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    Minnesota Zoo

    4.0 (266 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Minnesota Zoo Photos

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    Hanna H.

    Love this zoo! The animals seem relaxed and have plenty of space in their enclosures. There are many things to see and do, you could easily spend a day here. They recently added the tree tops trail which gives you a different perspective of the zoo. Some of the animals we couldn't see when we walked around on ground level and we wondered where they were, but when we went on the tree tops trail we could see them. They have lots of activities for kids to interact with and you can even touch some of the animals (like the goats) and ocean life. We also got a snack and a coffee at the Penguin cafe, the coffee was surprisingly good! I didn't have high expectations since it's just a little shop in a zoo but I'd stop there again on the next zoo trip.

    Jitt B.

    We love the Minnesota Zoo! It's been a great family spot for us to spend time with our kids and grandkids. This zoo has so many different exhibits - the outside dinosaur exhibit was incredible, the indoor tropical area was awesome, the different live shows and were very entertaining, the llama and camel areas was awesome...and there's so much more! We took the grandkids to see the sea lion show and it was very entertaining and fun! The llama area had several llamas just roaming around - it was fascinating! Overall a wonderful spot for the entire family. The membership cost is a great deal and oaysbdie itself after a few visits. Members also ger discounted tickets for additional family and friends. Highly recommended!

    We are members and tried the Wanderlight Tour. It was excellent, a nice walk with plenty of places to stop and rest, go to the bathroom, and/or grab a bite to eat. If you come during the day the outdoor Bird Show is excellent, make sure to bring some cash and hopefully they'll pick you to have a bird land on your arm.

    Sea Lion show. It was nice.
    Ava S.

    We went when the weather was cooler, and I can understand there are several limitations for a zoo in a cold area compared to one in a warmer climate. Honestly, the zoo could use a friendly touch and more color to give it a personality. Although the staff was present, there was this aloofness everyone carried, and the scent of the primate area once you entered. The map is available via QR code, and we were left to figure out the rest. Outside of the aquatic area, nearly every other area could use some creativity. The outside eating area looks like a prison yard with only bare tables and concrete. The aquatic area was nice. We had tickets for the sea lion show. You can arrive early and choose your seat. After we chose our seat, an employee told us to move up one row for 'better' seating, despite not saying anything to the couple sitting RIGHT NEXT TO US nor the couple in front of us to also move for said better seating. It came off as unnecessary and a bit of a power trip, especially since he didn't leave until only we moved! The one row move still left us with the exact same view to where we were originally sitting. This was a disappointing experience because zoos are normally a great time and fun learning experience, but this visit left us feeling matched with the weather: cold and unwelcome.

    Angie S.

    This is a wonderful zoo to experience if in MInnesota. There are a few different loops to take and visit various types of wildlife. Example-the Tropics trail is all the rainforest type creatures. Outside there are statues, big cats and birds. Inside you'll find sea lions, sharks, turtles, aquariums full of fish and more Some bonuses here are the traveling holiday exhibits like the Fall pumpkin walk, pandemic light up animal drive thru, and the concerts at the zoo! A membership is worth it to save on the entrance & parking fees.

    Erica W.

    We are enamored with learning of wildlife and different habitats. Coming from Colorado and frequenting the renowned Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, we were pleasantly surprised to find this zoo and the upkeep reminding us of that one. Its nicely spaced out, the animals are well taken care and apart from a few customer service issues, the staff are really great. We have been several times already and are enjoying the changing of the seasons, the decor, and watching the animals frolic. I definitely recommend visiting!

    Refillable soft drink tumbler and icee kids cup
    Phillip Y.

    We got zoo membership here and made use of the refillable tumbler and cup. We like the zoo enough to visit a few times a month. There are some renovations being made. Treetop trail is pretty nice and playgrounds keep our kids busy. It is larger than como zoo but the cafe prices are pretty pricey. Also we enjoy the indoor exhibits and toddler area next to penguin exhibit. We also have seen the sea lion show and bird show too. Both are what makes it better than como zoo shows. However como town is something unique that only Minnesota zoo have the carousel only.

