Lake Superior Zoo
A zoo featuring diverse animals, including rescued SeaQuest residents, with a focus on naturalistic exhibits and educational experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Lake Superior Zoo
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A zoo featuring diverse animals, including rescued SeaQuest residents, with a focus on naturalistic exhibits and educational experiences.
"While some praise its natural paths, recent reviews highlight serious concerns about animal welfare and exhibit maintenance."
🎯 Check Animal Welfare Updates
Recent reviews mention maintenance issues. Research current conditions before your visit.
🎟️ Book Red Panda Feeding
This popular experience sells out! Book in advance for a chance to feed the red pandas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playful Otters
Otter exhibit
Watch these adorable and energetic otters splash and play – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Red Panda Feeding
Red Panda exhibit
Experience a unique feeding session and learn fascinating facts from knowledgeable zookeepers.
SeaQuest Rescues
Various exhibits
See the animals rescued from SeaQuest, now finding a new home and care at the zoo.
Barnyard Buddies
Barnyard area
Interact with friendly and docile farm animals like Kunekune pigs, known for their gentle nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Wonders & Indoor Escapes
Animal Welfare Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Animal Welfare Updates
Recent reviews mention maintenance issues. Research current conditions before your visit. +1
🎟️ Book Red Panda Feeding
This popular experience sells out! Book in advance for a chance to feed the red pandas.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The zoo has natural walking paths; wear comfy shoes for exploring.
❄️ Winter Zoo Fun
Many animals are indoors during winter, making it a viable option for cold-weather visits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Animal Welfare Updates
Recent reviews mention maintenance issues. Research current conditions before your visit. +1
🎟️ Book Red Panda Feeding
This popular experience sells out! Book in advance for a chance to feed the red pandas.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The zoo has natural walking paths; wear comfy shoes for exploring.
❄️ Winter Zoo Fun
Many animals are indoors during winter, making it a viable option for cold-weather visits.
🎨 Support Animal Art
Purchase unique artwork created by the zoo's talented otters!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for the Lake Superior Zoo are mixed, with some visitors praising its natural paths and engaging animal encounters like the otters and red panda feedings. However, a significant number of recent reviews express serious concerns about animal welfare, citing overgrown exhibits, lack of clean water, and insufficient enrichment. +2
"Lovely zoo!! Great natural walking paths and the animals seem very well cared for. We did the red panda feeding and the staff member who did our experience was great and knowledgeable. My girls fed her grapes on a stick and she ate her bamboo :)"
Tracy Ehrenberg
"Genuinely speaking, if I could give negative stars, I would. These animals are not getting quality care. Nearly all of the exhibits are horrifically overgrown and unmaintained. Most of the exhibits don’t have clean or fresh… or literally any water. The cougar’s water area was bone dry, the bears had green water, the birds had mud puddles. The lion’s exhibit is absurdly small. None of these animals seemed happy at all. Most of them had zero enrichment in their exhibits. Oh! And most exhibits had no shade. It has been hot and to have no clean water or shade is neglectful and honestly abusive. If you can’t care for these animals properly, give them to a zoo or refuge that will. They all seemed so depressed. I have never been so disgusted by a zoo in my entire life."
Catherine Bishop
"I cannot describe to you how horrific the conditions are here. There appears to be little to no maintenance and smell was so foul. There is a reason you have to pay outside of the building.
Almost every single exhibit is incredibly overgrown or it has hardly any vegetation at all.
The pathways look like the weedwacker broke 5+ years ago and they didn't bother to buy a new one. There are dead trees and branches all over.
Every exhibit that had water in it was gross.
Most of the plexiglass was so scratched up or damaged/dirty that you couldn't see the animals.
Several exhibits were closed.
It appears the kangaroo just escaped? There was caution tape and missing fencing. No signage about repairs though.
The signage to get around the zoo was incredibly unhelpful.
I felt like the tribute statues to the polar bears, rhinos, etc. were there to tell you that it used to be a 'nice' zoo.
Overall, very dissatisfied with this trip."
Shannon Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lake Superior Zoo is located in Duluth, Minnesota. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may be limited, so checking local bus routes is recommended if you're not driving.
