I wanna go back! I had a lot of fun here, but only got to be here for two and a half hours before my in-laws wanted to leave to go get lunch (and refused to select any of the many food options available within the zoo? idk, man, they're weird sometimes). My two faves hands down were the Conservation Carousel (requires token purchase) and the Llama Walk. The carousel features an incredible variety of critters you can ride, and I had a tough time picking which one I wanted. The employees operating the ride were very kind, allowing me extra time to get photos (I'm a big fan of carousels). A ride costs $4, which is kinda steep since it's really only a couple minutes long, buuut you figure it's going to a good cause. The llama walk was delightful because the llamas were free-roaming, not behind a fence, so they could walk right up to you (which many did). I definitely found myself giggling more than once. Also special to this place is a splash pad and a jungle gym. I had intended to enjoy both, but again, my in-laws were kind of dictating the trip (they paid), so I missed out. But next time I'll for sure run around in the water and go down the slide (I'm a kid at heart- age is just a number!). There were also occasional backdrop photo ops around the outdoor areas which was great for someone like me who loves selfies. Another neat feature is their Treetop Trail, which essentially goes all the way around the outdoor sections but from around 12 feet above as a suspended boardwalk. Not quite as shady, for obvious reasons, but also less crowded and avoids some of the random elevation changes. Cool to have multiple ways to experience the park, imo! The aquarium section is mid. That's okay. The tropical section was amazing! The lemurs were especially cute. We didn't end up seeing the farm exhibit, nature center, dino explore, or North American section. Like I said, we missed out on a lot, regrettably. :\ Dumb when it's $26/a head for adults, plus $10 for parking. I'll have to come back some other time, perhaps when they are done with the construction currently going on for the snow monkies. Giftshop had many cute things. The standard stuff you'd expect to find: t-shirts and apparel, plushies, toys, magnets, keychains, pins, patches, stickers, figurines. Lots of bathrooms and water bottle refill stations/water fountains scattered about, so no worries about staying well hydrated! Overall it was a very nice, well-maintained, modern facility! read more

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We have been zoo members for almost two years-if you live in the general area that's the way to do it. It pays for itself in 2-3 visits depending on how big your family is. Staff is always happy and helpful. The volunteers love what they do-it's always a treat to talk to them while there. I love that they have both indoor and outdoor parts, so nice to be able to get outside. I do feel like the farm has been disappointing this year compared to past years and when I grew up going. There is currently construction happening outside at the zoo-they're redoing the snow monkeys enclosure. I am very excited for that to be done as it will help with the walk ability outside near that area. All in all, I love our zoo and definitely recommend a membership. They even make a great present! I remember growing up with a zoo membership and am so happy to be able to give that back to my daughter. read more

We have been members of the Minnesota Zoo for several years so we usually visit several times a year. Our latest visit was last Sunday and both of our boys had a lot of fun visiting the farm animals and playing in the playground in that area. The Minnesota Zoo is a very family friendly place and it's nice to see families with kids of all ages enjoying time visiting animals and taking in a little bit of nature. read more

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This is a review specifically for the wander light trail which we entered prior to sunset and stayed till the end which is what I would recommend if you want to see the lights in different environments. There was music and plenty of photo opportunities and you never need to worry about parking. Family friendly but I must minus one star for the bogus parking pass that they, by default, add on when you are checking out on their website. Of course you can remove it but they indicate that this is needed for one vehicle entry, save yourself the $10 and dont buy it as they don't link it to your automobile at all. Money grab. In fact, minus two stars since my blood is boiling just remembering it. read more

Minnesota Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

We spent about four hours at the zoo on a Friday. The staff was friendly and the grounds were clean. On the downside, there were very few food choices available. We did find a pretzel, some ice cream dots, and chips with queso dip to eat. The walkway that is elevated through the park was interesting. We did enjoy the bird show and to a lesser extent the sea lions show. we thought it was a step down from the Denver zoo. read more

