Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley: Photos, Reviews & Location

A 485-acre preserve exhibiting local & global animals from Russian grizzly bears to butterflies.

At a glance

#1 of 4 Tourist attractions in Apple Valley #5 of 9 Zoos in Apple Valley

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.60

2.2 km from the center of Apple Valley

Rating breakdown

5 ★72%
4 ★20%
3 ★5%
2 ★2%
1 ★1%

13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, United States

mnzoo.org

+1 952-431-9200

Quick facts

What is the rating of Minnesota Zoo?: Minnesota Zoo is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 27,505 reviews.
How does Minnesota Zoo rank in Apple Valley?: Minnesota Zoo is #1 of 4 Tourist attractions in Apple Valley by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Minnesota Zoo located?: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, United States — 2.2 km from the center of Apple Valley.
How can I contact Minnesota Zoo?: Phone: +1 952-431-9200 · Website: mnzoo.org

Very little updates(fresh paint, building accents, ect.), especially to the tropics trail building. We came March 1st, I would say about 65-70% of the exhibits had animals in them, but yet we paid full admission, and the prices are getting ridiculous. I understand the money goes to a good cause but it's just too much now

Camille Speck 2024 Feb 24

We went on a clear blue sky unseasonably warm Thursday in February and thoroughly enjoyed the Treetop Trail in the sun. The animals also appeared to be enjoying the sun as they snoozed in their sun splashed habitats. The sea dragons and sea horses were some of my favorite critters, but being able to watch beavers from an underwater perspective was priceless. I had no idea how cute they are when they swim around like big burritos with rudders. If I could have a pet beaver, I'm all in. He can even sit on my couch. Oh! I almost forgot to mention there was one fish in the tropical pool underwater viewing area who also stole my heart. She wasn't described in the interpretative materials, but she looked a bit like a minivan with fins, and she was very curious about my phone. She posed for one of the pictures I've shared here.

Elisa Lobo Neese 2024 Jan 07

With the uncommonly warm weather in December, we were able to go for a walk and enjoy the zoo on a sunny afternoon.

We walked along the tree top trail and then went down on the ground level trail to see animals more closely.

Then there was the nice warmth and moisture of the tropical display inside of a building entirely dedicated to the theme of animals and plants from this band of nice climate around the “ central belt” of the Earth. Did you know more than half the species of animals on the globe live in this geographical zone?

Sharon King 2023 Nov 26

We went to their Jack O Lantern spectacular. It was amazing. The pumpkin carvings were fantastic and the exhibits were set up beautifully.
It was a cold, blustery day but the event was packed. Our tickets were at 7pm. We waited a few minutes in line and then got to enjoy the event.

Amanda Perlick 2023 Nov 22

We love the tigers! Worth getting the membership if you go more than once a year. We come every few weeks. The colder weather has the animals more active than in the summer and it’s been fun to see! Playgrounds are awesome and the animals show’s have been great!

Ann Hajostek 2023 Nov 15

I’ve never been before, and didn’t know what to expect or what it would be like.. but I heard good things, so I thought hey, let’s check it out! And I’m glad we did!!

There were SO many pumpkins!! They display them along a path that you get to a little farther into the Zoo. There were also snack stands along the way, inflatable animals, and some GIANT pumpkins!

The music was a little.. odd and in some areas it would overlap and you could hear two different songs playing, I’d sync those up. Overall good experience and thing to go too, and I’ll think about checking it out next year! Go with your partner, family, friends.. definitely something for all ages.

Jayce Mulligan 2023 Nov 06

I've already been to the zoo twice since moving here a month ago. It's beautifully laid out with fantastic walking paths and enclosures for the animals that are obviously very thoughtfully designed. Converting the old monorail track into a walking trail, The Treetop Trail, was a stroke of genius. I could sit and watch the snow monkeys for hours.

The food is a bit overpriced and not particularly great but it's a zoo so I'm not expecting fantastic dining. Lockers are available at a very low charge which is fantastic. Highly recommend a trip if you live close by and haven't been. It does get quite busy so I would recommend going early on a weekday if you can manage it.

Patti Baldwin 2023 Oct 25

A very fun walk on a paved path, handicap accessible, through a wooded area full of thousands of beautiful, carved, and lighted pumpkins. It is a bit hilly and pretty dim in some areas but very doable for everyone. (My step count was almost 6000 by the time we were done). It was crowded, but you go at your own pace so easy enough to get out of the crowd. I can only imagine the amount of time and work that goes into doing this. Some of the pumpkins are up in the trees while others are on stands or elaborate displays. Take your time and enjoy all of them, it's worth the walk. I took lots more pictures, could only upload 50.

Melissa Bowman 2023 Oct 22

What a beautiful zoo! We go to the Omaha Zoo often, and this zoo has so many animals I've never seen before. We loved how much spa e each animal had and how clean their areas were. The staff were very friendly and they have lots of options to view the animals. My adult boys loved it too!

Terra Scranton 2023 Oct 15

This zoo is super unique and I appreciate how they preserved much of the existing forest and landscape. It was a fantastic walking path. Tickets are $21.95 for adults, but my 1 year old niece was free. They have a food court as well. I don’t know if they have maps, but we definitely needed one because it is easy to get turned around. This zoo is a lot of walking and there are somewhat hilly walkways, but they have elevators to go from the walkway down to the zoo.

M Olson 2023 Oct 14

The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular was spooktacular! It's definitely a great family event with options for food and beverages for purchase. It is recommended to get there 30 minutes early. There were a lot of people when we went and it was raining. So be prepared for crowds especially is the weather is good. There is no structured line. You can pass people and walk faster or slower, so it's just a nice thing to know. Walk at your own pace. I also appreciate that it is ADA accessible. Check it out! Pictures don't do it justice. It is a must-see to get the best experience.

Joe Shah 2023 Sep 14

I love the Minnesota Zoo. I enjoy the new trail tree top walkway. It is a beautiful way to see the animals.

I also like to get down close to the animals and the zoo has built many enclosures that allow you to be safely feet away from the animals and still not disturb them.

The food choices are nice and the new order kiosk allows you to order, grab a pager and then wait comfortably at your seat.

Parking was abundant and the dolphin interaction was fun, but short.

I would love to see the monkeys have a little more space to roam as their enclosure was small.

The wolf enclosure was also somewhat limited for the animal and it didn't have anything to keep them busy or entertained.

Overall it was a wonderful day at the Minnesota zoo. I highly recommend you visiting and supporting this zoo.

Heather 2023 Jul 15

Fantastic zoo! The employees are friendly, happy and very knowledgeable. The animals are beautiful, animated and obviously well cared for. Came for the day and ended up buying a year pass. Can't wait to come back in the evening . Even more excited for the high walk to be completed at the end of the month. If you have never been here, what's wrong with you? Go!!!!