Open 10am-4pm
Online Tickets Required

Plan a Visit

Online tickets are required for all guests, including Minnesota Zoo members (free) and children two and under (free). Why online tickets? Click here for additional information.
Having trouble accessing your tickets? Click the "Account Login" link at the bottom of this page and select your upcoming events for print-at-home or digital tickets.

Admission and Parking

General Admission

Non-Members

Members

Children ages 2 and younger

Free

Free

Children ages 3-12

$15.95

Free

Adults ages 13-64

$21.95

Free

Adults 65+

$15.95

Free

Additional Charges

Parking:

Car or van $8.00
Bus or motor coach $12.00
Free for Minnesota Zoo members

Stroller Rental:

Single $8.00
Double $11.00

Electric Wheelchairs $30.00, photo identification held as a deposit. We have a limited supply of single rider carts.
Manual Wheelchairs – Free, photo identification held as a deposit. We have a limited supply of available.

Things to Know

Treetop Trail: The Treetop Trail is now open daily and is included with general Zoo admission. During cold-weather months, the Treetop Trail will open, weather permitting, by noon each day to allow for any needed snow removal and winter maintenance. The trail will close 30 minutes prior to the Zoo’s closing time.

Entry: Guests will enter through the Lower South entry for ticket scanning. Upon entry, guests can directly access all outdoor trails or visit the indoor trails first.

Parking: All non-member ticket purchases must pay for parking at time of ticket purchase.

Play Areas: The indoor Bee Hive, Hanifl Family Wild Woods and Woodland Adventure are open. Dino Hideout closes for the season as of Monday, October 23. Splash Pad is closed for the season

Gift Shop: Our gift shops are open!

Food & Beverage: Food options are available throughout your visit. Please call 952.431.9200 for details on availability. If the food selection does not meet your needs, please plan to pack a snack that you can eat on the go.

Public Transportation: The Minnesota Zoo is serviced by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) 440 bus line. You can connect the Red Line at the Mall of America to the Cedar Grove Transit Station and take a connecting bus (Route 440) to the Zoo. This service is offered Monday-Friday, several times per day. Please contact the MVTA for bus routes and time at (952) 882-7500, or visit mvta.com and use the Trip Planner.

Minnesota Zoo Map

Interested in how your visit to the Minnesota Zoo will look?
Make your trip to the Zoo easy by printing out this map, or download it to use on your mobile device.

Minnesota Zoo FAQs

Do I need to purchase my ticket in advance?

In order to ensure the best Zoo experience, online tickets are required. You can purchase tickets for general admission the day of your visit by going to mnzoo.org.

Why online tickets?

Online tickets are an efficient method to accessing you Zoo tickets and provide a smooth entry experience because:

- Lines are shorter and move faster when compared to waiting in lines to purchase tickets.

- When you visit our website to purchase tickets, you have access to any schedule changes, including early closings, and we can send communications if needed about hour changes based on the time of your visit.

- Online tickets make member hour possible. Member-exclusive hour is 9 am – 10 am daily.

- The Zoo can plan appropriate staffing levels and can reallocate staff to better cater to your needs.

- It doesn’t take the spontaneity out of your visit. You can purchase tickets online as soon as you arrive. They will be in your inbox by the time you reach the entrance. There is no capacity restriction to online tickets.

- You can arrive 30 minutes prior or any time after your selected time, same day. You are not tied to your arrival time.

- Don’t want to purchase online, give us a call at 952-431-9200 and we can assist you over the phone.

I’m a member, do I need to get tickets in advance?

Membership includes the cost of admission to the Minnesota Zoo. You must get tickets online for your desired date and time. If members are unable to attend their reserved entry time, please notify the Zoo at 952.431.9200.

Is the Treetop Trail included with Zoo admission?

Yes! No additional ticket is needed to explore the Treetop Trail. During cold-weather months, the Treetop Trail will open, weather permitting, by noon each day to allow for any needed snow removal and winter maintenance. The trail will close 30 minutes prior to the Zoo’s closing time.

Can I buy tickets for a group?

For schools/youth field trip registration and pricing, please visit our Plan A Field Trip Page.

For all other groups, please visit our Groups Page.

 

Are face coverings required?

Per guidance from the State of Minnesota, face coverings are optional. We encourage everyone to continue taking precautions for personal comfort and safety.

When should I arrive?

Tickets are valid only for the day selected only and up to a half hour earlier than selected time. Timed entry helps prevent crowding and ensures easier entry at the gate.

How will I know where to go?

Signs, as well as occasional staff and volunteers, will guide you along the trails throughout the Zoo. You can also print a map of the trails here.

Are the play areas, splash pad, and carousel open?

The indoor Bee Hive, Hanifl Family Wild Woods and Woodland Adventure are open. Dino Hideout will be closed starting Monday, October 23. Splash Pad and Conservation Carousel  are closed for the season.

Are restaurants open?

Yes. Call of the Wild Food Court is open. Tasty treats at the Trek Kitchen include mac & cheese topped with crispy chicken or pulled pork. Sweet tooths will love Scoop’d, serving Sebastian Joe’s ice cream and Icees. Call of the Wild is open daily, 10 am - 3 pm. Plus, Penguin Café welcomes you with an updated menu and look.

Are stroller and scooters (ECVs- Electric Conveyance Vehicles) available to rent?

Strollers are available to rent of a first come, first serve basis.  Single strollers are $8.00 and Double strollers are $11.00.

ECV’s are $30 for the day.  Manual wheelchairs are free on a first come, first served basis.  We hold a photo identification for both ECV’s and manual wheelchairs.

What if the weather isn’t great?

The Minnesota Zoo is open rain or shine. However, in the event that the Zoo determines a severe weather evacuation is necessary, we will work with you to reschedule your tickets for an alternative date. 

Can I apply my admission ticket towards a Membership?

Learn more about how to apply your daytime admission tickets to a membership the same day as your visit by visiting the Guest Services desk or by calling 952.431.9200.

Will I be able to feed or pet any of the animals?

To ensure safety for all, feeding and touching of animals is currently limited. The Discovery Bay tide pool and estuary is now open on a limited basis and with additional safety measures in place.

Can I use discounted tickets, coupons, and other special ticket offers for admission?

All discounts, coupons, and other special offers will be applied on a case-by-case basis based on various criteria that meet strategic goals. If you are uncertain about any tickets, coupons, discounts, or other special offers, please contact us at 952.431.9200. For questions regarding the AZA reciprocal admission program, please click here.

Can I exchange or transfer my ticket for a different date or time?

Please plan to arrive at your purchased date and time. If you need to exchange your date and time please call 952-431-9200.

Can I visit the Zoo if I qualify for the Free to Explore program?

Yes, the program will cover your visit. Advanced reservations by phone are required and a parking fee will be charged at the time of your reservation. Click here for more information.

Exclusive Early Access for Members

Zoo members can get tickets for either 9am or 9:30am any day of the week and wake up with the Zoo. During this special hour, animals will begin getting ready for their day by moving from their behind-the-scenes habitat into their public ones. Some animals are more active in the morning than others, so you may not see everyone- but this hour is a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy a quiet escape into the natural beauty and wonder of the Zoo. Tickets required.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, you can bring your own food and lockers are available for rent. The Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please be mindful of allergy prone foods such as nuts when eating in public spaces.

13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9200

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