    Mikhala F.

    Popping in with another review about a Zoo event (I still have yet to experience the actual zoo during regular hours lol): this was my first season visiting the Jack-o-lantern Spectacular, and I was blown away! This will 100% be a tradition for my family and I each October. I visited with family a few weeks ago and was totally blown away. The amount of detail and artistry in each of the special pumpkins is unreal! Not to mention the 5000+ other pumpkins that make the area so spectacular! It's clear the team behind this puts so much care and attention to detail into making sure this is a magical experience. My mom and brother visited last weekend and wanted to go, so I went for a second time this season and was prepared to see the same pumpkins. But NO, they were all new! Not only do they refresh the pumpkins every 3-5 days, they carve totally new concepts so no trip is ever the same! Just pure magic. I had hyped this up to my family a ton and they still said it way overdelivered. KEY TIP: Pick the 6pm time slot and arrive right away! It's still plenty dark once you get to the pumpkin viewing part, and the lines were crazy around 7:30/8 as we were leaving. It was a 5-star experience because we didn't have to wait in line and had plenty of personal space during the experience.

    Tammi W.

    Lots of walking. Some big open areas between exhibits. Zoo with aquarium. Map can be hard to read and we almost missed some habitats. Has leafy sea dragons which are only at a few places in the US. Most unique animal, I've never seen nor even heard of these before, the mangalitsa pig. It's the cutest ever furry brow pig.

    Chris E.

    Amazing top 10 zoo of the country and top 5 for the size! You have to buy a season pass online. That's the best way to go. Then you can go when ever you want and you can go a hour before the single day tickets. You basically get to see the animals with out tons of people around you! Our favorites are the gibbons!!! They get really loud when they sing back and forth! The mn trail has many really cool animals. If you don't see them, ask. Because they are there!! The Dino's are amazing. They are a must stop and can get a little scary! Overall the zoo is amazing and is a must do anytime of the year!!

    AMAZING lion!
    Tara H.

    September 27 jack o' lantern spectacular night for zoo members invited by my daughter. GRACIOUS!! The 20,000 pumpkins all hand carved for display over five weeks!- - fresh made replacements every 10 days. ( the old ones are then specially prepared for the animals to consume ( excellent for digestion/ wonderful nutrients!) The THOUSANDS of BACK Breaking truly STUPENDOUS all hand-made-precision, creations mustering up fierce , grit determination by the artists who push themselves to an EXTREME to create a "Never Never land" of exquisite meticulous beauty simply not found today anywhere and composed so perfectly!! Each area had wonderful acoustic speakers deep base resounding with fabulous energizing heart soaring ROCK & ROLL ( and Prince!) - - the " marachino cherry" to this one-of-kind uplifting super exciting total experience!!! I felt like little coco entering the magical world of Dia de Los Muertos with joyous music blasting through my entire body, around each corner, folks merrily dancing away! Thank goodness I took lots of video and perfect close ups of my favorite huge carved pumpkins. Will happily replay over and over again! Enjoy!

    Jennifer B.

    This is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Minnesota! The adult nights are fantastic, especially in the cooler weather, when the animals are super active. Adult nights/Wild Nights take place from 5-8 pm, and you must be 18+ to attend. That means all of the good parts of the zoo (animals, beer, FREE beer tastings) without any of the annoying parts (heat, crying children, moving children away from windows so that you can see the animals). The petting zoo without children is also a must, especially in Farm Baby Season. Sometimes there are special theme nights, like beer tastings, music, or art vendors, and they are all worth going to. I have seen caribou running laps, bears climbing trees (and swimming- see photos) and snow leopards playing at adult nights. The events are even great no matter the weather because of the Northern Trail and the Tropics Trail, so there is something for every kind of weather. The silent disco is also fun, especially with friends, and while you are waiting for your food truck order. You really should check it out! (yes, I really was THAT close to the bear)

    Minnesota Zoo Entrance
    Karina C.

