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Minnesota Zoo Tickets

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The venue

About Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo, an AZA-accredited, 485-acre wildlife venue in Apple Valley, MN, offers immersive multi-habitat exhibits and a calendar full of family-friendly events. Open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (members access 9:00–10:00 am; hours vary seasonally), the Zoo is a premier destination for unforgettable wildlife encounters and educational experiences. Whether you’re here for a full-day exploration, a private event in a scenic space, or after-hours concerts, we’ve got you covered with practical planning tips, reliable logistics, and insider recommendations to streamline your visit. Secure your seats for events, easily navigate parking, and find trusted nearby hotels and dining to complete your trip.

For those planning private events, the Minnesota Zoo offers versatile venues with varied capacities, from Discovery Bay (Seated 240; Cocktail 400) and Shady Oaks Pavilion (250+), to the Minnesota Lodge & Trail (Seated 80; Cocktail 100), Tropics Plaza & Trail (Seated 175; Cocktail 400), Crossroads Picnic Area (250), and the Education Event Center (Classroom 45; Board 20; U-shape 24). Popular annual experiences include Wild Nights after-hours summer concerts, Zoo After Hours, Breakfast at the Zoo, Winterfest, and Tropics Days. The Zoo welcomed approximately 1.46 million visitors in 2024, buoyed by the Treetop Trail addition. Parking is the best available price for cars/vans, the best available price for buses, and free for Minnesota Zoo members. Transit options include MVTA bus route 440 with Connect service, and the MVTA app can help you plan your trip. All logistics are designed to make your visit straightforward—just like having a friend in the business who can get you in. Nearby hotels and restaurants provide convenient options to extend your visit, and affiliate partners are available for recommended stays and dining.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
  • Venue type: AZA-accredited zoo on 485 acres with multi-habitat exhibits
  • Open hours: 10:00 am–4:00 pm (members may access 9:00–10:00 am); hours vary seasonally
  • Parking: Car/van $10; Bus $15; Free for Minnesota Zoo members
  • Transit: MVTA bus route 440; Connect bus service; Ride MVTA app available
  • Seating/banquet capacities for private events: Discovery Bay (Seated 240; Cocktail 400), Shady Oaks Pavilion (250+), Minnesota Lodge & Trail (Seated 80; Cocktail 100), Tropics Plaza & Trail (Seated 175; Cocktail 400), Crossroads Picnic Area (250), Education Event Center (Classroom 45; Board 20; U-shape 24)
  • Notable events: Wild Nights after-hours summer concerts; Zoo After Hours; Breakfast at the Zoo; Winterfest; Tropics Days
  • Renamed: formerly known as Minnesota Zoological Garden; now commonly referred to as the Minnesota Zoo
  • Attendance note: 2024 attendance reached a record ~1.46 million, aided by the Treetop Trail