Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo

Opened on May 22, 1978, The Minnesota Zoo (formerly the Minnesota Zoological Gardens) was fairly revolutionary in its exhibit design. It was one of the first zoos to organize its animals by their living environment as opposed to their species.

Exhibits are arrayed in six themed areas, including three themed walking trails ranging from one to two miles in length:


• Medtronic Minnesota Trail, featuring animals native to Minnesota

• Northern Trail, featuring animals of the north (above the 45th parallel north)

• Tropics Trail, an indoor walking trail featuring animals from the tropics

• Discovery Bay, an activity area themed around marine wildlife

• Russia's Grizzly Coast, a part-indoor, part-outdoor new multi-million exhibit featuring animals from Russia's Far East and the Kamchatka Peninsula

• Wells Fargo Family Farm, themed around farm animals


The Minnesota Zoo is a state agency. This differs from other zoos in Minnesota and most others in the United States, which are run by municipalities or private organizations. The Minnesota Zoo charges admission and sells annual memberships.

Location

13000 Zoo Blvd
Apple Valley, Dakota County
Minnesota, USA

Getting There

The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, about 20 miles south of Minneapolis. While there is no direct public transportation to the zoo, there are several options for getting there.

One option is to take the METRO Red Line Bus Rapid Transit from the Mall of America Transit Station to the Cedar Grove Transit Station. From there, you can transfer to the Route 445 Bus, which stops near the zoo entrance.

Another option is to take the METRO Blue Line Light Rail to the Mall of America Transit Station and then take a taxi or rideshare service to the zoo.

You can also drive to the zoo, and there is ample parking available.

Nearby Airports

This is a list of primary airports in Minnesota that have scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.