Zoos and Aquariums in Minnesota

Minnesota features 15+ accredited zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, and animal parks offering year-round educational experiences. From the AZA-accredited Minnesota Zoo with nearly 5,000 animals to free-admission Como Park Zoo and specialized facilities like the International Wolf Center, the state provides diverse opportunities to encounter wildlife from around the world and native Minnesota species.

15+

Zoos & Wildlife Centers

3

AZA-Accredited Facilities

5,000+

Animals at Minnesota Zoo

2

Free-Admission Zoos

On This Page

Major Zoos (AZA-Accredited)

Minnesota is home to three Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institutions, ensuring the highest standards of animal care, conservation, and education.

Minnesota Zoo

Address: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Hours: 10am-4pm daily (hours vary by season)
Admission: Online tickets required. Adults (13+) $21.95, Children (3-12) $15.95, Seniors $15.95, Ages 2 and under free. Parking $8.
Accreditation: AZA-accredited through September 2028

Major Exhibits:

  • Medtronic Minnesota Trail - Native animals including gray wolves, coyotes, beaver, river otters, pumas, and lynx
  • Russia's Grizzly Coast - Sea otters, brown bears, Amur leopards, and wild boars from Russia's Pacific coast
  • Tropics Trail - 78-degree indoor rainforest with tropical species
  • Discovery Bay - 218,000-gallon Shark Reef exhibit and United Healthcare Marine Education Center
  • Treetop Trail - 1.25-mile elevated pedestrian path up to 32 feet high (World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Loop)
  • Wells Fargo Family Farm - Seasonal exhibit (April-October) with domestic animals including goats, sheep, pigs, cows, chickens, horses
  • African Penguin Exhibit - Newly opened exhibit

Daily Programming:

  • Wings & Things - 10:30am & 2:00pm in Target Learning Center
  • Royal Credit Union Sea Lion Discovery - 11:00am & 2:00pm
  • Conservation Carousel (additional fee)

Conservation Programs:

As one of only two state-operated zoos in the US, Minnesota Zoo has conducted wildlife conservation for over 40 years. The zoo has received five AZA Bean Awards for conservation excellence, including three for its long-term tiger conservation program. Conservation efforts focus on pollinators, freshwater turtles, native freshwater mussels, North American plains bison, and international programs including black rhino conservation in Namibia and Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia.

Visitor Tips: Arrive early for active animals and lighter crowds. Picnic lunches allowed. Accessible via Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) 440 bus line from Mall of America.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Address: 1225 Estabrook Dr, St. Paul, MN 55103
Hours: 10am-6pm daily (May-September), 10am-4pm daily (October-April). Open 365 days a year.
Admission: FREE (voluntary donation appreciated: $4 adults, $2 children)
Accreditation: AZA-accredited

Animals & Exhibits:

  • Large carnivores: Polar bears, tigers, lions, pumas, wolves
  • African animals: Giraffes, zebras, ostriches
  • Primates: Gorilla Forest exhibit (opened 2013)
  • Aquatic animals and birds
  • Sea lions and seals

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory:

Over 2 acres of gardens featuring:

  • Fern Room - 100+ species of ferns
  • North Garden - Papaya, fig, and chocolate trees
  • Orchid House - Award-winning neo-tropical orchid collection
  • Palm Dome, Sunken Garden, Ordway Gardens

Shows & Activities:

  • Sparky Show - Sea lion and seal show daily at 11:30am & 2:30pm (entertaining guests since 1956)
  • Giraffe Feeding - Daily at 10:45am ($5 per person)
  • Como Town - Adjacent amusement park
Free Admission: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory offers free admission year-round, making it accessible to all visitors regardless of financial status.

