The Treetop Trail is the world's longest elevated nature walk, built upon the repurposed infrastructure of the zoo's original monorail system.
Russia’s Grizzly Coast exhibit is designed to replicate the unique coastal ecosystems of the Russian Far East.
The zoo was the first to successfully breed the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in captivity.
The facility encompasses hundreds of acres of protected natural habitat, including hardwood forests and wetlands.
It is one of the few zoos in the United States that utilizes a 'zoogeographic' layout, grouping animals by their native ecosystem rather than their scientific order.
The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley features a unique design centered around themed biological zones rather than taxonomic classification. The 485-acre campus includes the Treetop Trail, a 1.25-mile elevated walkway that provides an aerial perspective of the zoo's forested landscape. Key exhibits include the Russia’s Grizzly Coast, which showcases Pacific walruses and brown bears, and the Discovery Bay aquarium. The zoo is a state-funded institution focused on conservation and the breeding of endangered species. Indoor habitats ensure year-round operation, allowing visitors to view animals like penguins and lemurs during Minnesota winters. Outdoor trails are integrated into the rolling hills of the local topography. The facility maintains a strong emphasis on native Minnesota wildlife alongside international species like tigers and camels. It functions as both a recreational destination and a significant research site for animal welfare.
The elevated vantage point on the Treetop Trail offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and tiger habitat.
Prioritize visiting the indoor Minnesota Trail and Tropics Trail during cold-weather months.
Download the zoo’s digital map before arrival, as cellular reception can be intermittent in heavily wooded sections.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the perimeter loop covers significant distance over varied, hilly terrain.
Attempting to cover every outdoor trail on a single visit without planning, as the zoo's footprint is geographically expansive.
Open daily year-round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Maintain a quiet volume near animal enclosures to avoid distressing the wildlife; do not tap on glass barriers or feed the animals.
