Minnesota Zoo
4.6(16K)google
4.0(267)yelp
Wildlife WatchingKidsIndoorOutdoorParking AvailableRestrooms AvailableMust-SeeEducationalWildlife
Overview
The Minnesota Zoo (formerly the Minnesota Zoological Garden) is an AZA-accredited zoo in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The zoo is one of two state-supported zoos in the United States, with the other being the North Carolina Zoo. When it opened on May 22, 1978, it was fairly revolutionary in its exhibit design.
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration3.5-6 hours
Best TimeThe lush summer months from May to September are ideal for exploring this massive 485-acre property. Arriving right at the 9:00 AM opening gate is highly recommended; this allows you to experience the premier Russia's Grizzly Coast and Tropics Trail loops during the cool morning hours when the sea otters and grizzly bears are most active during their feeding routines.
Getting ThereLocated in Apple Valley at 13000 Zoo Blvd. Driving is the most practical transit method: from Minneapolis, cruise south along Interstate 35W S, merge onto MN-77 S (Cedar Ave), and follow the prominent highway markers to turn left onto Zoo Boulevard. The wildlife sanctuary features a massive, well-organized paid surface parking lot directly facing the main gates.
Travel Tips
- Outdoor trails like Russia's Grizzly Coast see sharp drops in animal activity after 12:00 PM; enter exactly at 10:00 AM opening to clear outdoor loops before moving to indoor tropical zones during midday heat.
- The 1.25-mile elevated Treetop Trail has zero canopy shade or midway exit points; verify weather conditions at the trailhead and wear hard-soled walking shoes and UV gear before committing to the full loop.
- On-site physical ticket windows are completely unavailable and cellular blindspots plague the outer grounds; you must secure your timed-entry reservation online and screenshot the QR code before arriving.
Reviews
Positive
- The outdoor trails are incredibly immersive, and the Treetop Trail offers an amazing bird's-eye view; the animal habitats are spacious and well-maintained.
- There are abundant interactive facilities for children; the huge splash pad and various climbing playgrounds make it an excellent spot for kids to burn energy in the summer.
- The infrastructure is outstanding, with plenty of clean, well-stocked restrooms and an expansive parking lot that makes parking hassle-free even during peak weekends.
- The admission and parking fees are very reasonable overall; compared to other large zoos, the interactive experiences and natural landscapes offer great value.
Heads up
- The mandatory online timed-entry ticketing system causes significant inconvenience for spontaneous visitors who didn't book in advance and find themselves turned away.
- The zoo requires an extensive amount of walking with long distances between some exhibits, and the shaded rest areas or benches are somewhat lacking, making it exhausting.
- Certain areas or experiences at the Family Farm, such as the signature tractor-drawn wagon ride, often require extra fees, making it feel like a constant upsell.
- During the winter and spring seasons, or at specific times of day, outdoor animals like tigers and bears are inactive or not on display due to weather, diminishing the experience.