This is such a beautiful zoo. Unique animals and a beautiful zoo ground. Be sure to take all the hiking paths. They are short but so worth the views. The variety of animals are really fun to see. Kangaroos, red pandas, prairie dogs, cockroaches, bats....truly something for everyone. The enclosures provide great views for the children and the animals appear to be well cared for. Many educational signs and interactive exhibits ,make it fun for all ages. They have a wonderful gift shop that also should not be missed. Also, take the train. It is only a few bucks and it is a relaxing way to see the park with your young ones. We had a wonderful time and will make it a point of returning next time we are in town. read more

See all

We were generally disappointed in this zoo. A small selection of animals, often 1 per species, and poor exhibit areas. The map definitely needs improvement. The animals need more space and with the layout, there were several we never were able to view. I felt very sorry for the animals. read more

Expensive for how small it is, we ate lunch there and the food took forever. Definitely could make the place more appealing/fun/interactive for the price of admission. read more

A good place to explore with kids. The inside exhibit are nice because it's not as humid as the MN Zoo or the Como Zoo, not smelly at all which is a plus in my book. The outdoor exhibit has a nice walking path and a variety of animals to read and learned about. They have a small playground by the Red Panda exhibit for the kids to get their energy out. I like that exhibits are closely together outside to give the animals more room to roam in their habitat. I did not go inside the Australia and Oceania exhibit as I couldn't stand the smell. Very reasonable pricing $18/adult and $12/children read more

See all

I came to MN to visit my friend in from NC as soon as we entered the building we got hit in the face with a foul smell. The animals pens were dirty no sign of clean water. The fox was pacing back and forth covered with fly the kangaroo looked dead could tell through the weeds. The eagle had a dead rabbit (that's what it looked like) sitting in a stump covered with bugs while the eagle sat in the back of the cage. 1/2 of the cages were empty I wish the state would step in to help these poor animals read more

A friend and I enjoyed our time at this wonderful zoo in Duluth! Originally was just planning to visit Canal Park, but this was recommended on this day trip. Loved the great trails to follow to different spots of the zoo, and lots of . of exhibits outdoors and indoors too. Nice gift shop/cafe inside for coffee, snacks and hotdogs too! read more

See all

For $18 this was most definitely not worth it. a large majority of the enclosures were "temporarily" closed. Or the animals were not visible. I think at most I saw about 6 animals. most of the animals looked completely miserable and depressed. it was hard to look at. As an animal lover and just a normal person who has feelings, I would not recommend this zoo. read more

We brought our daughters here last week while visiting family. We had never been here before so we weren't sure what to expect. First of all, we should have taken a photo of the map. There were not maps available, or maybe I did not see them. This isn't a zoo that just goes in a circle. There are paths that cut through and it gets a little confusing. I did enjoy that they had a few indoor exhibits, all with restrooms. Also, a playground available in the middle. I did feel like some of the animal habitats were too small for the animal inside it but I do notice that at many zoos. They do have a a walking trail to a waterfall, unfortunately due to excessive rain for many days prior to our visit it was closed for safety reasons. They also have a farm animal area, however that was closed during our visit as well though I'm unsure why. There are also a lot of wild geese roaming around this place so look out because there is a lot of poop. They do have stroller rentals available, unsure of cost. My side by side double stroller did not fit through the doors to the main building which I found annoying. It is not much wider than a wheel chair. Overall the kids enjoyed it and we would probably take them there again. read more

Lake Superior Zoo - Brown Bear - Zoos Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

During my visit to the Lake Superior Zoo I was appalled by the conditions that animals are forced to live in. The Alaskan brown bears have a very small swimming area with filthy water. The otters had water that was algae filled. The grey wolfs had no shelter for shade and had no signs of water while they were visibly panting. The owl was given a dead rat with flys swarming the carcass. The tiger was not out in the exhibit. Instead it was put up in a metal shelter with boards up around it so you can not see the tiger. My husband literally had to peek into the cracks of the boards to see the tiger. This zoo is not set up correctly to see exhibits. When looking at the caribou exhibit you couldn't see anything, not to mention the grass was waste high and not well kept. Most enclosures were not visible because they have camouflage wrapping around the enclosure. The plexiglass was filthy, old, and out dated so much so you can not see through it. They have statues of rhino's, hippo's, and elephants but do not house these animals. When going to the Australia portion of the zoo it had the worse stretch inside the exhibit and the kangaroos are kept in pure metal cages and the grass for them to roam in is not well kept and high. We payed around 60 dollars for three adults and typically I do not mind paying this much for a zoo trip but it is very clear that the money being paid for admission is not going back into the animals or the upkeep of the property. I would not recommend for anyone to waste their money on this and support seeing animals being kept in these kinds of condition. read more