Lake Superior Zoo

Address: 7210 Fremont St, Duluth, MN 55807
Hours: 10am-5pm daily (Summer, starting May 23), 10am-4pm daily (Fall/Winter/Spring, starting Sept 2). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day.
Admission: Adults (13+) $18, Children (3-12) $15 (2 and under free), Seniors (62+) $16, Museum for All $5
Parking: FREE
Accreditation: AZA-accredited

Animals & Exhibits:

The zoo houses 300+ animals representing 140 species, including:

  • Big cats: Snow leopards, Amur tigers
  • North American wildlife: Brown bears, gray wolves, river otters
  • Primates including swamp monkeys
  • Reptiles and numerous endangered species
  • Australian area (visitor favorite)
  • Petting zoo

Park Features:

  • 16+ acres of scenic grounds with rocky hills, majestic pines, and Kingsbury Creek
  • Kid-friendly hiking trail to scenic waterfall overlook
  • On-site train rides
  • Behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters
  • On-site cafĂ© (visitors welcome to bring coolers and own lunches)
Discount: Minnesota Zoo and Great Lakes Aquarium members receive 50% off regular admission prices.

Aquariums in Minnesota

Great Lakes Aquarium

Location: 353 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN
Hours: 10am-6pm daily (Monday-Sunday). Tickets sold until 6pm, doors lock at 6pm, guests welcome until 7pm. Closed December 25.
Admission: Children 2 and under free. Wonder Wednesday: $6 general admission every Wednesday (November+). Discounted rates for EBT/medical assistance cardholders and their party.
Type: Freshwater-focused aquarium

Exhibits & Features:

  • 1,000+ fish, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians
  • Largest sturgeon touchpool in North America
  • Multiple hands-on and touch exhibits
  • River otters
  • Regional birds
  • Freshwater fish from Lake Superior and Amazon River
  • Seahorses
  • H2O Exhibit - Interactive splash, play, and learn experience (opened 2022)
  • Rotating special exhibits

Spectacular bayfront location with views of the Aerial Lift Bridge and arriving/departing freighters. Allow minimum 1 hour for visit.

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium

Location: Mall of America, Level 1 East Side, Bloomington
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm (hours subject to change)
Size: 66,000 square feet, 1.3 million gallons of water
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible

Highlights:

  • Thousands of sea creatures including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, and seahorses
  • 300-foot ocean tunnel - Walk-through underwater experience
  • Minnesota's largest aquarium
  • Touch tanks and interactive exhibits
  • Convenient location inside Mall of America

SeaQuest Roseville

Location: Rosedale Center Mall, Roseville (also locations in Maplewood and Burnsville)
Features: Interactive aquarium and animal experience

Animals & Exhibits:

  • Dozens of exhibits and habitats
  • Marine life: tropical fish, rays
  • Wildlife: exotic birds, reptiles, mammals
  • Interactive touch experiences with various animals
  • Educational programs for families, couples, and adults

Wildlife Sanctuaries & Specialized Centers

International Wolf Center

Location: 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731 (within Superior National Forest)
Hours: Winter (Oct 20-May 21): Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-2pm
Admission: Adults $13, Children (4-12) $7, Ages 3 and under free, Seniors and Military discounts available
Founded: 1985 (facility opened June 1993)
Size: 17,000 square feet

Exhibits & Programs:

  • Discover Wolves! - Interactive exhibits on wolf biology, ecology, and cultural importance. Features simulated airplane cockpit for radio telemetry pack-tracking missions and field exam station.
  • Little Wolf Exhibit - Designed for children ages 3-9
  • Exhibit Pack - 1.25-acre enclosure home to four gray wolves: Grayson, Rieka, Caz, and Blackstone
  • "What's for Dinner?" Program - Every Saturday at 7pm, witness weekly feeding of Exhibit Pack
  • Howling Safari - Saturdays at 8pm (August-October). Learn wolf vocalizations then step into wilderness to call to local wolf packs.

