Two weeks ago, myself and Heidi took Mark and Abby to the Minnesota Zoo.  Its about a 5 1/2 hour drive from Jamestown.  We got there at about 4:15 PM and found out it closed at 6:00 PM.  What to do?  We decided that it would be worth the short time and paid up.  For starters, the total for all four of us was $65.  A little more than I was planning on spending but was hoping the zoo would make it worthwhile.  I am just going to end the suspense on the review and tell you that the MN Zoo is well worth the money.  For starters, I have never been to a zoo where you are that close to all the animals.  Almost all of the exhibits that feature water also give you a cool under the water view. 

Up close at the MN Zoo

We started in the Ocean exhibit.  All kinds of fish, shells, coral something or other and sharks.  They have pools that allow you to actually touch a shark.  I would have done this but my overall desire not to have my hand bitten off would not leave.  Nor would this irrational fear leave as I watched a bunch of 4 year olds “pet” the sharks.   You can touch starfish, shells and other sea life as well as watch many creatures in smaller aquariums.  However the big attraction is the dolphins.  The underwater viewing tanks were empty so we wondered up stairs to another viewing area.  However this was locked.  So no dolphins!  Not so fast. My son the cat burglar in training was somehow able to pick the lock. Upon entering the upstairs viewing area, we were treated to a unbelievable show of two dolphins playing, jumping and making that dolphin sound they do.  Excellent start to the visit. 

Next up was the Jungle.  Flamingos, turtles, snakes and such.  You walk around a hot, humid jungle and get to see all these animals in what look to be very natural and comfortable environments.  I am going to be honest.  While I am sure this is a very good exhibit, I was anxious to get out of there and go see Bears and tigers.  So we whipped throughthis.  Oh, at one point a some big bird escaped and was right on the walk way.  We made it out alive.  Next up is the Minnesota trail.  This one was way better than I was expecting.  Wolves, Mountain Lions and the like.  They have a stamp card that helps keep the kids interested and again, just an amazing cages that make you feel like you are right in the wild with them.  The MN zoo also has very knowledgeable volunteers walking around who can answer any questions you might have.  Really cool exhibit and Im glad my wife insisted we go.  On to the Tigers….

So we walked to the other side of the park and hit the tiger cage.  This is a very large cage and it is very easy for the tiger to blend in and hide.  When we first got here, we felt like those people in Jurasic Park on the tour, when they are all despondent cause no animals would show themselves.  However, luck was on our side and soon spotted a tiger hiding in the bushes.  More than that, he spotted us and procedded to start a slow walk straight for us.  Its an amazing feeling to stand there and watch a grown tiger walk straight at you.  He came up to the glass looked and then kept on his way.  Nothing could top this. I was wrong.

The Grizzly Bear Cage.  A full glass wall that allows you a great view into the bears area as well as the fully stocked “pond” where the bear can fish

You really get a close look at bears at the MN zoo (and a appreciation for thick glass)

Thats a bad picture but you get the idea.  This Bear came down to fish and then stayed and showed off for the crowd. 

A beautiful day with a great ending.  All in all, the Minnesota Zoo was well worth the money and a great afternoon.  While they did close at 6, no one came to rush us off so we strolled around for another 1/2 hour before we left.  Looking for a great way to spend the day and love animals?  Then the Minnesota Zoo is for you.

Tags: abby, heidi, mark, minnesota zoo