Minnesota Zoo

About

The Minnesota Zoo is the state's flagship zoo, set on 485 acres in Apple Valley — a suburb about 20 miles south of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. AZA-accredited and operated as a state agency, it opened in 1978 and today houses more than 4,500 animals representing over 500 species across 55 exhibit acres. The zoo's naturalistic habitats are organized into distinct trail systems. The Northern Trail showcases animals native to cold climates — moose, Canadian lynx, bison, pronghorn, and Amur tigers. The Tropics Trail is a long indoor tropical environment with monkeys, tapirs, and exotic birds that allows year-round visiting regardless of Minnesota's severe winters. The Wells Fargo Family Farm brings guests close to domestic animals and explores the agricultural heritage of the Midwest. The Minnesota Zoo is known for thoughtful conservation programming. The Free to Explore program (ZAP — Zoo Access Program) provides free or reduced-cost admission for families receiving public assistance. The zoo's conservation department works on projects for monarch butterflies, Dakota skipper butterflies, Blanding's turtles, and several other species native to Minnesota's prairies and wetlands. Year-round programming includes school field trips, homeschool programs on select days, scout badge workshops, birthday packages, and seasonal events including the Dragon Lights lantern festival in fall and ZooLights in winter. Online advance tickets are required for general admission.

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