Minnesota Zoo Review

To us, the Minnesota Zoo was about as close as we have seen animals in captivity to being in their natural habitats. This zoo does a tremendous job of giving the animals plenty of space, even if it means inconveniencing the visitors. Although this zoo doesn’t have the most animals of any zoo we visited (you won’t see lions, giraffes, or elephants), it kept us busy for almost an entire day. Expect a lot of walking if you come here, but also expect some great animal interactions. Another great thing about this zoo is that they understand their surroundings. Not only do they have animals indigenous to Minnesota, but because Minnesota can get extremely cold in the winter, they have a very large indoor portion of their zoo, so that it is worthwhile for visitors to come in the winter months. One exhibit even has an indoor viewing area of outdoor animals who can withstand the weather. This zoo also has a healthy amount of zoo docents walking the grounds to educate visitors, and also make sure the walking trails aren’t too daunting.

Highlights:

• Aquarium/Shark touch tank – Upon walking into the zoo, you’re in a building where you can view aquariums and touch sharks – a great way to start your visit
• Russia’s Grizzly Coast – upon starting your journey, you go through Russia and encounter geysers, birch trees, and otters on your way to see grizzlies in a very realistic habitat
• Australia – a walk-thru the Australia exhibit allows you to be among kangaroos and emus
• Tigers – this tiger exhibit might not give you the best views of the tigers, but it gives the tigers the best view of you! While you’re walking a loop in the zoo, the tiger exhibit is on the inside of the loop – so the tigers could be anywhere; it gives them a tremendous amount of space, like they deserve
• Minnesota Trail – this is probably the best “indigenous” exhibit I’ve ever seen; it’s quite large, and themed perfectly as you’re walking through a lodge-like atmosphere indoors, with the animals being outdoors.
• Moose and Caribou – these animals are located on the main loop (not in the Minnesota trail) so that they have enough space; it’s rare to see them in zoos, but it makes sense to have them in Minnesota

Lows:

• We didn’t visit the farm (petting zoo) portion of the zoo because the map indicated an additional half mile to walk; I’m curious how many people don’t travel all the way out that far?

Picture/Video Highlights of our Visit:

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