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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Dakota Zoo #
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.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -18°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 70 mm of rain.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.