I know people have mixed feelings about zoos. If you like serious, I think you will love this one. It's very spacious and has lots of room for the animals to roam. The new elevator trail where the monorail used to be is a perfect walk to see the entire park. I think the biggest challenge with the same family is that it is a bit pricey, especially when you consider the Como zoo is free. I have been a long time member, because I can afford it and I really support it. I think it's worth visiting. And if you find it pricey, they do occasionally offer their discounts, etc. I also really enjoy their adult nights. Which are very fun and a great way to see the animals without huge crowds of littles. read more

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Went for one of the attractions - wander light trail 2026 and it was so thoughtful, signs for bathrooms, one way traffic sectioned off, plenty of staff, and very accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and etc. The attraction itself is calming, beautiful, and great for all ages. There were some interactive elements, lots of photo opportunities, and 1 mile took about an hour with lots of stops. read more

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Love this zoo! The animals seem relaxed and have plenty of space in their enclosures. There are many things to see and do, you could easily spend a day here. They recently added the tree tops trail which gives you a different perspective of the zoo. Some of the animals we couldn't see when we walked around on ground level and we wondered where they were, but when we went on the tree tops trail we could see them. They have lots of activities for kids to interact with and you can even touch some of the animals (like the goats) and ocean life. We also got a snack and a coffee at the Penguin cafe, the coffee was surprisingly good! I didn't have high expectations since it's just a little shop in a zoo but I'd stop there again on the next zoo trip. read more

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We love the Minnesota Zoo! It's been a great family spot for us to spend time with our kids and grandkids. This zoo has so many different exhibits - the outside dinosaur exhibit was incredible, the indoor tropical area was awesome, the different live shows and were very entertaining, the llama and camel areas was awesome...and there's so much more! We took the grandkids to see the sea lion show and it was very entertaining and fun! The llama area had several llamas just roaming around - it was fascinating! Overall a wonderful spot for the entire family. The membership cost is a great deal and oaysbdie itself after a few visits. Members also ger discounted tickets for additional family and friends. Highly recommended! read more

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We are members and tried the Wanderlight Tour. It was excellent, a nice walk with plenty of places to stop and rest, go to the bathroom, and/or grab a bite to eat. If you come during the day the outdoor Bird Show is excellent, make sure to bring some cash and hopefully they'll pick you to have a bird land on your arm. read more

Minnesota Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

We went when the weather was cooler, and I can understand there are several limitations for a zoo in a cold area compared to one in a warmer climate. Honestly, the zoo could use a friendly touch and more color to give it a personality. Although the staff was present, there was this aloofness everyone carried, and the scent of the primate area once you entered. The map is available via QR code, and we were left to figure out the rest. Outside of the aquatic area, nearly every other area could use some creativity. The outside eating area looks like a prison yard with only bare tables and concrete. The aquatic area was nice. We had tickets for the sea lion show. You can arrive early and choose your seat. After we chose our seat, an employee told us to move up one row for 'better' seating, despite not saying anything to the couple sitting RIGHT NEXT TO US nor the couple in front of us to also move for said better seating. It came off as unnecessary and a bit of a power trip, especially since he didn't leave until only we moved! The one row move still left us with the exact same view to where we were originally sitting. This was a disappointing experience because zoos are normally a great time and fun learning experience, but this visit left us feeling matched with the weather: cold and unwelcome. read more

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This is a wonderful zoo to experience if in MInnesota. There are a few different loops to take and visit various types of wildlife. Example-the Tropics trail is all the rainforest type creatures. Outside there are statues, big cats and birds. Inside you'll find sea lions, sharks, turtles, aquariums full of fish and more Some bonuses here are the traveling holiday exhibits like the Fall pumpkin walk, pandemic light up animal drive thru, and the concerts at the zoo! A membership is worth it to save on the entrance & parking fees. read more

