The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is a top family destination, featuring a wide range of animal exhibits and immersive habitats from around the world. With interactive experiences like Discovery Bay and Tropics Trail, visitors can get up close with wildlife while learning about conservation. Open year-round, the Minnesota Zoo offers fun and educational adventures for animal lovers of all ages.
Zoo
Minnesota Zoo
15086 Google Reviews
Mn Zoo overall is one of the best zoos I’ve visited. Only been to a few across the country but I always feel like they do a better job than the others I’ve been too. Of course it all depends on what animals are out and about and what you can see:) . If you can plan around opening or be around an hour before closing… the animals are more active, they know feeding time is soon so you’ll see more activity right around open or close.
Tickets were a bit spendy…$22.50 for one adult ticket! Check out memberships for better pricing! A pip w a burger and fries is about $20. They have some fun shows for the kids , with the seals playing and doing tricks and music. You can purchase tickets for the seal show. However, if you come ten mi uses before the show starts and they are not sold out , they will let you go take an empty seat for free.
It’s a large zoo with lots of walking and nomore train rides. Bring your strollers.
Animals and exhibits were great!
It’s a large zoo with lots of walking and nomore train rides. Bring your strollers.
Animals and exhibits were great!
Was pretty busy on a Sunday, was hoping the cold would make it not as popular but the internal parts were still pretty packed. Still had fun, lots of cool animals. Sadly some really good ones like lynx and otters are out of their habitat right now.
The restaurants inside are way overpriced ($17 for one sandwich) so plan on packing your own lunch.
Don’t make the same mistake we did, you defiently need more then 2 hrs to try to make it through the whole thing. We were sad we missed out on a lot and we were basically running through it. Other then that had a great time animals all looked happy and healthy.
FYI you NEED to buy tickets online in advance
FYI you NEED to buy tickets online in advance
MN Zoo has really developed nicely. Very impressed! The exhibits are well done, ample space and clean. The outdoor exhibits are especially well done. Outside was amazing. We got to see some staff and cars team work with animals. It’s amazing to see the animals enjoy the interaction. The treetop path is a really great feature. I wish I could come here daily and capture pictures of these lovely animals. All the staff we talked to were friendly and very informative! My dream would be to be on the Minnesota Zoo Photography Team!
As I began to approach Minnesota Zoo, I started to anticipate a memorable experience.
My significant other and I landed in the South Entrance Gibbon Lot and parked there. We walked towards the Lower South Entrance and we had to halt everything. There was a sign that stated Welcome! Online tickets required and available at MNZoo.org Scan QR code for tickets. This was a rather odd obstacle in our path. There was complimentary Wi-Fi here under the network Minnesota Zoo Free Wireless. Online, I checked out the Admission and Parking section. General Admission for Non-Members that were Adults ages 13-64 was $23.95. Additional Charges was Parking: Car or Van $10.00. I clicked Zoo Timed Admission and for the Times Available, I chose 1:30 PM.
The sign before the building entrance stated Online Tickets Only. This seemed to be a serious thing here and I thought it was a poor business practice. Fortunately, it was fast to scan my e-Ticket.
Our first stop was Discovery Bay. I got to see the Spotted garden eel and the Splendid garden eel in a display there. They were unique and interesting to watch. Not too far from them was the Shrimp display. They looked vibrant and it was worth the stop.
Northern Trail was an awesome section of Minnesota Zoo. I almost had to stop to see the Bison display. There were quite a few of these beautiful animals. Right past them was the Black-tailed Prairie Dog display. They were small and adorable. Seeing the Moose was the best part of the day. It appeared rare and I felt honored to see it. The Reindeer or Caribou display was exciting. They seemed active and it was nice to admire them from afar.
Our last stop was Minnesota Trail. I got to see the Coyote display. They were beautiful. After that, I saw the Gray Wolf. It was large and gorgeous. Not too far away was the Puma (AKA cougar, mountain lion, panther) display. They were active.
We headed towards the South Entrance/Exit. Going through the Zoo Exit door was the worst part of the day.
The service was good. Everyone I encountered was friendly. I didn’t have any issues in that category.
Overall, I had a decent time here and I enjoyed seeing every animal I encountered. I might go back someday.
Date of visit: January 29, 2025
The Minnesota Zoo is a fantastic place to explore and connect with wildlife. From the lush Tropics Trail, where vibrant birds and playful monkeys roam, to the expansive Northern Trail with its majestic bison and wolves, every area offers something unique.
What stood out most was the immersive feel of the habitats—they’re thoughtfully designed and make you feel like you’re stepping into the animals’ worlds. Discovery Bay was especially fun, with hands-on opportunities to touch stingrays and learn about marine life.
The zoo is clean, well-laid-out, and perfect for all ages. Make sure to catch a feeding or animal presentation if you can—it adds a lot to the visit. A perfect way to spend the day for animal lovers and families alike!
Also got to see a sea lion show, witch was cool to watch but seemed short, hoping it was longer.
Nice zoo, not sure if I’ll be back but was nice.