22
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
22.4km
01:20
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

5.0
(1)
47
riders
89.5km
03:30
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

14
riders
32.3km
01:17
110m
110m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

12
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

9
riders
41.6km
01:36
110m
110m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for various outdoor activities. These include hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and road cycling. The refuge features diverse landscapes suitable for exploration.
The refuge encompasses a variety of habitats, including tallgrass prairie, oak savanna, oak woodland, and riparian forests. It also features water elements such as seasonal and permanent ponds, springs, and a backwater lake adjacent to the Mississippi River. The topography was shaped by glacial activity.
Yes, Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge offers trails suitable for various ability levels, including easy walks. Visitors can find more information on specific routes in the Easy hikes in Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge guide. The terrain varies from woodlands to more open ecosystems.
The refuge provides trails that are suitable for families. These routes allow for exploration of the diverse natural environment. Details on specific family-friendly options are available in the Family-friendly hikes in Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge guide.
Public access to the Katharine Ordway Natural History Study Area in Minnesota generally requires prior approval. While the provided information does not explicitly prohibit dogs for this specific location, it is advisable to confirm pet policies directly with the refuge administration before visiting. A guide for Dog-friendly hikes in Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge is available on komoot.
The refuge is home to more than 600 species of plants and animals. It is a significant migratory route for about 40 percent of North America's migratory birds. Active bald eagle nests are also present within the area.
Public access to the Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge, also known as the Katharine Ordway Natural History Study Area, is generally permitted but often requires prior approval. Visitors are expected to adhere to 'Leave No Trace' ethics. Contacting the administration for permission is recommended.
The refuge offers options for both touring cycling and road cycling. Visitors can explore routes designed for these activities. More information is available in the Cycling in Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge and Road Cycling Routes in Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge guides.
Komoot offers several guides for the refuge, including Hiking in Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge, Running Trails in Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge, and various cycling guides. These resources provide detailed information on routes and activities.
The routes in Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge have an average rating of 4.66 out of 5 stars from more than 1,700 visitors. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users who have explored the area.
The official website for the Katharine Ordway Natural History Study Area is macalester.edu/ordway/. The on-site phone number is 651-455-6204. For public access or general inquiries, contacting the administration is recommended.
Yes, the refuge offers trails suitable for jogging. These routes allow runners to experience the diverse natural environment. A dedicated guide for Running Trails in Katherine Ordway Wildlife Refuge is available on komoot.