Minnesota Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

We are enamored with learning of wildlife and different habitats. Coming from Colorado and frequenting the renowned Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, we were pleasantly surprised to find this zoo and the upkeep reminding us of that one. Its nicely spaced out, the animals are well taken care and apart from a few customer service issues, the staff are really great. We have been several times already and are enjoying the changing of the seasons, the decor, and watching the animals frolic. I definitely recommend visiting! read more

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We got zoo membership here and made use of the refillable tumbler and cup. We like the zoo enough to visit a few times a month. There are some renovations being made. Treetop trail is pretty nice and playgrounds keep our kids busy. It is larger than como zoo but the cafe prices are pretty pricey. Also we enjoy the indoor exhibits and toddler area next to penguin exhibit. We also have seen the sea lion show and bird show too. Both are what makes it better than como zoo shows. However como town is something unique that only Minnesota zoo have the carousel only. read more

Minnesota Zoo - Refillable soft drink tumbler and icee kids cup - Zoos Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

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Popping in with another review about a Zoo event (I still have yet to experience the actual zoo during regular hours lol): this was my first season visiting the Jack-o-lantern Spectacular, and I was blown away! This will 100% be a tradition for my family and I each October. I visited with family a few weeks ago and was totally blown away. The amount of detail and artistry in each of the special pumpkins is unreal! Not to mention the 5000+ other pumpkins that make the area so spectacular! It's clear the team behind this puts so much care and attention to detail into making sure this is a magical experience. My mom and brother visited last weekend and wanted to go, so I went for a second time this season and was prepared to see the same pumpkins. But NO, they were all new! Not only do they refresh the pumpkins every 3-5 days, they carve totally new concepts so no trip is ever the same! Just pure magic. I had hyped this up to my family a ton and they still said it way overdelivered. KEY TIP: Pick the 6pm time slot and arrive right away! It's still plenty dark once you get to the pumpkin viewing part, and the lines were crazy around 7:30/8 as we were leaving. It was a 5-star experience because we didn't have to wait in line and had plenty of personal space during the experience. read more

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Lots of walking. Some big open areas between exhibits. Zoo with aquarium. Map can be hard to read and we almost missed some habitats. Has leafy sea dragons which are only at a few places in the US. Most unique animal, I've never seen nor even heard of these before, the mangalitsa pig. It's the cutest ever furry brow pig. read more

Minnesota Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

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Amazing top 10 zoo of the country and top 5 for the size! You have to buy a season pass online. That's the best way to go. Then you can go when ever you want and you can go a hour before the single day tickets. You basically get to see the animals with out tons of people around you! Our favorites are the gibbons!!! They get really loud when they sing back and forth! The mn trail has many really cool animals. If you don't see them, ask. Because they are there!! The Dino's are amazing. They are a must stop and can get a little scary! Overall the zoo is amazing and is a must do anytime of the year!! read more

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One of the best zoos around! Get a membership! It's worth it if you go twice. The kids love the animals. Good workout walking around.

Couldn't even get in the door. Website/app unusable with limited cell coverage around the south lower gate. Walked back up the hill to the parking lot to try and register, but they required more PII than I felt comfortable with for a simple Zoo visit. read more

September 27 jack o' lantern spectacular night for zoo members invited by my daughter. GRACIOUS!! The 20,000 pumpkins all hand carved for display over five weeks!- - fresh made replacements every 10 days. ( the old ones are then specially prepared for the animals to consume ( excellent for digestion/ wonderful nutrients!) The THOUSANDS of BACK Breaking truly STUPENDOUS all hand-made-precision, creations mustering up fierce , grit determination by the artists who push themselves to an EXTREME to create a "Never Never land" of exquisite meticulous beauty simply not found today anywhere and composed so perfectly!! Each area had wonderful acoustic speakers deep base resounding with fabulous energizing heart soaring ROCK & ROLL ( and Prince!) - - the " marachino cherry" to this one-of-kind uplifting super exciting total experience!!! I felt like little coco entering the magical world of Dia de Los Muertos with joyous music blasting through my entire body, around each corner, folks merrily dancing away! Thank goodness I took lots of video and perfect close ups of my favorite huge carved pumpkins. Will happily replay over and over again! Enjoy! read more