    Minnesota Zoo is huge!! We walk around 6 miles to explore the whole zoo, we were visiting from California. The Zoo has grizzly Bears I was impressed to see them so close and it's beautiful in the inside forest with so many different birds and reptiles. If you visit Minnesota you need to go explore the Zoo it's worth it. Hubby and I enjoyed the whole Zoo look at my pictures and videos. Recommended it.

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    7 months ago

    One of the best zoos around! Get a membership! It's worth it if you go twice. The kids love the animals. Good workout walking around.

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    1 year ago

    The best place ever i recommend it i wish they had more at the zoo they do a good job

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    Ask the Community - Minnesota Zoo

    Is the food at mn zoo safe for kids?

    I am sure that the food served at the Minnesota Zoo meets and exceeds the health requirements of food and health inspectors. As for the food coloring in the ice cream cone, one of which I had, it would be up to you to decide what they eat of what is… Read more

    How much for family tickets?

    Age Zoo Prices 0 - 2 yrs. old Free 3 - 12 yrs. old $12.00… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Minnesota Zoo

    The views from the treetop trail are nothing short of captivating.

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    Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

    Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

    4.2
    (440 reviews)
    15.0 mi

    It is no wonder that I love to visit the Conservatory in the dead of winter. There is no better…read morefeeling than going there when it's below zero, and your body does not even remember what humidity feels like. Sure, going to Hawaii is great, but if you want something closer and thousands of dollars less expensive (it's actually free, but they suggest you give them a small donation upon entry), I recommend a quick trip to the indoor conservatory. Save the zoo for a nice summer day. My two favorite areas are the topics, and the Sunken Garden. The tropics is the place to go for a hot, steamy reprieve from the Minnesota winter. It has lots of fun swimming animals, a sloth that is about as lively as a stuffed bear, but the biggest attraction, for me, is the incredible hot, moist area. But that's just one area of the Conservatory. Don't miss the larger part that includes jungle-type foliage, wonderful plants, and a display of orchids. We were there the weekend after the orchid show, but we were treated to the award winning and amazingly beautiful orchids. The highlight however, is the seasonal changes that take place in the Sunken Garden. This is an ever changing variety of seasonal flowers and can cheer up the crankiest of us who are just trying to make it through to Spring.

    Only have good things to say about this free zoo in the Como Park neighborhood of St Paul! The zoo…read moreis not overly crowded with animals and they seem to be well taken care of. The zoo has a beautiful conservatory, Japanese gardens, kids rides and even an old fashioned carousel! Plenty of free parking available and even picnic grounds to enjoy! They are open year round and free admission for all but of course donations are appreciated!

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    January 2025
    January 2025
    Giraffe
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    Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

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    Sustainable Safari

    Sustainable Safari

    4.1
    (44 reviews)
    20.1 mi

    A good activity for the family that is indoors! We went on a Saturday and it was a little busy but…read morenot so busy that you couldn't enjoy seeing the animals up close. When you arrive you purchase your tickets and decide if you want to any add ons. You can purchase various sizes of feeding cups, experiences with the animals or opportunities to hold some of them. Once inside you can feed or pet any of the animals that are behind a single fence. Those further away or in glass enclosures are for observation. There are kangaroos, goats, lizards, chickens and more. There is a fun pulley system to feed some of the goats. They have an informational show that happens a few times a day where they discuss some of the animals and reptiles they house. It's not a huge space but we spent about an hour there. If you have real animal lovers you could be there longer. It's an interesting experience.

    While perhaps this place recycles their cups, "sustainability" does not equate with HUMANE. They…read morecame to the elementary school I work at and were parading animals around our gym for an entire day. I was horrified by what I saw and learned. PETA fact sheet linked here - https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/sustainable-safari.pdf Please do your research and think twice about utilizing this organization for educational purposes. Ask yourself whether there are other methods by which to engage the community and raise awareness around wildlife conservation.

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    We enjoyed all the capybaras!!!
    We enjoyed all the capybaras!!!
    Sustainable Safari
    Snake experience you get to hold it

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    Snake experience you get to hold it

    Minnesota Zoo - zoos - Updated June 2026

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