Dakota Zoo
4.6(1.8K)google
3.3(15)yelp
Wildlife WatchingKidsOutdoorParking AvailableRestrooms AvailableMust-SeeEducationalWildlife
Overview
The Dakota Zoo is a zoo in Bismarck, North Dakota located on the banks of the Missouri River. It is the third zoo built in North Dakota. The Dakota Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration2.5-4 hours
Best TimeLate spring (May) or early autumn (September) on sunny mornings between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM offer the ultimate visitor experience. Bypassing the mid-summer heat guarantees that the zoo's signature northern plains animals—including grey wolves, river otters, and massive American bison—are highly active along the wooded Missouri River banks.
Getting ThereSuperbly anchored at 602 Riverside Park Road on the southwestern fringe of downtown Bismarck. Driving a personal vehicle is highly efficient: travel west from the city center on Main Avenue, turn left onto South Washington Street, and make a clean right turn onto Riverside Park Road following the animal symbols straight into the massive free surface lots.
Travel Tips
- Take I-94 West exit 156, which is a left exit; missing this lane forces a miles-long detour across the Missouri River before returning.
Reviews
Positive
- A nice, well-laid-out little zoo where you can see a variety of healthy animals including white tigers, camels, raccoons, and birds.
- Admission is highly affordable, and you can buy quarters to feed the animals; it provides great value for a 2-to-3-hour family trip.
- The zoo is situated right next to Sertoma Park, making it incredibly convenient to take a relaxing walk or play right after finishing your tour.
- The staff and zookeepers are remarkably friendly and always willing to answer any animal-related questions from curious kids.
Heads up
- The overall scale of the zoo is quite small; adult travelers driving from afar might find it a bit underwhelming as you can see it all within two hours.
- The dining options inside the zoo are fairly limited, offering basic concession food that tastes mediocre if you are looking for a proper meal.
- Some outdoor exhibits are closed in the winter with animals moved indoors; visiting during cold seasons significantly compromises the experience due to the weather.
- A few animal enclosures feel a bit dated, creating blind spots for viewing, and the paths can get bottlenecked during peak holiday crowds.