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I lived in the twin cities for a few years before making the trek down with the family. I was surprised at how nice this zoo is. First tip, get there early as this place fills up in the morning (gets you a better parking spot). Also, take advantage of the skyway. This elevated path is a great way to get to parts of the park that are farther away more quickly. The reverse is also true if you have kids melting down and you need to make a quick exit or get back to the entrance where most of the food options are located. What I also like is that in addition to all the animals, they also have a couple of playgrounds for the little ones. As much as we want them to experience nature and learn about the animals, sometimes toddlers just want out of the stroller and want to climb on stuff. Another thing I like is that there are always seasonal events going on at the park that help keep coming here fresh and interesting. read more

the zoo this year is horrible, construction everywhere half the animals weren't out in the rainforest part or the grizzlies walkway. no maps available was very hard to navigate and find way through the zoo with much of it closed off. was also very run down. definitely wasn't worth the trip from Moorhead Mn. The only plus was the water splash pad area for kids was cool but way over crowded and you could smell the chlorine was so over powering. Was there years ago back in the 1990s and was a awesome place but definitely has been run down. read more

This is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Minnesota! The adult nights are fantastic, especially in the cooler weather, when the animals are super active. Adult nights/Wild Nights take place from 5-8 pm, and you must be 18+ to attend. That means all of the good parts of the zoo (animals, beer, FREE beer tastings) without any of the annoying parts (heat, crying children, moving children away from windows so that you can see the animals). The petting zoo without children is also a must, especially in Farm Baby Season. Sometimes there are special theme nights, like beer tastings, music, or art vendors, and they are all worth going to. I have seen caribou running laps, bears climbing trees (and swimming- see photos) and snow leopards playing at adult nights. The events are even great no matter the weather because of the Northern Trail and the Tropics Trail, so there is something for every kind of weather. The silent disco is also fun, especially with friends, and while you are waiting for your food truck order. You really should check it out! (yes, I really was THAT close to the bear) read more

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Minnesota Zoo is huge!! We walk around 6 miles to explore the whole zoo, we were visiting from California. The Zoo has grizzly Bears I was impressed to see them so close and it's beautiful in the inside forest with so many different birds and reptiles. If you visit Minnesota you need to go explore the Zoo it's worth it. Hubby and I enjoyed the whole Zoo look at my pictures and videos. Recommended it. read more

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This review is for the Minnesota Zoo Wild nights event that they host after hours. You get to go to the zoo once it closes and tour the zoo as well as enjoy the entertainment the zoo brings in. I went with a large group and had a ton of fun. When there was still daylight, we walked around to check out all the animal habitats. There is a llama trek where for an extra fee, you can take a llama for a walk. The walk around the zoo was very nice and it is a well maintained zoo. For the evening, there were several food truck vendors as well as entertainment. One area was designated for the silent disco section, one was for karaoke, and two other areas had live bands. The amphitheater had a band called Pop Rocks and they were super entertaining as the vocalist dressed up as the artist for the song they were singing. Parking was plentiful and we all had a really good time. Staff was very friendly. read more

