This nation­al­­ly-recog­nised zoo, estab­lished by the state in 1978 as the pri­ma­ry local attrac­tion and wildest place in the Twin Cities, includes 2500 ani­mals on 485 acres. Themed walk­ing trails range from one to two miles in length. Exhibits are divid­ed by cli­mate, not species, into six themed areas includ­ing a Trop­ics Trail (ani­mals from rain forests and trop­i­cal habi­tats), a North­ern Trail (large ani­mals from the world’s cold cli­mates, such as musk ox) and a Min­neso­ta Trail (Min­neso­ta native ani­mals includ­ing black bears, wolves, wolver­ines and a beaver pond). There are mon­keys, pen­guins and an aquar­i­um. Extra charge applies for IMAX and the Con­ser­va­tion Carousel ride. Restau­rant, sou­venir shop, live music venue on-site. 24-hour infor­ma­tion line: +1 952 431‑9500.