Founded by wolf biologist Dr. L. David Mech, the center offers world-class wolf education and research. Admission includes all daily programs, film presentations, exhibits, and ambassador wolf viewing. Phone: 218-365-4695

Wildlife Science Center

Location: 22830 Sunrise Rd NE, Stacy, MN 55079
Hours: Public tours every Saturday at 11am and 1pm (no reservations required)
Founded: 1990 (originally "The Wolf Project" established 1976)
Annual Visitors: 25,000+

Animals & Conservation:

  • Largest captive wolf population - 35+ critically endangered red wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and other gray wolves
  • Black bears
  • Red foxes
  • Canada lynx
  • Coyotes
  • Skunks, raccoons, porcupines
  • Birds of prey

Conservation Programs:

Participant in Species Survival Plans for red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Both species were reduced to near extinction (only 14 reproductively viable red wolves and 7 Mexican gray wolves survived conservation trapping in the 1970s). These animals formed the base for all recovery efforts.

Special Events: Annual Harvest Howl, Winter Festival, and Canine Carnival

Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Near Orr, MN (20 minutes from Orr, 2 hours north of Duluth)
Hours: 5pm-8pm Tues-Sun (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend). Visitors may stay on viewing deck until dusk. Closed during inclement weather.
Admission: Adults (18-64) $12, Seniors (65+) $10, Youth (4-17) $5, Ages 3 and under free
Size: 360 acres

Experience:

  • Best place to see wild black bears in their natural habitat
  • Shuttle ride with guide explaining sanctuary history and bears
  • Raised observation deck with 360-degree views of forested surroundings
  • Safely view and photograph intimate behaviors of normally reclusive black bears
  • Watch bears play, climb, vocalize, and eat
  • Thousands of visitors annually

Important: Pets and motorcycles not allowed. Bring insect repellent. Advance tickets encouraged (purchase online or at Orr visitors center) to shorten lines, especially holiday weekends.

The Raptor Center - University of Minnesota

Location: 1920 Fitch Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108 (west of Minnesota State Fairgrounds)
Hours: Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-4pm. Closed Mondays, major holidays, University holidays, and during special events.
Established: 1974
Patients Treated: 30,000+ birds since opening, 1,000+ annually

Mission:

Specializes in medical care, rehabilitation, and conservation of eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. At the forefront of developing emerging avian care techniques and collecting ecosystem health data.

Education Birds:

View a variety of raptors up close including:

  • Bald eagles
  • Various owl species
  • Hawks and falcons
  • Vultures

Research & Conservation:

Engaged in lead poisoning studies of bald eagles along the Mississippi River. Testing every admitted bald eagle since 1976 revealed that 90% show elevated lead residues in their blood.

Injured Birds: Call 612-624-4745 (8am-5pm central) for assistance with injured or orphaned birds of prey. Birds can be admitted 8am-5pm central each day.

Safari Parks & Drive-Through Experiences

Hemker Park & Zoo

Location: 26715 County Rd 39, Freeport, MN 56331
Hours: 10am-6pm daily (May 1-October 31)
Founded: 1977 by Mark and Joan Hemker
Animals: 200+ animals with plenty of room to roam

Features:

  • Tio the Rhino - Only rhinoceros in Minnesota
  • Face-to-face encounters with giraffes, rhinos, koi, budgies, and otters (May-October)
  • Discovery Safari Tram Tours - Guided 90-minute tours at 10am and 1pm with fun facts from knowledgeable zookeepers
  • Free parking
  • Picnic area
  • Birthday parties and special holiday events
  • Winter sleigh rides

Awards: Best of Central Minnesota Out & About Family Recreation destination for five years straight

Safari North Wildlife Park

Location: Brainerd, MN
Features: Huge variety of animals from five continents

Attractions & Activities:

  • Feed giraffes and ride camels
  • 10-acre safari - Lions, hyenas, monkeys, zebras, wildebeest, ostriches, and more
  • Junior Zookeeper Program - Kids dress up as Jr. Zookeepers and help create enrichment items for animals
  • Enrichment Workshops
  • Group educational experiences

Paul Bunyan's Animal Land

Features: Diverse collection of exotic animals

Animals:

Lions, tigers, bears, camels, kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs, deer, cougars, bobcats, leopards, servals, raccoons, and dozens of other species