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As I began to approach Minnesota Zoo, I started to anticipate a memorable experience. My significant other and I landed in the South Entrance Gibbon Lot and parked there. We walked towards the Lower South Entrance and we had to halt everything. There was a sign that stated Welcome! Online tickets required and available at MNZoo.org Scan QR code for tickets. This was a rather odd obstacle in our path. There was complimentary Wi-Fi here under the network Minnesota Zoo Free Wireless. Online, I checked out the Admission and Parking section. General Admission for Non-Members that were Adults ages 13-64 was $23.95. Additional Charges was Parking: Car or Van $10.00. I clicked Zoo Timed Admission and for the Times Available, I chose 1:30 PM. The sign before the building entrance stated Online Tickets Only. This seemed to be a serious thing here and I thought it was a poor business practice. Fortunately, it was fast to scan my e-Ticket. Our first stop was Discovery Bay. I got to see the Spotted garden eel and the Splendid garden eel in a display there. They were unique and interesting to watch. Not too far from them was the Shrimp display. They looked vibrant and it was worth the stop. Northern Trail was an awesome section of Minnesota Zoo. I almost had to stop to see the Bison display. There were quite a few of these beautiful animals. Right past them was the Black-tailed Prairie Dog display. They were small and adorable. Seeing the Moose was the best part of the day. It appeared rare and I felt honored to see it. The Reindeer or Caribou display was exciting. They seemed active and it was nice to admire them from afar. Our last stop was Minnesota Trail. I got to see the Coyote display. They were beautiful. After that, I saw the Gray Wolf. It was large and gorgeous. Not too far away was the Puma (AKA cougar, mountain lion, panther) display. They were active. We headed towards the South Entrance/Exit. Going through the Zoo Exit door was the worst part of the day. The service was good. Everyone I encountered was friendly. I didn't have any issues in that category. Overall, I had a decent time here and I enjoyed seeing every animal I encountered. I might go back someday. Date of visit: January 29, 2025 read more

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I have been a zoo Member at my hometown zoo for over a decade. When I travel I like to go to other zoos. I bought tix at the gate so I could use my discount. Tim was very helpful and told us about some highlights at the zoo. We walked and walked before we saw any animals. Then we walked some more looking for more animals. We ended up walking over 3 miles and saw very few animals at all. There are no signs to point you in the right direction or even educational signs about the animals. We were there on a beautiful Sunday mid morning. There wasn't anyone around to even ask questions, like volunteer docents or zoo keepers. I will say the aquarium area is wonderful. Limited food choices. If you are looking to get your steps in this is your place. read more

I had a good time at the Minnesota zoo. I like that it has a nursing area for me to use. Even though all the animals were not out yet I enjoyed my time there. I'm looking g forward to visiting in the summer. read more

The Minnesota Zoo is well maintained and has a lot of room so even on a busy day it doesn't feel to crowded. We purchased a membership which is great because then you get to enter the zoo as early as 9 am. Our favorite spot is discovery bay where you can pet a shark and starfish. We were lucky enough to see the new baby tiger cubs today and they were active and playing around. Another plus about the zoo is you can bring your own food and snacks but if you need something to eat I recommend the outside spot by the playground and splash pad the food quality is best there. read more

Minnesota Zoo - Baby Tiger Cubs - Zoos Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

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I'm from LA and took my granddaughter after Labor Day. Some of the attractions close after Labor Day but it was such a fun experience that I did not mind. The animals were on eye level as opposed to the LA Zoo that you look down at them. It just was so much better and so much greener. Highly recommend. Remember, buy your tickets online before you go. read more

We visited the MN zoo yesterday & this is my review of our experience. ~$75 for passes, parking, & stroller rental for a family of 4 Bottom Line Up Front: mediocre is a generous term for the MN zoo. We would not go back. While I struggle with the idea of zoos & aquariums, as long as they are managed humanely, I enjoy the fun & educational experiences they provide! I've been to a few zoos previously. Some huge (ie San Diego) but most very small (ie Fargo & Whapeton). The Bad: We were so excited to see what we thought would be an awesome collection of exhibits & animals! But we were incredibly underwhelmed! We walked for what felt like ages before actually seeing any animals (outside the snow monkeys at the entrance). A great # of exhibits are comprised of statues, paintings, videos, & "replicas" of what you'd hope to see at a zoo. Many exhibits were "coming soon", "closed", "shut down", "being relocated", etc. The animals we saw appeared lethargic, sad, possibly neglected (though admittedly I realize that's a serious allegation & I'm not qualified to make such claims) There was major construction going on, which blocked the view of the takins. The farm area was a joke. We had to walk a long way to get there & they only had a few sheep and goats. There were no reptiles that we could find! This was a major bummer for my daughter who just wanted to see some snakes! The splash pad was chaos & very basic. Kids were dangerously running everywhere with no employees there to keep things in check. At almost every turn they were selling something at obnoxious prices, which was so annoying. I think the zoo would greatly benefit from investing in the animals & their well-being rather than the gimmicks & fancy features they appear to be focused on. The Good: the Discovery Bay aquariums were neat & clean & they had a lot of beautiful marine life! It was cool to see a leopard, a lion, & a couple bears. The sea otters were my favorite! They seemed happy, had a lot of space to play, & were showing off for us the Llama exhibit was cool because you can get up close as many were free-roaming. read more