Nice little zoo in the heart of the older part of Duluth. A nice mix of common and uncommon animals with a few rarer species thrown into the mix. You also get a slice of Gooseberry Falls-like surroundings with the Kingsbury Creek nd falls that runs through the park. I have to give them props for being able to pull together and bounce back from the dramatic flood that ravaged the place a few years ago. Most places would have been done in, but this zoo organization is resilient and determined to bless the area with the zoo. Not a whole day excursion but a great place to spend a couple of hours for sure. You will see Tigers, Lions, Kangaroos, fruit bats and many other species. I especially like their children's education area and nocturnal animal exhibits. The food isn't that great but they don't have much to work with. They are totally cool though with bringing your own. We usually just bring snacks or brown bag it. read more

See all

We had a great visit! It was a perfect fall day. The animals were easy to see and were active. We were there mid to late afternoon. The grounds were clean. People were very kind - the staff and the other visitors. read more

Lake Superior Zoo - Lemur entertainment - Zoos Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

We've been to Duluth several times, but this is the first time we've been to the zoo. Not really impressed. We were there from noon to 1. I think this is a good place to go with little kids because it's small and the playgrounds look great for the kids to play. Have a picnic there. The animals were all sleeping (can't blame the zoo on that). Small habitats for most of the animals. Weren't sure where to go. I know we missed a whole area, but we couldn't figure out how to get there...looked blocked off. It's Father's Day today, and there was a sign that Spider-Man was going to be in the lobby. Never saw him. Barnyard petting area was closed. Seriously?! New exhibits to open this year...I hope they're good ones. As we were getting ready to go, a gentleman was there saying that nothing has changed since he was a kid (I would say he's mid 40s). Well, we won't be back. We love zoos, big and small, and we've been to a lot of them. But we won't be back. read more

We've gone many years to this zoo and while it's a small zoo we've always enjoyed it. This year there were many empty exhibits and the grounds were not well maintained, lots of weeds. Some exhibits had so many weeds you couldn't even see the animal in it. Extremely disappointed this time! read more

It was a decent Zoo. Had some really cool & active animals and enjoyed the nocturnal exhibit. It didn't take long to walk through and view everything but it was still enjoyable. However, this was the dirtiest Zoo I've ever been to which is the reason for my 3 stars. All of the inside areas, whether it was the bathroom, floors, or any touchable object, was just absolutely filthy. read more

See all

A small zoo still recovering from recent losses My partner and I recently visited the Lake Superior Zoo in the dead of winter just before New Year's Eve. When we arrived, we learned about a very unfortunate tragedy that resulted in the loss and relocation of several animals due to flooding in the area this past spring. One section featuring polar/arctic animals was currently under renovation when we visited (ironic considering we figured those would be the only animals out!) however there were still several exhibits to see and we enjoyed walking around on the unseasonably mild winter day. The zoo itself is quite small, and would be very family-friendly because of that reason. We ambled through the zoo in 2 hours, if we went faster, it could have taken less than one. There were also benches and a gazebo or two located throughout the park and I imagine it would be very pleasant during the warmer months of the year. Overall, we had a nice time seeing the indoor reptiles/interactive "pet" animals (ferrets, rabbits, etc.) and wish the zoo all the best in their continued renovation. read more

Lake Superior Zoo - The lemurs were all snuggled up in a pile. - Zoos Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

