ZooMinnesota, US

Lake Superior Zoo

Lake Superior Zoo: Discover wildlife in a picturesque Duluth setting.

About

Lake Superior Zoo: Discover wildlife in a picturesque Duluth setting.

Nestled amidst 19 scenic acres of rocky hillsides and majestic pines, with Kingsbury Creek winding through its heart, the Lake Superior Zoo is an AZA-accredited wildlife destination in Duluth, Minnesota. As one of the oldest zoos in the United States, established in 1923, it stands as the only zoo in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and animal encounters. Home to over 300 animals representing 140 different species, the zoo is dedicated to providing close-up experiences that foster deep connections with wildlife and inspire conservation efforts globally.

The zoo's diverse collection spans the globe, with exhibits like the African Lion, Asian Caravan, Australia and Oceania, and the popular Primate Conservation Center. Visitors can marvel at magnificent Amur Tigers, elusive Snow Leopards like Kiran, and playful North American River Otters. Don't miss the impressive "Bear Country" where rescued Alaska Peninsula Brown Bears, Tundra and Banks, roam, or the charming Red Pandas and the two-toed sloths in the Nocturnal Building. The Barnyard also offers interactive fun with domestic animals, ensuring engaging experiences for all ages.

More than just an animal park, the Lake Superior Zoo is a memorable journey into the wild, offering a year-round opportunity to learn about and appreciate our planet's biodiversity. Its commitment to conservation, engaging animal enrichment schedules, and intimate viewing opportunities make every visit special. Whether you're feeding a brown bear, observing exotic primates, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings, the zoo provides a compelling reason to connect with the animal kingdom and become an advocate for its future. Explore the grounds like a pro—download the Snappit app to instantly identify animals and plants.

The Lake Superior Zoo began its journey in 1923, not with grand plans, but with a simple act of compassion. West Duluth businessman Bert Onsgard built a pen for his pet white-tailed deer named "Billy," sparking a vision for a zoo in West Duluth. This idea quickly garnered enthusiastic community support; Pittsburgh Steel Company donated fencing, local citizens contributed exotic animals, and even schoolchildren raised funds to acquire a pair of lion cubs. During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) played a crucial role in developing the zoo's infrastructure, building bridges over Kingsbury Creek and constructing enclosures, including the enduring Elephant House. Over the decades, the zoo became home to celebrity animals such as Bessie the elephant, known for her neighborhood strolls before perimeter fencing, Valerie the Himalayan black bear who served as a WWII bomber mascot, and Mr. Magoo, a mongoose who famously received a presidential pardon from John F. Kennedy. Renamed the Lake Superior Zoo in the mid-1980s, it achieved accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 1985, signaling its commitment to modern animal welfare and conservation. A significant flood in 2012 caused extensive damage, but the zoo rebounded, revitalizing its facilities and introducing new exhibits like "Bear Country."

What to do here

Explore the animal exhibits, check the daily animal enrichment schedule for special activities, and consider booking a behind-the-scenes animal encounter (such as red panda feeding or brown bear feeding). The zoo train (seasonal) offers a fun way to tour the grounds. Don't forget to visit the Safari Café for a snack and the Tiger's Paw Gift Shop for souvenirs.

Seasonal info

The zoo is open year-round, closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Winter visits can be especially rewarding for viewing active large carnivores. During colder months, animals not adapted to the Minnesota winter, such as Red Kangaroos, are housed indoors.

Accessibility

The Lake Superior Zoo is committed to accessibility. It offers free parking with designated accessible spaces, free wheelchairs, and ECVs for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. Zoo Central features an elevator, and accessible restrooms are available, including family and all-gender options. Strollers are available for rent, and exhibits are stroller-friendly. The zoo is KultureCity Certified, offering sensory bags at the gift shop, and signage for quiet spaces and headphone zones. Service animals are welcome.

Don't miss

Bear Country

Observe the majestic Alaska Peninsula Brown Bears, Tundra and Banks, in their expansive habitat.

Primate Conservation Center

Home to diverse primates, including Angolan Colobus Monkeys and Ring-tailed Lemurs.

Nocturnal Building

Discover fascinating creatures active after dark, such as Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloths and various reptiles.

African Lion

Witness the powerful African Lion in its dedicated exhibit.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Canada Goose

Monarch Butterfly

Eastern White Pine

Common Raven

Ring Billed Gull

House Sparrow

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early for Active Animals

Animals are often most active in the morning. Consider visiting right when the zoo opens or look into "Zoo Snooze" programs for early access to see animals waking up.

Dress for the Weather

Many exhibits are outdoors, so check the forecast and dress in layers, especially during spring and fall, or prepare for cold weather if visiting in winter.

Bring Your Own Picnic (No Straws)

Save money and enjoy the outdoor setting by bringing your own food and drinks, but remember to leave straws at home for animal safety.

Utilize Accessibility Resources

If needed, take advantage of the free wheelchairs or ECV rentals available at the Tiger's Paw Gift Shop, and note the elevator in Zoo Central.

Check the Enrichment Schedule

Look for the daily animal enrichment schedule upon arrival to catch special feeding times or keeper talks, offering unique insights and photo opportunities.

Avoid Flash Photography Indoors

Refrain from using flash when photographing animals, particularly inside the Nocturnal Building and when close to animals, as it can disturb them.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages for a picnic at the zoo. However, please note that straws are not allowed on zoo grounds as they pose a choking hazard to the animals. There are picnic tables available on the zoo grounds, and Fairmount Park, adjacent to the parking lot, is also a great picnic spot.
: Yes, parking at the Lake Superior Zoo is completely free, with two large parking lots available for visitors. There are also designated accessible parking spaces.
: Yes, the Lake Superior Zoo is a KultureCity Certified location. They offer sensory bags free of charge, which can be checked out at the Tiger's Paw Gift Shop. The zoo also provides signage indicating quiet spaces and headphone zones throughout the grounds to help manage sensory input.