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Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
AttractionsFamily FavoriteOutdoor Adventure

Minnesota Zoo

13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124 · Apple Valley, MN

Why you should go…

Set on 485 rolling acres south of the cities, the Minnesota Zoo feels more like a wildlife preserve than a zoo, tigers, moose, bears and a beloved Minnesota Trail of native critters. Don't miss the Treetop Trail, a 1.25-mile elevated walkway (the longest of its kind in the world) built on the old monorail track. Indoor tropics and aquarium exhibits make it a legit winter outing too.

  • #zoo
  • #animals
  • #treetop trail
  • #family
  • #wildlife

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

Maps and brochures

Minnesota Zoo: property map

What's around here?

The closest stops to Minnesota Zoo, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Eagan

    Free

    A Twin Cities suburb near Mall of America, home to the Minnesota Vikings' headquarters.

    4.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Shopping
    Iconic

    Mall of America

    Free

    America's biggest mall: 500+ stores plus an indoor Nickelodeon theme park, aquarium and mini golf, all under one roof.

    7.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Attractions
    Historic

    Historic Fort Snelling

    Under $25

    Restored 1820s stone fort at the Mississippi–Minnesota confluence, where costumed interpreters unpack centuries of layered history.

    9.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Minnehaha Regional Park

    Free

    A 53-foot waterfall tumbling through a leafy city park, Minneapolis's most photographed natural wonder.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Attractions
    Family favorite

    Valleyfair

    $25–$50

    Minnesota's big amusement park since 1976, 40+ rides, eight coasters, and the included Superior Shores Waterpark on the Minnesota River.

    13 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    U.S. Bank Stadium

    Under $25

    Walk the Vikings locker room, press level and field on a guided tour of this glass-walled Minneapolis stadium.

    15 mi awayMore like this