Minnesota Zoo
Zoo Large nonprofit zoo focusing on regional and exotic species
The Minnesota Zoo on the Twin Cities’ outskirts features themed habitats, conservation programs and family exhibits; visitors attend animal displays, seasonal events and educational activities.
The Minnesota Zoo is a state-operated zoological garden located in Apple Valley, Minnesota. It opened in 1978 and occupies extensive grounds in a suburban setting south of the Twin Cities.
The zoo presents animals in habitat-focused exhibits covering cold-climate and tropical environments, plus aquatic and small-animal displays. Educational programs, seasonal events and keeper talks are routinely offered to visitors.
The facility was established by the state to provide modern exhibit space and conservation programming for the region and has expanded exhibits and outreach since opening. It serves both recreational and scientific roles for Minnesota.
The zoo sits in Apple Valley in Dakota County, roughly south of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan core, surrounded by suburban development and parkland.
How to Get to Minnesota Zoo #
The Minnesota Zoo is in Apple Valley, roughly 25 miles south of downtown Minneapolis. From I‑35W take County Road 11 east or Cedar Avenue (MN‑77) to County Road 42, then follow local signage to Zoo Boulevard. Limited public transit options exist via Metro Transit and local bus routes-check the zoo website for current transit connections.
Tips for Visiting Minnesota Zoo #
- Arrive before 10:00am for the best chance to see big cats and primates active in cooler hours.
- Check the daily schedule for keeper talks and animal feedings-these are excellent for learning natural histories and avoiding crowded exhibits.
- Visit Discovery Bay or the Tropics Trail early in winter; indoors exhibits warm up quickly and are popular on cold days.
Best Time to Visit Minnesota Zoo #
Summer brings full programs and crowds; late fall through early spring offers quieter visits and scheduled indoor experiences.
Weather & Climate near Minnesota Zoo #
Minnesota Zoo's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (762 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 19 mm.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (107 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall.
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