The Minnesota Zoo sits at 13000 Zoo Boulevard in Apple Valley, roughly a half-hour drive south of downtown Minneapolis, and spreads across wooded hills with trails that wind between large animal habitats. It is a genuine day out, bigger and more outdoors than Como, and it rewards visitors who like to walk. Highlights include the Treetop Trail, which is included with admission, Discovery Bay with its tide pool and estuary touch experience when staff are present, the Northern Trail, and the Wells Fargo Family Farm on the lower level. Daily programmes include the Sea Lion Discovery sessions and an indoor Wings and Things show. In the colder months the zoo remains open, though some areas close for the season: the Woodland Adventure, the Wild Woods, the splash pad, the Dino Hideout and the carousel were listed as closed, while the indoor Bee Hive play area and gift shops stay open, and the Treetop Trail opens by noon in cooler months, weather permitting. It suits families, animal lovers and photographers, and it has a food court and outside food is allowed. Because tickets are for a chosen date and online purchase is required, plan ahead rather than turning up on the day.
Tickets and hours
The zoo is open from 10am to 4pm, with members entering from 9am. Online tickets are required and valid only for the date selected, with daytime tickets offered through the end of February 2027. Non-member prices are listed at $25.95 for ages 13 to 64, $23.95 for ages 65 and over, $19.
95 for ages 3 to 12 and free for ages 2 and under, and parking is a separate fee that non-members pay when they buy tickets. A free-to-explore admission programme exists, with phone reservations required. The zoo is open rain or shine, though it may reschedule tickets after a severe weather evacuation. Prices, hours and closures change, so check the website before you buy.
What to know before you go
Waterfront construction is happening in phases and can affect areas near the macaque habitat, the upper plaza and the waterfront, and the macaques were living behind the scenes. If you enter through East parking, go through the top of the Tropics building and take the Tropics Ramp down to reach the lower-level trails and the farm.
Strollers rent for a modest fee, wheelchairs are free and motorised carts are limited, with photo ID held as a deposit. Lockers are available. Public transport is possible via a weekday MVTA bus connecting from the Red Line at Mall of America, but a car is far easier.
Making the most of it
In winter, dress properly, because most of the walking is outdoors, and plan around the daily sea lion session and the indoor Wings and Things show, which give you scheduled warm moments. Go straight to the animals that interest you most and treat the rest as a bonus, since the site is large.
The zoo pairs well with a Mall of America visit on the same day, as both are in the south metro, though two big days in one is a lot for small children. Spring and summer open more of the grounds, so if you can choose your season, warmer months offer a fuller experience.
What to expect
The experience
A large wooded zoo in Apple Valley with trails, a sea lion programme, a tide-pool touch area and a family farm.
Best time
Warmer months for the fullest experience, or a winter weekday for quiet trails.
How long
Four to six hours for most visitors.
Tips
Buy a dated ticket online, dress for outdoor walking and plan around the sea lion and Wings and Things sessions.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and animal lovers who like a full day on foot.
- Families
- Excellent for children, with a family farm, touch areas and an indoor play space.
- Couples
- A scenic walking day, best in spring and autumn.
- Pair with
- Mall of America in the same south-metro area, though it is a lot for one day with small children.
- Time needed
- Four to six hours.
Good questions
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?+
Yes. Online tickets are required and are valid only for the date selected.
Is the Minnesota Zoo open in winter?+
Yes, though some areas close for the season. The Treetop Trail opens by noon in cooler months, weather permitting.
Where is the zoo?+
At 13000 Zoo Boulevard in Apple Valley, south of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
How much is parking?+
Parking is a separate fee, paid by non-members at the time of ticket purchase.
Can I get there by public transport?+
A weekday MVTA bus connects from the Red Line at Mall of America, but driving is much easier.
