Minnesota Zoo

A trip to Minnesota Zoo is great way to spend an afternoon, observing a variety of different animals in their specially designed, spacious surroundings. Hop on board the monorail which will take you on a journey all around the enclosure for great views of the entire animal park.

Originally opened in 1978 this zoo spans over 200 hectares, showcasing a variety of habitats including "hot", "cold", "wet" and covered enclosures. Over 500 species live here, monkeys, tigers, sharks and giraffes to name a few. With more than 1.3 million people passing through annually, Minnesota Zoo is one of the must-see attractions in the Twin Cities.

Minnesota Zoo is aware of its social responsibilities and has a Zoomobile exhibit that educates people about the importance of environmental conservation. Why not order some "Zoo-Post", the zoo’s very own organic compost – your garden will thank you as it’s the best fertiliser around!

Enjoy a novel way to observe the animals in their natural habitats with a 25-minute trip on the comfortable monorail, accompanied with an informative audio guide.

If you'd rather get up close and personal, then no better way to explore the zoo than on your feet. Head over to the Northern Trail where you can see monkeys and leopards. Check out the brown bears and playful sea otters over at Russia's Grizzly Coast and visit the Tropics Trail to see a multitude of birds and reptiles.

Take the Minnesota Trail which focuses on indigenous animals like the protected wolves and coyotes, and learn why it is important to protect their habitat. Discovery Bay has a variety of marine life on show, from tropical fish to sting-rays and sharks. Don't worry, the little ones are catered for too with the friendly petting zoo where they can interact with all the animals during summertime.

It's easy to get to Minnesota Zoo with buses from Minneapolis running frequently from Monday to Saturday. Alternatively it's just a half hour drive south of the city but you have to pay for parking. The zoo is open every day apart from Thanksgiving and Christmas.