Our Roosevelt Park Zoo guide covers practical planning for Roosevelt Park Zoo North Dakota — best time to visit, getting there, and what to do on the ground. Our team has meticulously researched the latest 2026 information to ensure your trip is seamless and unforgettable, providing confident, specific insights that cut through generic travel fluff.
Why Visit Roosevelt Park Zoo
For those exploring the diverse landscapes and attractions of North Dakota, the Roosevelt Park Zoo stands out as a premier destination. As North Dakota's oldest zoo, established in 1914, it offers a rich history alongside modern, immersive exhibits. We believe the question, "is Roosevelt Park Zoo worth visiting?" is met with a resounding yes, especially for families and animal enthusiasts seeking a meaningful and accessible wildlife experience.
The zoo is proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), a distinction held by fewer than 10% of animal exhibitors nationwide, underscoring its commitment to high standards of animal care, conservation, and guest experience. With over 160 animals representing more than 50 species from around the world, you'll encounter everything from towering giraffes and majestic lions to playful penguins and the critically endangered Amur leopard. Recent upgrades, including a state-of-the-art giraffe habitat in the African Plains building, allow for year-round indoor and outdoor viewing, with unique opportunities for hand-feeding.
Beyond the impressive animal collection, the Roosevelt Park Zoo is a hub for conservation and education, striving to create a positive impact on the world through unique experiences and programs. The birth of critically endangered Amur tiger cubs in summer 2025 was a significant milestone for conservation efforts, highlighting the zoo's vital role in species preservation. The immersive habitats and ongoing enhancements ensure that every visit offers something new to discover, making it a truly enriching experience. For anyone wondering, "is Roosevelt Park Zoo worth visiting?", we confidently affirm that its blend of education, conservation, and engaging animal encounters makes it a must-see attraction in Minot.
Who It's Best For
Our team finds that the Roosevelt Park Zoo caters to a wide array of visitors, making it an ideal outing for many. It's particularly well-suited for families with children, offering a welcoming and engaging environment. The zoo is certified as a sensory-friendly attraction, providing resources like sensory bags and noise-canceling headphones, and features family-friendly paths and wagon rentals. The presence of playgrounds in the adjacent Roosevelt Park further enhances its appeal for younger guests.
Animal enthusiasts will revel in the diverse collection of species and the opportunities for up-close encounters, such as hand-feeding giraffes. The zoo's focus on immersive habitats and educational programs ensures a deeper connection with the animal kingdom. For travelers with accessibility needs, the Roosevelt Park Zoo is fully equipped. It boasts wide paved pathways throughout, accessible entrances and parking, and accessible restrooms, ensuring that all visitors can navigate and enjoy the zoo comfortably. Wheelchairs are also available for rent.
Whether you're a local looking for a relaxing day out or a tourist exploring North Dakota, the zoo provides a relaxed, educational, and fun experience. Its commitment to universal design means that those using wheelchairs or mobility devices can move around comfortably and participate in the same experiences as everyone else.
Getting There & Parking
Navigating to the Roosevelt Park Zoo is straightforward, as it's conveniently located in Minot, North Dakota. The official address is 1219 Burdick Expressway E, Minot, ND 58701. Situated within the scenic Roosevelt Park, the zoo is easily accessible for both local and out-of-town visitors.
For those traveling by car, understanding how to get to Roosevelt Park Zoo is simple. The zoo is in close proximity to Minot's main transport arteries, including US-2 and ND-83 highways, which lead directly to the recreation area. We found that free parking is generously provided on-site for all visitors, with accessible parking spots also available near the entrances.
If you're flying into the region, Minot International Airport (MOT) is the nearest hub, located just 10 to 15 minutes away from the zoo gates. Taxis are readily available, or you can opt to rent a car directly at the airport, which we recommend for the most convenient way to explore Minot and its surrounding attractions, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park. While Minot does have a moderately developed public transport system, a taxi or personal vehicle is often the most practical choice for visitors heading to the zoo. When planning how to get to Roosevelt Park Zoo, rest assured that the journey is hassle-free, allowing you more time to enjoy your visit.
