Red River Zoo
4.4(2.2K)google
3.9(39)yelp
Wildlife WatchingKidsOutdoorParking AvailableEducationalWildlife
Overview
The Red River Zoo is a zoo in Fargo, North Dakota. The zoo's first 8 acres (3.2 ha) opened in the spring of 1999. It gained accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 2006.
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeSpring (May) and autumn (September to October) are exceptional. Plan to arrive at 9:30 AM right as gates open; because this specialized zoo focuses on cold-climate wildlife, its world-famous Chinese red pandas, Pallas's cats, and grey wolves are highly energetic during these crisp morning hours before midday crowds pack the paths.
Getting ThereSituated in southwest Fargo at 4251 25th Street South, right off the I-94 corridor. Highly accessible via public transit: ride the local MATBUS Route 14 or 15 directly to the adjacent shopping loops. For drivers, exit I-94 south onto 25th St S; the zoo features an enormous, flat free paved surface parking lot right outside the main pavilion.
Travel Tips
- Specializing in cold-hardy species like red pandas, animals remain active in winter; summer midday heat drives them indoors, making pre-11 AM the optimal viewing window.
- Hours are 10 AM to 5 PM with final entry at 4:30 PM; buy tickets online to bypass the gate kiosk, and check your AZA membership for reciprocal entry discounts.
- The historic 1928 carousel requires an additional fee and operates dynamically based on daily weather conditions and crowd size; keep cash on hand for tokens.
Reviews
Positive
- A beautiful boutique zoo specializing in cold-hardy species; their red panda family is incredibly cute and a joy to watch playing outside.
- The grounds are beautifully landscaped and shady, featuring a historic antique wooden carousel that kids can ride for an affordable fee.
- Restrooms, trash cans, and benches are heavily deployed along the paths, and the smooth wheelchair accessibility ensures a great family experience.
- The venue is modernly managed with warm staff, featuring an interactive, nature-based outdoor discovery playground perfect for smaller kids.
Heads up
- Compared to massive big-city zoos, the overall size is small and the species list is limited, lacking exotic megafauna like elephants or lions.
- During hot summer afternoons, many cold-weather animals retreat indoors to escape the heat, leaving the outdoor viewable exhibits completely empty.
- The admission price has steadily increased recently; for a small zoo that takes barely over an hour to tour, it feels less of a value than before.
- The main parking lot gets heavily congested and chaotic during peak summer weekends, showing a minor lack of parking traffic control.