Community & Petting Zoos

Ramsey Park Zoo

Location: Alexander Ramsey Park, Redwood Falls, MN
Hours: Open year-round
Admission: FREE
Park Size: 256 acres (largest municipal park in Minnesota)

Animals:

  • Permanent population: Bison, elk, deer, prairie dogs
  • Numerous upland game and waterfowl species
  • Goats (coin-operated feeders available)
  • Baby animals most years

Park Features:

  • Known as "Little Yellowstone of Minnesota"
  • Drive-through or walk-through zoo experience
  • Picturesque Ramsey Falls
  • 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps shelters and bridges
  • Miles of hiking trails
  • Playgrounds, picnic areas, campground
  • Annual "Night Falls" event with Christmas light displays (attracts 10,000+ people)

History:

Built as a state park in 1911, acquired by Redwood Falls for $1 in 1957. Free admission has been maintained since city takeover. Sacred to Lower Sioux Indian Community as "Cansayapi" (where they paint trees red).

Note: Most variety of animals visible in summer. Some animals return to farms during winter months.

Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo

Location: Northwest of Rochester (90 minutes from Minneapolis)
Admission: FREE
Park Size: 634 acres
Focus: Minnesota native wildlife

Features:

  • Native Minnesota wildlife exhibits
  • Picnic shelters
  • Educational programs
  • Ideal for families connecting with nature

Erickson's Petting Zoo

Location: Osakis, MN

Animals & Attractions:

  • Farm animals: Pygmy goats, sheep, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, llamas, miniature cattle, potbelly pigs, rabbits, cats
  • Poultry: Chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants, peacocks, pigeons, doves
  • Pony rides
  • Corn maze
  • Playground
  • Party shed with picnic tables

Sustainable Safari

Locations: Maplewood Mall and Burnsville Center
Animals: 200+ animals to feed and interact with

Interactive Experiences:

  • Pet and feed capybaras
  • Red kangaroos
  • Pygmy goats
  • African porcupines
  • Continental giant rabbits
  • Many other species

Sibley Farm

Location: Sibley Park, Mankato
Established: 1893
Type: Historic petting zoo

Animals:

Charming petting zoo featuring alpacas, goats, peacocks, and other friendly animals. Quieter experience focused on farm life.

Farmaste Animal Sanctuary

Location: Lindstrom
Size: 30 acres
Animals: Cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys

Mission:

Forever home for animals that were abandoned, neglected, or in need of special treatment. Nonprofit offers volunteer opportunities year-round and weekly tours once weather warms up. Closed in winter.

Other Wildlife Attractions & Educational Centers

Snake Discovery

In-person educational experiences featuring rescue alligator Rex, legless lizards, venomous Gila monsters, and various reptile species.

Springbrook Nature Center

Size: 127 acres of pristine forest, wetland, and prairie

Features: Three miles of trails, 900-foot floating boardwalk, monthly bird-banding program allowing visitors to hold cardinals, robins, and chickadees.

Conservation Breeding Specialist Group

Location: Apple Valley
Focus on conservation breeding programs and species survival planning.

Lake Superior Zoo School

Rating: 4 Star Parent Aware program
Ages: 33 months (potty trained) to 5 years
Focus on healthy social-emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive development through close-up animal and nature experiences.

Planning Your Visit to Minnesota Zoos

Best Times to Visit

  • Spring (April-May): Baby animals at farms and zoos, comfortable temperatures
  • Summer (June-August): All facilities open, outdoor exhibits active, longest hours
  • Fall (September-October): Cooler weather keeps animals active, special events like Harvest Howl
  • Winter (November-March): Indoor exhibits, fewer crowds, winter festivals, some facilities closed

Visitor Tips

  • Arrive early (opening time) for most active animals and lighter crowds
  • Many zoos allow picnic lunches (check individual policies)
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Bring sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent for outdoor facilities
  • Check weather-dependent closures (especially wildlife sanctuaries)
  • Book online tickets in advance when required/recommended

