the dakota zoo

Ndtech

I've visited Dakota Zoo several times with my family. I'd recommend a visit if you have kids and are looking for a great place to spend a couple hours.The zoo isn't huge, but it is pretty nice for a city the size of Bismarck. They have a good variety of animals, but it doesn't take a whole day to see everything.They do have concessions on site, as well as a kid's play area and train. Dakota Zoo is well worth a visit if you find yourself in the area.

keithbZ5074GY

Small zoos seem to be disappearing as folks anymore are more focused on big-city attractions. But the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck, while small, is a first-class facility. It is friendly to its visitors and very clean. More importantly, they seem to be genuinely committed to providing great care for the animals entrusted there.

reformedgoodgirl

This is a very small zoo without many exotic animals. On the plus side (for the humans anyway) the enclosures are small enough that you are sure to see the animals. You can easily walk the whole park in a few hours.

petey3

Its a good place for young kids, as are most all zoo's. If you have been to some bigger and better zoo's theres really no need or anything special that you must do here.

MundaneTraveler

We visited the last warm day of the fall and really enjoyed it. It is well laid-out and has extensive grounds, though not as many animals as in larger cities. The grizzly bears were being particularly comical due to the cooler weather and nearing the gluttonous stage for hibernation, but the other exhibts were just as entertaining. Unfortunately, the primate house had not opened yet, but we look forward to our return.

donnab458

I just love our Zoo, we get a membership every year, we spend more time sitting at one of the animals, instead of hurying to get through, i love having a membership.. really can enjoy this way

DeePoochie

It was a lovely afternoon with our family. The Zoo is suprisingly large and we enjoyed to walk around and also take the little train to relax and cool off from the sun. I was suprised at how many animals there was at this little zoo. We loved to see the monkeys, tigers and bears. Some of the other animals were wolves, foxes, birds of prey, moose and farm animals etc. We loved all the animals that were there. With a playpark for the children in the centre to keep them entertained inbetween. You can purchase some animal feed for the goats and pigs etc. I personally loved the minature shetland ponies. There is a lovely gift shop too. The staff were amazing helpful and polite. Will return next year when we visit.

KenF485

Dakota Zoo was certainly a pleasant surprise. It has been more than 20 years since I last visited. New exhibits added, old exhibits changed but the staff are just as friendly and knowledgable. The train always was a favorite with my children and now is a favorite of my grandchildren. I do miss the ol' bear but I'm sure the new bears are up to replacing him.

D.Fry

Spent a pleasant afternoon exploring this quaint little zoo, Not expensive to visit, take your time wandering around the many exhibits.

Explorecreate

The animals seem happier at this zoo. The Bismarck Zoo is a small zoo that has clearly gone to a great deal of effort and expense to make the animals as happy as possible. The habitats are nicer, more interesting, larger and more natural looking than they are in so many other zoos. I often have a bit of a problem with zoos, because I want to be able to preserve a species and see it alive, but I don't feel comfortable seeing large wild animals in small glass boxes with concrete floors. Here, I don't have to worry about that. Take advantage of the special days when they extend their hours on a few summer days (since the daylight hours are longer) - that way you beat the heat and have a lovely early evening.

GabePharm

I like the Dakota Zoo for my young kids there is plenty to keep them entertained for hours. They have very nice play area and a nice variety of animals. They are continuing to grow which is also nice to see!

daneitahargett

I was alittle disappointed because I wanted to see the moose and their attraction was empty along with a few more.

LB16

Children of all ages will enjoy the zoo. Tigers, bears, alligators, monkeys, Bald Eagles, a petting area, and more. It's good value for money. The petting area is right inside the main gate and it even has food dispensers if your little ones want to feed the goats. There's an indoor area with learning displays where you can practice milking a cow. The zoo Train is a great way to see some of the outlying exhibits, get the overall layout fixed in your mind, and learn something about the animals. Once you have the layout, go find your favorites. When you have walked as far as you want, take a break, buy the kids some cotton candy and let them wear themselves out at the playground while you enjoy an ice cream.

sunshineaddict99

We had an absolute blast here with our 2 kids (2,4) so much to see. I'd recommend riding the train first to see what you'd like to go to and spend time at. The train doesn't stop but they have a PA system and explain everything and for $2.50 each you can't go wrong. I'd also recommend spending time with the tigers so crazy to see in person. If you have time make sure you keep driving down just past the main entrance of the zoo to superslides, It's an amusement Park which is free to get in. I believe the tokens were $. 75 each and rides took 2 or 3 each.

247rossb

Great weather. My Grandson loved riding on the train & looking at & feeding the animals. Would like to see more exotic animals.