Top Things to Do
A visit to the Roosevelt Park Zoo offers a wealth of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. Our team recommends dedicating at least 2 to 3 hours to fully experience all the thematic zones and animal encounters.
The primary draw is, of course, the diverse array of animal exhibits. You can wander through immersive big cat exhibits to marvel at lions and Amur tigers, explore the new African Plains exhibit where you can observe and even hand-feed giraffes, or discover the charm of red pandas, sloths, penguins, and the elusive Amur leopards. The giraffe feeding experience, offered daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM for a small fee of $5, is a particularly popular and photo-worthy encounter for families.
Beyond passive viewing, the zoo offers interactive opportunities. Free keeper chats are held throughout the week, providing insights into various animals such as okapis, ground hornbills, lemurs, lions, tigers, warthogs, and leopards. For a more exclusive experience, unique animal encounters can be booked, allowing you to get even closer to certain species, though zoo admission is required and not included in the encounter fee.
Families will appreciate the Critter Caboose and carousel rides, adding an extra layer of fun to the day. Don't forget to look out for the 2026 trading card lineup, which you can collect by visiting during keeper talk sessions and other activities. The Discovery Barn and a brand-new sandbox offer additional play and learning opportunities for children. For those with little ones, strollers and wagons are welcome, and rentals are available at the gate.
While the zoo itself features wide paved pathways perfect for strolling, some visitors might also be interested in the Roosevelt Park hiking trails. It's important to note that these specific Roosevelt Park hiking trails are located in the larger Roosevelt Park, which surrounds the zoo area. This adjacent park offers well-maintained walking and biking trails, beautiful gardens, and playgrounds, providing a peaceful escape into nature that complements a zoo visit. Although parts of Roosevelt Park are undergoing construction in 2026, with the skate park closed, the walking trails remain a great option for stretching your legs.
Educational programs further enrich the experience. The zoo offers "Zoo Tots" for children aged 2-5, combining play with structured learning and animal encounters. "School's Out Day Camp" and "Summer Camp" (with 2026 information coming soon) provide themed activities, games, crafts, and guided tours for older children. These programs make the Roosevelt Park Zoo a fantastic place for kids to learn and have a wild time.
Best Time to Visit
Choosing the best time to visit the Roosevelt Park Zoo can significantly enhance your experience, as hours and available activities vary by season. Our team recommends considering your priorities – whether it's warm weather, fewer crowds, or unique winter experiences.
The **summer months (June through August)** are the most popular, with the longest operating hours from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This is when all outdoor exhibits are fully operational, and special events like the daily giraffe feedings are in full swing. While the weather is typically ideal, expect larger crowds, especially on weekends and during special events. For example, Midco Free Day is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2026, offering complimentary admission for all guests from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Additionally, "Movies in the Park" events are planned for summer 2026 at the zoo.
For a more relaxed visit with pleasant weather and fewer people, we suggest **May and September**. During these shoulder seasons, the zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The cooler temperatures can also mean more active animals, and you'll still enjoy the full range of outdoor exhibits.
The **winter season (October through April)** offers a unique perspective on the zoo, with hours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission rates are lower during these months. While some exhibits might be limited, certain animals, like the Amur tigers, thrive in colder weather, making it a prime time to observe them. The zoo also plans special winter events, such as the "Zoo Year's Eve" event, which was postponed in January 2026 due to extreme cold but aims to transform the Tiger Trail with lights and luminaries for a magical evening experience.
Regardless of the season, a pro tip from our team is to arrive shortly after opening. Keepers and staff often feed animals and clean enclosures in the morning, which is a prime time to see the animals active and interacting with staff. Always check the Roosevelt Park Zoo's official website for the most up-to-date hours, event schedules, and any temporary closures before your visit.
Where to Stay Nearby
Finding comfortable and convenient Roosevelt Park Zoo lodging is easy, with a variety of hotels located just a short drive from the zoo in Minot. Our team has identified several excellent options that cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring a pleasant stay after a day of exploration.
For families, the **Hampton Inn & Suites Minot Airport** stands out, located just 2.2 miles from the zoo. It boasts an impressive review rating and offers amenities like free cribs and an indoor pool, along with a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle, free WiFi, and a generous breakfast buffet. Another great family-friendly choice for Roosevelt Park Zoo lodging is **Staybridge Suites Minot by IHG**, about 3.0 miles away, featuring spacious suites with kitchenettes, free cribs, an indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast.
If you're traveling with pets, the **Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Minot** (3.5 miles from the zoo) and **Spark by Hilton Minot** (within two miles) are excellent pet-friendly options, offering dog exercise areas, indoor pools, and complimentary breakfast. Spark by Hilton also provides free parking and WiFi.
Other highly-rated hotels within a few miles of the Roosevelt Park Zoo include the **Clarion Hotel and Convention Center Minot**, **Extended Stay America Suites Minot**, **Super 8 Hotel Minot**, **Grand Hotel Minot**, **Days Inn Minot**, and **Comfort Suites Minot**. Many of these offer amenities such as free continental breakfast, indoor swimming pools, fitness centers, and free WiFi, making them comfortable choices for your visit. The **Hotel Revel Minot** is also a convenient option, located near several Minot attractions including the zoo, Dakota Square Mall, and Scandinavian Heritage Park.
Whether you're seeking budget-friendly accommodations or a hotel with specific amenities like kitchenettes for longer stays, the range of Roosevelt Park Zoo lodging options in Minot ensures you'll find a perfect fit for your travel needs.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
To help you make the most of your visit to Minot and the Roosevelt Park Zoo, our team has crafted a sample 2-day itinerary that balances animal encounters with local exploration.
Day 1: Zoo Immersion & Local Culture
- **Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM):** Arrive at the Roosevelt Park Zoo shortly after opening to catch the animals at their most active. Head directly to the African Plains exhibit for giraffe feeding at 11:00 AM, then explore the big cat exhibits, including the Amur tigers and lions. Don't miss the red pandas and sloths.
- **Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM):** Enjoy a leisurely picnic in the adjacent Roosevelt Park, which offers picnic areas. Alternatively, grab snacks and beverages from the zoo's concession areas.
- **Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):** Participate in a free keeper chat to learn more about your favorite animals. Let younger visitors enjoy the Critter Caboose and carousel rides, and explore the Discovery Barn and the new sandbox. Consider renting a wagon for ease of movement with small children.
- **Evening (5:00 PM onwards):** Head into Minot for dinner at one of the city's diverse restaurants. Afterwards, immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to the Scandinavian Heritage Park, located just 0.5 miles from central Minot, offering unique architecture and exhibits.
Day 2: Minot Exploration & Nature's Wonders
- **Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):** Begin your day by exploring the wider Roosevelt Park. While the zoo has paved paths, the surrounding park offers well-maintained Roosevelt Park hiking trails and biking trails, perfect for a refreshing walk amidst nature. Alternatively, visit the Magic City Discovery Center for interactive exhibits, particularly engaging for families.
- **Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM):** Enjoy lunch at a local Minot eatery, perhaps trying a spot recommended for its local flavors.
- **Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM):** Continue exploring Minot's attractions. You could visit the Railroad Museum & Magic City Express for a glimpse into railway history, or the Taube Museum of Art for a cultural experience. For a broader North Dakota adventure, consider a scenic drive along the Enchanted Highway, known for its large scrap metal sculptures, or plan a future trip to the majestic Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
- **Evening:** Relax at your chosen Roosevelt Park Zoo lodging, perhaps taking advantage of hotel amenities like an indoor pool.