Yes, the zoo offers on-site parking for visitors. It's generally ample, but can fill up during peak times.
While possible, it might be challenging. Check Duluth's public transit schedules for bus routes that may get you close to the zoo. Ride-sharing services are also an option.
The zoo is located at 7210 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55804. Use your preferred GPS navigation for the most direct route from your starting point.
Duluth offers several attractions, including Canal Park and the Great Lakes Aquarium, which could be combined for a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. It's best to check the official Lake Superior Zoo website for the most current ticket costs and any potential discounts.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during busy periods. Check their website for online booking options.
The zoo has offered special experiences like red panda feedings and mini-train tours. Availability and booking details can be found on their website.
Many zoos offer annual memberships that can provide great value if you plan to visit multiple times a year. Inquire at the zoo or check their website for membership details.
Operating hours can change seasonally. Always check the official Lake Superior Zoo website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including black bears, lions, tigers, kangaroos, prairie dogs, and rescued animals from SeaQuest.
Yes, the zoo is generally considered family-friendly with animals like barnyard creatures and playful otters that kids enjoy. +1
Yes, the zoo has indoor viewing areas for many animals, making it a viable option for visits during colder months or inclement weather.
The zoo has natural walking paths. Some visitors have noted signage can be unhelpful, so a map or GPS might be useful.
The zoo has offered feeding demonstrations, such as for the red pandas, which are highly recommended. Check their schedule for current offerings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the zoo typically has a cafe or concessions offering food and beverages for visitors.
It's generally permitted to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Check the zoo's specific policy on their website.
Concession stands usually offer standard fare. It's best to inquire directly at the cafe for specific dietary options.
The zoo may have designated picnic areas where you can enjoy your own packed meals.
Expect typical zoo fare like hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The otter exhibit, red panda enclosure, and any areas with clear views of the larger animals like tigers and bears can be great for photos.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
Drones are typically not permitted within zoo grounds for the safety of visitors and animals.
A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing animals at varying distances. A wide-angle lens can be good for exhibit landscapes.
Yes, you can photograph the SeaQuest rescue animals, and it's a great way to document their new lives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be aware of recent reviews mentioning potential maintenance and animal welfare concerns.
❤️ Couples & Date Ideas
+1 Consider attending a special feeding or a behind-the-scenes tour if available for a more memorable experience. If you're visiting during the cooler months, the indoor exhibits offer a cozy way to spend time together.
Remember to check recent reviews for any updates on animal conditions, as this might influence the overall experience. 💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Bringing your own snacks and drinks can significantly cut down on food expenses at the zoo's cafe. Look into potential membership options if you plan on visiting multiple times a year, as this can offer savings. Visiting on weekdays generally means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience without the weekend premium. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Animal Welfare Concerns
These observations contrast with earlier positive reviews that praised the zoo's natural walking paths and well-cared-for animals.
For those who still wish to visit, it's recommended to focus on areas that may be better maintained or to support the zoo's efforts to improve conditions. The rescue of animals from SeaQuest has also brought new residents to the zoo, and observing their adaptation can be a point of interest, though it also adds to the responsibility of providing adequate care.
+1The SeaQuest Rescue Initiative
+2 The zoo has since been working to integrate these new residents, helping them acclimate to their new environment and providing them with the necessary care and enrichment. +1Visitors can now see some of these rescued animals, offering a chance to learn about their journey and the importance of such rescue operations. This effort highlights the zoo's commitment to animal welfare beyond its usual inhabitants.
+1 The success of this rescue is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various organizations and individuals dedicated to animal well-being. While the rescue is a positive story, it also means the zoo is managing a larger animal population, which can put additional strain on resources and facilities. It's a complex situation that underscores the ongoing challenges in animal care and conservation.
Winter Visits: A Different Zoo Experience
Animals like monkeys typically move inside, and even bears may adjust their routines, offering a different kind of engagement than their summer activity.
The zoo's indoor spaces allow for a more intimate experience with certain species, and the quiet winter atmosphere can make for a more peaceful visit. Despite the cold, the zoo remains a viable and enjoyable destination. The key is to be prepared for the weather and to understand that the animal activity might differ from warmer months.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit