With 2,300 animals representing nearly 400 different species, the Minnesota State Zoo is one of the finest zoos in the U.S. Visitors to the Minnesota Zoo are invited to observe the animals-in-residence in a variety of habitats. The Tropics Trail — the Minnesota Zoo's answer to the rainforest of southeastern Asia — features lemurs, tree kangaroos and other animals, while the Northern Trail is home to such creatures as pumas, wolverines, wolves, caribou, moose, tigers and camels. The Wells Fargo Farm, open seasonally, is a working farm, where children and adults alike may interact with farm animals. The Minnesota State Zoo is also home to Discovery Bay, a 1.1-million-gallon refuge for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, sharks and rays. The Comcast Dolphin Show is held daily at the 800-seat Dolphin Stadium. Other animal shows at the Minnesota Zoo include the Northwest Airlines World of Birds Show along with shark and fish feedings. For a different perspective on the animals at the Northern Trail, visitors may enjoy a narrated ride on the Minnesota Zoo monorail. Another of the Minnesota State Zoo's attractions is the Imation Minnesota Zoo IMAX Theatre, which shows films in 2D, IMAX 3D and IMAX DMR (remastered Hollywood movies).

The Minnesota Zoo is located approximately 10 miles from the Mall of America and about 20 miles outside the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
 
Minnesota State Zoo Hours
The Minnesota Zoo closes only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Hours vary by season:

May 30–Sept. 5:     Open 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. daily
Sept. 6–Sept. 30:    Open 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri.&
                              9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Sat.-Sun.
Oct. 1–April 30:       Open 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily
May 1–May 28:       Open 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri. &
                              9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

Although open daily, the Minnesota State Zoo monorail and the Northern Trail exhibit may close in the event of bad weather. The first monorail train departs at 10:30 a.m., with the last run scheduled to leave between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., depending on the season.
Operating hours posted above are subject to change.
 
Minnesota Zoo Admission Fees
                                       Zoo               Zoo & IMAX Theatre*
Ages: 13-64                     $12.00            $19.00
Adults age 65 & up           $8.25             $14.25
Children ages 3-12 :          $7.00             $13.00
Children under age 3:        Free Free
*Minnesota Zoo IMAX ticket prices may vary.

A ride on the Minnesota Zoo monorail costs $3.50 a person, with no charge for guests under age three.
*Prices subject to change without notice or from what’s listed on this web ite

Minnesota Zoo Contact Information
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
(952) 431-9200 or (800) 366-7811
24-hour information: (952) 431-9500
Fax: (952) 431-9300
Email: info@mnzoo.org

Imation Minnesota Zoo IMAX Theatre:
Box Office: (952) 997-9720 or (952) 997-9721
Minnesota Zoo IMAX Information: (952) 431-4629 or (877) 660-4629