Free Admission Options

  • Como Park Zoo & Conservatory - Free year-round (suggested donation)
  • Ramsey Park Zoo - Free year-round
  • Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo - Free admission
  • Great Lakes Aquarium - Wonder Wednesday $6 admission
  • Lake Superior Zoo - Free parking, reciprocal discounts

Educational Programs

  • Minnesota Zoo: STEM Lab Zoo Careers (3.5-hour hands-on program), in-person classes, field trips with naturalists
  • Lake Superior Zoo School: 4 Star Parent Aware rated early childhood program (ages 33 months-5 years)
  • International Wolf Center: Daily programs, Howling Safari, "What's for Dinner?" feeding events
  • Safari North: Junior Zookeeper and Enrichment Workshops
AZA Reciprocity: Members of AZA-accredited zoos may receive admission discounts at Minnesota Zoo, Lake Superior Zoo, and Como Park Zoo through reciprocal membership programs. Check with your home zoo and destination zoo for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Three Minnesota facilities are AZA-accredited, meeting the highest standards of animal care, conservation, and education:

  • Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley) - Accredited through September 2028. One of only two state-operated zoos in the US.
  • Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (St. Paul) - AZA-accredited with free admission year-round.
  • Lake Superior Zoo (Duluth) - Accredited through September 2027.

AZA accreditation requires facilities to meet rigorous standards for animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation programs, education, and safety. Only approximately 10% of animal exhibitors in the US are AZA-accredited.

Yes, Minnesota has several excellent free-admission zoos and wildlife facilities:

  • Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (St. Paul) - Free admission 365 days a year, suggested donation $4 adults/$2 children. Features polar bears, tigers, giraffes, Gorilla Forest, and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory with 2 acres of gardens. AZA-accredited facility.
  • Ramsey Park Zoo (Redwood Falls) - Free year-round. Walk or drive through to see bison, elk, deer, prairie dogs, goats, and numerous waterfowl species. Located in Minnesota's largest municipal park (256 acres).
  • Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo (near Rochester) - Free admission. Focuses on Minnesota native wildlife within a 634-acre park.

Additionally, Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth offers Wonder Wednesday with $6 admission every Wednesday starting in November.

Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is the state's largest zoo by all measures:

  • Size: 485 acres
  • Animals: Nearly 5,000 animals representing 500+ species
  • Status: One of only two state-operated zoos in the United States (the other is North Carolina Zoo)

Major Features:

  • Tropics Trail - 78-degree indoor rainforest
  • Russia's Grizzly Coast - Sea otters, brown bears, Amur leopards, wild boars
  • Medtronic Minnesota Trail - Native animals including gray wolves, beaver, river otters, pumas, lynx
  • Discovery Bay - 218,000-gallon Shark Reef exhibit
  • Treetop Trail - World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Loop (1.25 miles, up to 32 feet high)
  • Wells Fargo Family Farm - Seasonal domestic animal exhibit

Conservation: AZA-accredited (through September 2028) with 40+ years of conservation work. Received five AZA Bean Awards for conservation excellence. Open year-round with seasonal hours.

Minnesota is home to the largest wolf population in the Lower 48 states (2,200-3,000 animals) and offers exceptional wolf-viewing facilities:

International Wolf Center (Ely)

  • Exhibit Pack: Four gray wolves (Grayson, Rieka, Caz, Blackstone) in 1.25-acre enclosure
  • Programs: "What's for Dinner?" feeding every Saturday 7pm, Howling Safari Saturdays 8pm (Aug-Oct)
  • Exhibits: Interactive "Discover Wolves!" exhibit, Little Wolf exhibit for children ages 3-9
  • Founded: 1985 by wolf biologist Dr. L. David Mech

Wildlife Science Center (Stacy)

  • Largest captive wolf population: 35+ critically endangered red wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and other gray wolves
  • Conservation: Participant in Species Survival Plans for red and Mexican gray wolves
  • Tours: Every Saturday at 11am and 1pm (no reservations required)
  • Established: 1990 (originally "The Wolf Project" from 1976)

