Minnesota Zoo Minnesota Bison Travel EdVenture

Named the national mammal of the United States in 2016, the bison is one of the largest and most iconic animals in the country.

Join the heard and go behind the scenes to see what it takes to manage Minnesota’s largest animal, explore the beauty and history of Minneopa State Park, and exercise your roaming abilities on two different mile-long hikes around the park.

The Minnesota Zoo has collaborated with the Parks and Trails Division of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conserve American plains bison in the state of Minnesota. Herds of bison are being managed cooperatively at Blue Mounds State Park, Minneopa State Park, the Minnesota Zoo, Oxbow Park, and Spring Lake Park Reserve. The Minnesota Bison Collaborative herd aims to preserve and increase genetic diversity of this iconic species and restore prairie ecosystems with the reintroduction of bison across the state. Learn about this amazing partnership from Minnesota Zoo and DNR experts.

Your EdVenture includes:
• Talks from Minnesota Zoo and DNR staff
• Breakfast refreshments and lunch
• Touring the bison facility at the Minnesota Zoo
• Touring the bison facility at Minneopa State Park
• 2 naturalist-led hikes at Minneopa (~1 mile each)
• Driving the Bison Road at Minneopa
• Meet a Minneopa Bison Ambassador
• Visit the Minneopa Waterfalls
• A Minnesota State Park Day Pass
• Notes: Transportation to and from Mankato, and optional activities are NOT included
--- If transportation is an issue or concern, email [email protected] to discuss options.