See all

I grew up in Duluth and have such fond memories of this place... I also worked there for a couple years a few years ago. I think to appreciate your visit, you do need to go in knowing that it is a relatively small hometown zoo. Nothing grandiose, but it does have plenty of exotic species that you don't get to see anywhere north of the twin cities zoos, so this is such a great resource for our local community! It is an exciting time, because the zoo is finally rebuilding and expanding after the devastating flood a few years back, and will be getting brand new brown bear and puma exhibits soon. (Brown bear and puma orphans that LS Zoo rescued and built habitats for- awesome). It's a perfect place for small children because it's not TOO big, but still some great animals to see like a tiger, lions, monkeys, lemurs, snow leopard, lynx, kangaroos/wallabies, and more! I know the staff personally and I have never seen such a team of dedicated and caring employees. This zoo is AZA accredited, which a small handful of zoos are, so that says a lot about the quality of care that these animals receive. (Bonus- when you purchase a membership to the zoo which is relatively inexpensive if you can make it a few times a year, you get reciprocity at the other AZA accredited zoos and aquariums throughout the state and country! Not sure if things have changed, but you also used to get a discount at the Duluth Children's museum and the Great Lakes Aquarium here in Duluth with the membership). The education program at the zoo can't be beat- they have AMAZING camps, and are going to be opening a nature-based preschool soon. Their after-hours events and fundraisers are SO much fun as well if you live locally and are looking for something different to do! read more

A nice little zoo, still recovering from the devastating flood a few yrs ago, but doing so nicely. Will be interested to visit again after the expansion/ remodel is complete. It is VERY hilly. I pity anyone trying this with a stroller. The nocturnal and Australia exhibit buildings smelled bad- as every child who walked in immediately pointed out. read more

Stinky but the staff are nice and food isn't too expensive. Wide range of animals and times to feed them.

Arrived with an astc travel passport membership from another museum. The astc website clearly says 100% free admission to the zoo, but they only would offer 50% off. I didn't pay for the astc membership to get half of the promised benefits. Also the fact that the ticket girl marissa was rude when presented with information is not Ok. I asked her to page or contact a manager which she replied with the answer "no". I'm currently 20 mins into waiting for a manager to help. read more

Very pleasantly surprised by this little zoo! After reading the reviews here we didn't expect much. However, this is a great way to spend a couple hours. There were quite a few "crowd pleasing animals" like bears, lions, wolves, and a tiger. But our favorite were actually the nocturnal animals being quite a few animals we've never seen before like (bat-eared fox, spotted genet, and Pallas cats). There was also a fun room downstairs from the entrance with a few birds, reptiles, insects, and house pets. read more

Being from the Twin Cities I have access to the Minnesota Zoo and Como Zoo. Compared these zoos this one is pretty small and definitely not very fascinating. That said, they have a really awesome nocturnal animal area! The nocturnal area is really cool and I definitely recommend! There's a little bit of walking throughout the zoo, but very manageable and a nice walk. There was a farm animal attraction that I think people are supposed to be able to go in and pet the animals, but it was closed when I went. read more

See all

No complains! The workers and volunteers were really nice. The zoo is smaller but they have a good variety of animals. Its worth the admission! Especially if you bring the kids! read more

See all

This is probably my favorite steak house in the city, if you're going to splurge do it here.

Very nice zoo, not alot inside in the winter. They have some very cool Bats ans monkeys. My daughter loved it. nice place to go anytime of year just bring a warm jacket in the winter fall or spring. read more

I've been here few times. Not since I was a lot younger, but being from a small town just east of Duluth, this was the place for field trips in school all the time. It's a pretty neat zoo, has pretty much all you could ask for. It's pretty big too! I enjoy the penguins the most. There is just something about those little guys that makes me giggle! I remember when I came here when I was just a young tot, I was chased by a heard of freaky geese! That was crazy, they were gawking at pecking at my clothes. I never understood. Don't mess with them.. They are ruthless! read more

I love zoos and i thought that it was amazing. The animals are very interesting and the different types of species were cool read more

Lake Superior Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

This zoo is not the best by far. I've been here many times and the cafe food is just terrible. The exhibits for the animals, especially for the lions, are way to small. And on the whole, this zoo is on the small side as well. I really prefer the Como Zoo in Minneapolis over this one because it's free and of better quality and much more beautiful. I wouldn't waste my time or money here. read more

