Dakota Zoo

Park Regional zoo in Bismarck featuring native and exotic animals

The Dakota Zoo in Bismarck, North Dakota houses North American and exotic species and runs education programs and keeper talks; local families and visitors attend for animal exhibits and conservation outreach.

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The Dakota Zoo is a municipal zoo located in Bismarck, North Dakota that focuses on public exhibits, animal husbandry, and education. The facility presents both native and nonnative species in developed enclosures and offers programs aimed at wildlife awareness and conservation.

Exhibits and habitats are arranged to showcase regional wildlife alongside selected exotic species, and the zoo provides seasonal events, school outreach, and interpretive information for visitors. Management emphasizes local engagement and animal care standards.

The zoo sits within the city of Bismarck and is accessible from municipal parks and roadways, serving as a regional recreational and educational attraction.

  • Community zoo and education: Operated as the community zoo for Bismarck, it houses a collection of native and exotic species and runs education programs for school groups and visitors.
Dakota Zoo
Bismarck, ND (check zoo website for exact address and hours)
46.8008, -100.8093

How to Get to Dakota Zoo #

The Dakota Zoo is located in Bismarck, North Dakota. From downtown Bismarck drive south on local arterial roads to the zoo; consult the zoo’s website for exact address and parking details.

Tips for Visiting Dakota Zoo #

  • Check feeding and keeper-talk schedules - the zoo runs timed experiences that reveal species-specific behaviors.
  • Look for the regional exhibits (prairie and badlands displays) to see native North Dakota fauna in context.
  • Visit in spring and fall to avoid summer heat; the zoo is compact and best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Best Time to Visit Dakota Zoo #

Spring through fall for the fullest experience; winter visits are possible but limited by outdoor conditions.

Spring-Fall
April-October · 5-28°C (41-82°F)
Most animal exhibits are on display and outdoor habitats are accessible.
Winter
November-March · -20-5°C (-4-41°F)
Many outdoor exhibits may be closed or animals kept off exhibit; check seasonal schedules.

Weather & Climate near Dakota Zoo #

Climate

Dakota Zoo's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -18°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-18° -6°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-14° -2°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 70 mm of rain.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
12° 26°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
14° 29°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
13° 28°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-15° -4°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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