Also See Wolves At:

  • Minnesota Zoo - Gray wolves on Medtronic Minnesota Trail
  • Como Park Zoo - Wolf exhibits
  • Lake Superior Zoo - Gray wolf exhibits

Minnesota offers three major aquariums, each with unique family-friendly features:

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium (Mall of America, Bloomington)

  • Size: Minnesota's largest aquarium - 66,000 sq ft, 1.3 million gallons
  • Highlight: 300-foot ocean tunnel walk-through experience
  • Animals: Sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses
  • Convenience: Inside Mall of America - combine with shopping/dining
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible

Great Lakes Aquarium (Duluth)

  • Focus: Freshwater ecosystems - 1,000+ fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians
  • Top Feature: Largest sturgeon touchpool in North America
  • Interactive: Multiple hands-on touch exhibits
  • New: H2O interactive splash and learn exhibit (2022)
  • Location: Bayfront with views of Aerial Lift Bridge
  • Discount: Wonder Wednesday - $6 admission every Wednesday (November+)

SeaQuest (Roseville, Maplewood, Burnsville)

  • Unique: Highly interactive with hands-on animal encounters
  • Variety: Marine life, exotic birds, reptiles, mammals
  • Touch Tanks: Feed and interact with various species
  • Convenience: Mall locations

Recommendation: For largest variety and ocean tunnel experience, visit SEA LIFE. For educational freshwater focus and touch experiences, choose Great Lakes Aquarium. For maximum interactivity, try SeaQuest.

Wild Black Bears:

Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary (Orr) - Best place to see wild black bears in natural habitat

  • Experience: Raised observation deck with 360-degree views of 360-acre forested sanctuary
  • Hours: 5pm-8pm Tues-Sun (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
  • Admission: Adults $12, Seniors $10, Youth (4-17) $5, Under 3 free
  • What to Expect: Safely view and photograph multiple wild black bears playing, climbing, vocalizing, eating
  • Shuttle: Guide explains sanctuary history and bear behaviors

Captive Bears at Zoos:

  • Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley): Brown bears on Russia's Grizzly Coast exhibit
  • Como Park Zoo (St. Paul): Polar bears (free admission)
  • Lake Superior Zoo (Duluth): Brown bears
  • Wildlife Science Center (Stacy): Black bears, Saturday tours at 11am and 1pm
  • Paul Bunyan's Animal Land: Multiple bear species
  • Safari North Wildlife Park (Brainerd): Bears viewable on safari

Note: For the most authentic wild bear viewing experience, Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary is unmatched. Book tickets in advance for holiday weekends. Bring insect repellent.

Open Year-Round:

  • Minnesota Zoo - Open daily 10am-4pm (hours vary by season)
  • Como Park Zoo & Conservatory - Open 365 days a year, 10am-6pm (May-Sept), 10am-4pm (Oct-Apr)
  • Lake Superior Zoo - Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. 10am-5pm summer, 10am-4pm fall/winter/spring
  • SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium - Open year-round inside Mall of America
  • Great Lakes Aquarium - Open daily except December 25
  • The Raptor Center - Open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-4pm (closed Mondays and holidays)
  • Ramsey Park Zoo - Free zoo open year-round (fewer animals visible in winter)

Seasonal (May-October):

  • Hemker Park & Zoo - May 1-October 31, 10am-6pm daily
  • Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary - Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 5pm-8pm Tues-Sun

Limited Winter Hours:

  • International Wolf Center - Winter hours (Oct 20-May 21): Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-2pm
  • Farmaste Animal Sanctuary - Closed in winter, weekly tours when weather warms

Winter Advantages: Indoor exhibits remain comfortable year-round. Animals adapted to cold climates (polar bears, wolves, otters) are often more active in winter. Fewer crowds mean shorter lines and better viewing opportunities.