Went on a rainy day in the late winter. Wasn't very busy, we had the run of the place. Got in for half price because of our membership at another zoo. Some fun animals here! Seems decently well cared for and I would like to go back. Got a little confused on the routes and we may have missed a couple exhibits. read more

Who wouldn't love a trip to the zoo on a nice warm day. Ok, so this is a small zoo with a extremely friendly and helpful staff. It actually does help to wait until you have come here a few times before you place judgement on the place because they do have different animals that are moved in and out of here. The exhibits do change sometimes too. The first time I came here I remember that they had a bear that has been transferred to another zoo. This time I came, I saw the lions and the most beautiful tiger that I had ever laid eyes on. I was able to talk to the zoo keepers and they told me that the male lions name is Leo. She says that the best time to hear him roar is in the morning and he roars so loud that you can hear him from four miles away. So cool. I am so glad that there is such a friendly staff there that likes to talk about the animals and kind of knows their personality's . The landscape of the zoo is beautiful with lots of green and flowers. It's perfect for a summer walk with children or loved ones. The only downside to this zoo is that I realized that their funding is kind of low. When people help to fund the zoo, it only goes to bringing new animals and making exhibits better. They need more public support and visitors to help out with that. If you decide to go, I would recommend making a small donation to help out with expenses and making our zoo even better. read more

It's a small zoo but totally worth $10, don't expect much when you come here but it's still a fun place to go with the kids, there is almost a sort of petting zoo & a little section that almost looks like a pet store & then outside you walk along the path & get to different animals. Plus there is also a little train for the kids to take around the zoo. read more

We've been here quite a few times. Always a good time. Still seems to be recovering from flooding a few years ago so some displays are empty. Not sure what plans are, but I hope they rebuild. This place isn't big. You're not going to spend all day here and you can walk the whole thing assuming no mobility impairments. There is a train to ride too, not sure if it goes to everything, I've never ridden it. I've even seen them attend events at local places like the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, bringing great staff and wonderful pets to put on an informative presentation (yeah!) My 3 stars really comes from their lack of reliable information on sites like this and others. They are CLOSED Tue and Wed during winter months... I don't know exaclty when that starts/ends, but we tried to go on Tues in early Nov and they were closed. Despite whatever site I looked at stating 10-5 everyday. Clearly I didn't look on this site since there are no hours listed here. In the age of almost everyone obtaining recommendations and information online they really should have someone spend an hour of their time to post and update hours on sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google+ etc.... would really save people some disappointing kids when we drive 90 minutes (or more) to get there.... read more

Small zoo but worth a visit, especially if you have a Minnesota zoo membership (discounted admission). It's sad that some of the exhibits are still closed from flooding but we can definitely understand the time needed to make the enclosure safe again. The lions were really cool and were active during our visit. My daughter loves the giant rabbit. read more

We love visiting the Lake Superior Zoo each year. It's a wonderful way to spend the afternoon and see the animals in our beautiful city! We are lucky to have this Zoo in our town. read more

I love the Duluth zoo. It is such a great place to walk with kids not too big so the kids don't get tired. Lots of green space.

Didn't care for this zoo at all, thought it was a waste of time and money. The very few animals that were there appeared to be dead or tranquilized. Definitely won't go back! read more

Weren't a lot of animals. Most of the exhibits were empty. However there was some cool indoor parts. Price was too high.

I can't say enough good things about the Cub Club classes that the zoo offers! My son has attended quite a few and the teachers are kind and full of knowledge. I love hearing his stories about what he's learned, what animal he got to touch and seeing all of his artwork. Thanks Lake Superior Zoo for providing great programs for kids! read more

We came to the zoo with our grandchildren. We were very disappointed that at least half of the exhibits were closed. It didn't appear that any rebuilding was happening. In addition, the zoo train was closed. The zoo should notify zoo goers that many of the exhibits were closed. We read about the flood in 2014 however you would think these areas would be rebuilt by now. It's pretty sad when my 4 yr old animal loving Granddaughter asked me when we were leaving (within the first 20 minutes). I would not recommend this zoo. read more

It's nice to see all the animals, but it smells nasty there and I always end up stepping in poop.