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Matt Reinbold from Bismarck, ND, USA CC BY-SA 2.0 Wikimedia Commons

Dakota Zoo

Park

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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In this guide

Dakota Zoo essentials

Address: Bismarck, ND (check zoo website for exact address and hours)
Website: dakotazoo.org
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About Dakota Zoo

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -18° - -6° -20° 10 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
February - -14° - -2° -15° 11 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
March - -7° - 4° -7° 19 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
April - 0° - 13° 3° 42 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
May - 7° - 20° 13° 57 mm - - 5.2 m/s - -
June - 12° - 26° 19° 70 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
July - 14° - 29° 22° 67 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
August - 13° - 28° 21° 51 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
September - 8° - 22° 15° 40 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
October - 1° - 15° 5° 33 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
November - -7° - 4° -7° 16 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
December - -15° - -4° -16° 10 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.