Minnesota's AZA-accredited zoos and wildlife centers participate in extensive conservation programs locally and globally:

Minnesota Zoo Conservation Programs:

  • AZA Species Survival Plans: Cooperative breeding programs serving as "genetic insurance policies" against extinction
  • Tiger Conservation Campaign: Hosted by Minnesota Zoo, raised $150,000+ for wild tiger protection, doubled number of participating AZA institutions
  • Local Conservation: Pollinators, freshwater turtles, native freshwater mussels, North American plains bison
  • International Programs: Black rhino conservation in Namibia, Adopt-A-Park Program in Ujung Kulon National Park Indonesia
  • Awards: Five AZA Bean Awards and two AZA International Conservation Awards

Wildlife Science Center:

  • Species Survival Plans: Red wolves and Mexican gray wolves (both reduced to 14 and 7 reproductively viable animals respectively in 1970s)
  • Research: Maintains largest captive wolf population in US for scientific study
  • Education: 25,000+ annual visitors learn about predator conservation

The Raptor Center:

  • Rehabilitation: 30,000+ birds treated since 1974, 1,000+ annually
  • Research: Lead poisoning studies in bald eagles since 1976 (90% show elevated lead levels)
  • Innovation: Developing emerging avian care techniques

Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (Apple Valley):

  • Focus on conservation breeding programs and species survival planning globally

Complete Directory of Minnesota Zoos & Wildlife Facilities

All zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, and animal parks in Minnesota:

NameCityTypeFeatures
Minnesota ZooApple ValleyAZA-Accredited485 acres, 5,000 animals, Treetop Trail, Tropics, Russia's Grizzly Coast
Como Park Zoo & ConservatorySt. PaulAZA-Accredited FREEPolar bears, Gorilla Forest, Conservatory, Sparky sea lion show
Lake Superior ZooDuluthAZA-Accredited300+ animals, 140 species, snow leopards, Amur tigers, free parking
Great Lakes AquariumDuluthAquariumFreshwater focus, largest sturgeon touchpool, H2O exhibit
SEA LIFE Minnesota AquariumBloomingtonAquarium66,000 sq ft, 300-ft ocean tunnel, Mall of America location
SeaQuestRoseville, Maplewood, BurnsvilleInteractive Aquarium200+ animals, highly interactive touch experiences
International Wolf CenterElyWildlife Center4 gray wolves, Discover Wolves exhibit, Howling Safari programs
Wildlife Science CenterStacyWildlife Sanctuary35+ wolves, largest captive wolf population, Species Survival Plans
Vince Shute Wildlife SanctuaryOrrWildlife SanctuaryWild black bear viewing, 360 acres, observation deck
The Raptor CenterSt. PaulWildlife CenterEagles, hawks, owls, falcons, rehabilitation facility, education birds
Hemker Park & ZooFreeportZoo & Safari200+ animals, only rhino in Minnesota, tram tours, giraffe encounters
Safari North Wildlife ParkBrainerdSafari Park10-acre safari, 5 continents, giraffe feeding, camel rides
Ramsey Park ZooRedwood FallsFREEBison, elk, deer, prairie dogs, 256-acre park, drive/walk through
Oxbow Park & Zollman ZooNear RochesterFREEMinnesota native wildlife, 634-acre park
Paul Bunyan's Animal Land-ZooLions, tigers, bears, camels, kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs
Erickson's Petting ZooOsakisPetting ZooFarm animals, pony rides, corn maze, playground
Sustainable SafariMaplewood, BurnsvillePetting Zoo200+ animals, capybaras, kangaroos, pygmy goats, mall locations
Sibley FarmMankatoPetting ZooHistoric 1893 farm, alpacas, goats, peacocks
Farmaste Animal SanctuaryLindstromSanctuary30 acres, rescue animals, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys
Conservation Breeding Specialist GroupApple ValleyConservationSpecies survival planning, breeding programs
Explore More Minnesota Attractions: Looking for additional family activities? Visit our State Guides for museums, parks, educational resources, and outdoor recreation across Minnesota.

Last updated on November 27, 2025