The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley and offers a wide range of animal exhibits, educational programs, and conservation initiatives.
- Opening Date: May 22, 1978.
- Unique Aspects: The Minnesota Zoo was revolutionary in its exhibit design at its opening. It was one of the first to organize animals by their living environment rather than species, and it’s a state-supported zoo, which is rare in the United States.
- Exhibits:
- Medtronic Minnesota Trail: Showcases animals native to Minnesota. It underwent a renovation in 2007, enhancing the “north woods” look and now includes raccoons, coyotes, gray wolves, beavers, otters, pumas, lynx, turtles, frogs, and salamanders.
- Northern Trail: Features animals of the north.
- Tropics Trail: An indoor trail with tropical animals.
- Discovery Bay: Marine wildlife area.
- Russia’s Grizzly Coast: Displays animals from Russia’s Far East and Kamchatka Peninsula.
- Wells Fargo Family Farm: Themed around farm animals.
- Awards: Received the AZA’s 2008 Significant Achievement Award for the Medtronic Minnesota Trail.