Red River Zoo

Of all the things to do with kids in Fargo, the Red River Zoo should top the list. You can spend hours visiting over 89 species, riding an antique carousel, and playing in the new interactive children’s exhibits.

Fargo’s zoo features both native and exotic animals found in similar climate conditions as the Red River Valley. They specialize in the care and breeding of some of the rarest cold climate species on earth.

You can visit unique species like Chinese Red Pandas, Pallas’ Cats, and Sichuan Takin, North American animals like deer, otters, fox, wolves, and prairie dogs, and tons of other fun animals including reptiles, birds, monkeys, fish, and farm animals.

Make sure to stop by the colored pencil fence, made up of over 1,000 large colored pencils!

If you’re looking for fun things to do with the family in Fargo, ND, you’ve definitely found one.

HOURS
Please click on the website link above to see the most current hours.

ADMISSION
Adults: $13.75
Seniors (60+): $12.75
Children Ages 2-14: $11.25
Children Under 2 : Free
Zoo members: Free 

TOURS
1-hour Guided Tour
• $6 per person, $60 minimum for your group
• 60 minutes, led by a Red River Zoo educator
• Reservations required

Have an animal expert show you around the Zoo’s most popular exhibits, explaining the various animals, their habitats, and the history of the Red River Zoo in Fargo, ND.

1.5-hour Guided Tour
• $8 per person, $80 minimum for your group
• 90 minutes, led by a Red River Zoo educator
• Reservations required

Get an in-depth look at one section of the Red River Zoo: North America, Asia, or the Children’s Zoo Farm, with a special behind-the-scenes viewing of the camel arena.

30-minute Training Demonstration
• $250 per presentation
• 30 minutes, led by a Red River Zookeeper and a veterinary staff member
• Reservations required

Observe a live training demonstration with one of the species at the Zoo.

EXPERIENCES
Critter Close-Up
• $1 per person, $25 minimum for your group
• 20 minutes, presented by a Red River Zoo educator
• Reservations required

Groups can participate in a special close-up animal encounter while at Fargo’s Zoo! Just call ahead to schedule one of these close encounters with the animals.

Family Campouts
• $25 per adult, $15 per child (12 and under), or $75 family bundle
• various dates throughout the summer
• Reservations required

Camp out on the Red River Zoo’s lawn with your family, and spend the evening learning about wildlife and outdoor recreation. Spend time with the animals, roast marshmallows, watch movies, make crafts, bird watch, and take a special lights-out tour of the Zoo.

Events at the Zoo
Throughout the year, the Fargo Zoo hosts various events including Mothers and Fathers Day celebrations, campouts, Zoo Brew (a beer and live music event), and Zoolebration (their annual gala). Check the website for the most up-to-date calendar of events at the Zoo.

OTHER INFO
Wagons & carts
A limited number of wagons, safari carts, and manual wheelchairs are available for free on a first come, first serve basis.

Food
A small cafe sits near the center of the exhibits, so you can grab refreshments as you wander through the Red River Zoo. Inside the pavilion, snacks and candy are also sold.

FUN FACTS
• The Zoo focuses on cold-climate species, so those camels you see actually love the cold!
• You can ride an antique, 1928 carousel for just $2
• The Fargo, ND, Red River Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) – only 10% of all licensed animal exhibitors in the US have this status

HISTORY
The idea for the Red River Zoo was born in 1993 by the Red River Zoological Society, but it wasn’t until 1999 that the Red River Zoo was opened to the public in Fargo, North Dakota.

Construction was originally funded by philanthropic gifts and in-kind services. The initial 34-acre site included only seven trees and a few old farm buildings. That has since been transformed into 22 developed acres of exhibits featuring a collection of over 90 species from around the world.

The Red River Zoo is one of only four zoos in the state, topping lists of things to do in North Dakota.

The Red River Zoo in Fargo is the perfect venue for unique and memorable events like company picnics, exclusive dinners and corporate meetings. While visiting the Zoo, you are sure to enjoy a spin on our fully-restored 1928 Allen Herschell carousel, visit the Trapper's Cabin to see the wolves nose to nose and set up a reception in the Interpretive Center in the new Children’s Zoo Farm.