Visit the World’s Longest Elevated Pedestrian Loop At The Minnesota Zoo

Visit the World’s Longest Elevated Pedestrian Loop At The Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo

The Treetop Trail at the Minnesota Zoo opened to the public. At 1.25 miles, it is believed to be the longest elevated pedestrian loop in the world.

The Minnesota Zoo is one of the largest in the country, covering almost 500 acres.

When it first opened, a monorail was included as part of the zoo’s design to help visitors traverse its massive footprint.

The monorail operated for nearly 30 years until it was decommissioned in 2013.

Since that time, the empty track has been a dominant feature in the zoo’s landscape.

After several years of planning, the concept of turning the old monorail track into an elevated pedestrian walkway emerged.

Plans were drawn and approved, and ground broke on the $37 million project in 2022.

The zoo’s concept for the trail includes programming and events, such as information stations and yoga classes, at the wider areas along the boardwalk.

Visitors to the treetop trail, shown here over the bison habitat, enjoy birds-eye views of the animal exhibits below.

The trail is as high as 32 feet and passes through some of the zoo’s most natural, undeveloped areas.

The Treetop Trail tracks many of the same exhibits as the ground-level Northern Trail. Pedestrians have views of animals ranging from moose and bison to Amur tigers and brown bears.

Take a look at this video from the Minnesota Zoo to see what you can expect from a Treetop Trail experience:

Minnesota Zoo’s Treetop Trail from Minnesota Zoo on Vimeo.

I, for one, am pretty excited to hit the trail and see the zoo from a different perspective. I remember riding the monorail but was always a little disappointed that the views through the windows weren’t always clear and that I couldn’t linger when I wanted. It seems like the Treetop Trail should offer the best of both worlds: an elevated perspective with clear views and the time to enjoy them.

By Trent Jonas

Location

Minnesota Zoo

 13000 Zoo Blvd

 Apple Valley, MN 

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DNMI: Minnesota’s Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Returns for a Fifth Year! – Appley Valley, MN

DNMI: Minnesota’s Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Returns for a Fifth Year! – Appley Valley, MN

Minnesota Zoo

They’re back! Thousands of glowing, carved pumpkins, illuminating the night. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular has returned for an enchanted fifth year!

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is part pumpkin patch and part art installation. From the trees to the ground, guests can marvel at carved pumpkins of all shapes and sizes as they wander through a naturally magical autumn trail at the Minnesota Zoo.

With a brand-new theme that will take you through the beauty of the four seasons and all new designs, discover a rotating selection of expertly carved pumpkins crafted in the likeness of people, places, and animals from around the world.

Voted as Minnesota’s Best Day Trip and Family Attraction, the Minnesota Zoo is a must-see destination this fall, with Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular providing a unique way to connect with nature and celebrate the splendor of autumn nights in Minnesota.

Event

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open each night now through November 4th.

Advanced online tickets are required.

Tickets are timed and must be purchased at mnzoo.org.

Adult: $24.00

Child: (3-12yrs)

Senior: (65+) $20.00

During this special evening Zoo event, all activities will be at ground level; access to the Treetop Trail will not be available as part of this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. The Treetop Trail will be open during normal, daytime Zoo hours.

Have you seen the Hot Chocolate and treats available this year at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular?

Location

Minnesota Zoo

13000 Zoo Blvd

Apple Valley, MN 

View map of location
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Returns Bigger and Better than ever at the Minnesota Zoo!

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Returns Bigger and Better than ever at the Minnesota Zoo!

Now thru November 5th, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns bigger and better than ever at the Minnesota Zoo! Gather your family and friends and come explore our glowing trail with thousands of artistically carved pumpkins. This year’s trail will lead you on a magical journey through a ‘Night at the Library,’ featuring new artists’ creations and plenty of seasonal fun. Secure your tickets today!

Thank you for your support of the Minnesota Zoo and our mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.

Join us for this naturally magical event for a limited time only at the Minnesota Zoo. It’s not a trick – tickets are selling fast! Make a reservation today to treat yourself to this magical experience.

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Personalized Pumpkins

Customize your very own Jack-O-Lantern with a personalized message or image! You can have an artistically and professionally carved pumpkin placed on display and glowing for all to see. Your jack-o-lantern will be on display the night of your visit, and yours to take home when you leave. Reserve your pumpkin today! Cost includes admission for two to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. No corporate logos will be accepted.

Requests must be made at least 10 business days prior to your visit in order to create your pumpkin.

Reserve Your Pumpkin Today!!

13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN
Minnesota Zoo: Whether it’s a Gift Membership, Gift Card, or Gift in Someone’s Honor!

Minnesota Zoo: Whether it’s a Gift Membership, Gift Card, or Gift in Someone’s Honor!

Minnesota Zoo

Connecting people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife!

You can provide a meaningful gift that also supports your Minnesota Zoo.

Be a Force for Nature and Support the Minnesota Zoo

More than a destination, the Minnesota Zoo is a journey into the natural world. From lush grounds to majestic wildlife, the Minnesota Zoo is transformative for both humans and animals alike. A local habitat for human respite, the Zoo is also a catalyst for wildlife conservation across the globe. Your generosity helps keep the Zoo as a natural wonder for generations to come.

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Mn Zoo Special Events: Adult Night Out – Welcome to Farm Babies

Mn Zoo Special Events: Adult Night Out – Welcome to Farm Babies

Welcome back to the most interesting cocktail hour in town: Adult Night Out – Farm Babies edition! 

FEATURED EXPERIENCES:
The Feces Fling
Zoo Vet: Farm Edition
Firepits and Friends

Date: Friday, April 23 and Friday, May 7

Time: 4:30-8 pm – Age: 18+
Cost: $10 members / $20 non-member

Wake Up with The Farm

Minnesota Zoo: Farm Babies are here! Piglets, llamas, calves, chicks and more. While event tickets are limited, we’re online all the time with new videos and Zookeeper talks, live web cam, crafts, games, and photos galore. Get your cuteness overload here!

 

Membership

Become a member, and join us on the journey to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. YOU make a difference in the success and growth of the Minnesota Zoo and its thousands of treasured species. Memberships are valid for one full year, and include many engaging benefits for individuals and families.

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