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There is so much too do here that you can spend the entire day! We ended up converting our tickets to a membership at the end of our visit because there are activities to do and things to see during all seasons. Trails are open pretty much all year I believe. The animals have a ton of space to roam, so it feels much more humane. The downside, of course, is that you don't always spot the animals but that's a small price to pay! This zoo is fantastic for families with young kids - aside from the animals, there are several play areas, picnic tables, and a splash pad in the summer. Our 2.5 year old really enjoyed the farm area and getting to see the farm animals up close. It is a bit of a hike to get there so be warned! We were a little disappointed that the wallabies were replaced by llamas, but still enjoyed getting to walk around with the animals. Excited to return to check out the soon to open Treetop Trail! Should be a super cool way to view the animals. read more

Minnesota Zoo - Up close and personal with the llamas! - Zoos Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

My wife and I took our daughter's family- six of us. Even though the line was long to get in, it moved very quickly. The staff were very friendly and gracious. After a wonderful walk on the skyway we ate lunch at the Call of the Wild cafe. It was super easy to order. The food was prepared quickly, exactly as ordered. Finding a table proved easy. We shared a table with another family. The food was very good. Highly recommended. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers. read more

This zoo does a lot of good in terms of conservation... BUT they hire a third party to bring in their camels for camel rides. The camels are not only overworked, but I've seen employees let up to THREE people on a camel at a time; a camel'a knees buckled and fell to the ground from this. I cannot in good conscience recommend or go to an establishment that would allow for this treatment. The mental enrichment and space is lacking for some of the species, not all. read more

Always a fun stroll around the zoo! My friend and I love going when we can. I especially like the new high sidewalk path thing that they made out of the old tram rails. It's an extra walk, but if that's what you're there for it's really cool. Just don't use it on really hot days lol read more

This review is strictly for the Halloween Jack-o-lantern spectacular. I really wish we have something like this back home. This is a great family event, with hundreds of Jack-o-lanterns to enjoy! They were so intricately designed. It was fun to walk the path to see the different themes. This is a must visit for everyone!! read more

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This zoo was gorgeous! So much space for the grazing animals and LOVE the boardwalk trail that gives you a higher vantage point on a lot of the larger spaces. Animals were so close and visible in most exhibits and looked comfortable and well taken care of. Great day! read more

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The Minnesota Zoo holds many examples of species that are native to MN. Examples of wolves and caribou are well represented. If you want to see an elephant or a hippopotamus, you will need to go to the Milwaukee or Memphis zoos. read more

Visiting from out of state. Decided to revisit the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. Looked forward to riding monorail but alas, no longer in service. It has been converted to a walking, elevated trail to be able experience nature from above. However, for senior citizens, that is not an option.... especially when it's cold, rainy, or a snowy day. No longer a winter activity or us. read more

Minnesota Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

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The drive to the zoo was aflame with peak color-gorgeous reds, yellows and oranges against a background of green. And it only got better on our walk through the zoo. Spent the day with family watching the young ones race from display to display and especially enjoying the petting zoo. I recommend-you will leave feeling good! Enjoy a few photos. . read more

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