Red River Zoo
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Red River Zoo

4.4
·2k reviews·Fargo, United States

A charming zoo focusing on animals from similar climates, featuring red pandas, red river hogs, and interactive feeding.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Animals are active, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Red River Zoo

Red River Zoo

Best Time

Morning

Animals are active, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming zoo focusing on animals from similar climates, featuring red pandas, red river hogs, and interactive feeding.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"Definitely a place to visit and come back year round."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Quarters for Feeding

Purchase food for designated animals like goats and koi fish for an interactive experience. :coin:

Check for Special Events

The zoo hosts various events, including holiday lights and keeper talks. :calendar:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Red Pandas

Red Pandas

Exhibit Area

These adorable, arboreal mammals are a must-see, often found climbing and playing in their habitat.

Reddit
Red River Hogs

Red River Hogs

African Veldt

Discover these unique wild pigs, known for their distinctive facial markings and playful nature.

Instagram+1
Meerkat Colony

Meerkat Colony

Exhibit Area

Watch these social and curious creatures as they stand guard and interact in their bustling colony.

Reddit
Petting Zoo & Carousel

Petting Zoo & Carousel

Children's Area

A hit with kids, offering opportunities to feed goats and chickens, plus a fun carousel ride.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat & Crowds

Fargo can get surprisingly hot, so plan your visit for cooler mornings or late afternoons. Many animals retreat during peak heat, and crowds thin out after lunch, making it easier to see everything. Bring quarters for animal feeding opportunities! Reddit

Maximize Your Visit

While not the largest zoo, the Red River Zoo offers a charming experience with animals from similar climates. Consider purchasing quarters for animal feeding and check for special events or carousel rides to enhance your visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Animals are active, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, animals re-emerge
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📢🐒 New arrivals at the Red River Zoo! We’re thrilled to welcome Noah and Peanut Butter, two critically endangered pied tamarins, to the Red River Zoo! See comments for the full press release to learn more.💚
redriverzoo
86 likes • 1.3K views

Bring Quarters for Feeding

Purchase food for designated animals like goats and koi fish for an interactive experience. :coin: Reddit

Check for Special Events

The zoo hosts various events, including holiday lights and keeper talks. :calendar:

Evie the red river hog is loving this spring weather! 🌸 Her animal care team took her on a stroll around the Zoo to provide enrichment for her and some of the other animal residents. She even got to end her walk with her favorite belly rubs to congratulate her on a job well done! #redriverhog #animalambassador
kansascityzoo
1.4K likes • 16.6K views
Hamish is on the moo-ve! This fluffy adventurer took a stroll through the Zoo, meeting the red river hogs and rhinos along the way! 🐷 🦏 Join us daily at 11 am at the Historic Farm for a Hamish Keeper Chat, where our Zookeepers tell you all about Highland cows. 🐮
nashvillezoo
4.7K likes • 45.3K views

Beat the Heat

Visit during cooler parts of the day; animals may hide during peak heat. :sunwithface:

Kid-Friendly Fun

Don't miss the petting zoo and carousel for younger visitors. :child:

10 Things in Fargo you need to experience: 1. Explore Downtown 2. Visit the Red River Zoo 3. Attend Outdoor Concerts 4. Cheer on the F-M Redhawks 5. Walk through local Parks and Trails 6. Shop at the Brewhalla Market 7. Tour the Botanical Gardens 8. Relax at a Coffee Shop 9. Play some golf at Suite Shots 10. Check out the Red River Market #NDSU #FargoMoorhead
ndsu.official
635 likes • 16.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Quarters for Feeding

Purchase food for designated animals like goats and koi fish for an interactive experience. :coin: Reddit

Check for Special Events

The zoo hosts various events, including holiday lights and keeper talks. :calendar:

Beat the Heat

Visit during cooler parts of the day; animals may hide during peak heat. :sunwithface:

Kid-Friendly Fun

Don't miss the petting zoo and carousel for younger visitors. :child:

Plan for 1.5 Hours

A moderate pace allows you to see most exhibits comfortably. :stopwatch:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Red River Zoo to be a charming and enjoyable experience, particularly for families. While some note it's not the largest zoo, the well-maintained exhibits, friendly staff, and interactive feeding opportunities make it a worthwhile visit. Some animals may be less visible during peak heat, and the layout can occasionally require backtracking.

"This place was so awesome! It was a hot day so some of the animals were hidden, but once we came back around we were able to see most of them. There is an area where you can pet and feed some animals ($0.25) and in another area you can feed koi fish! Definitely a place to visit and come back year round."

Jessica M.

"Red River Zoo offers vistors a modest collection of animals and exhibits. Landscaping was very appealing as well as the various exhibit houses. A moderately quick tour took 1.5 hrs. Bring quarters to purchase food for the designated animals. The staff was very friendly and welcoming."

MTT Comm

"I went to the Red River Zoo on the 20th of June with my Daughter and my Wife. It was a lot of fun! My daughter loved the animals and exhibits. I think the goats and the chickens are her favorites! The carousel was fun for us and the building was a great place to escape the heat and cool off with a soda and some dippin dots.
Some of the animals don't look the best but it was nice to get out and see them."

Slim

What People Like

Interactive animal feeding
Kid-friendly play area
Friendly and welcoming staff

What People Dislike

Animals hiding in heat
Layout requires backtracking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Red River Zoo is located in Fargo, North Dakota. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors mention it as a key attraction when exploring Fargo. Instagram+1

Information on public transportation routes directly to the zoo can be limited. It's often recommended to check local Fargo transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving. Instagram

While the zoo is relatively compact, some visitors note that the layout can require backtracking. Picking up a zoo map upon arrival can help you plan your route efficiently. Reddit

Yes, the Red River Zoo is often visited alongside other Fargo attractions like downtown exploration, local markets, and parks. Instagram+1

The zoo typically offers on-site parking for visitors. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially on busy days, to secure a good spot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Red River Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Reddit

Admission prices for the Red River Zoo are generally considered reasonable. While specific costs can change, visitors often mention bringing quarters for animal feeding, which is an additional small fee. Reddit

Purchasing Red River Zoo tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to save time and guarantee entry. Reddit

Keep an eye out for potential Red River Zoo coupons or membership benefits. Sometimes local partnerships or seasonal promotions offer discounts. Reddit

A Red River Zoo membership can offer benefits like free admission throughout the year and discounts on special events. It's a great option if you plan to visit multiple times. Reddit

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

Visitors frequently highlight the red pandas, red river hogs, and meerkats as popular attractions. The zoo features animals from similar climates, offering a unique collection. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, you can purchase food for specific animals, such as goats and koi fish, for a small fee. Remember to bring quarters for these interactive experiences! :coin: Reddit

The zoo has a dedicated kids' play area, including a carousel and a petting zoo where children can interact with and feed animals like goats and chickens. :child: Reddit

Generally, outside food and drinks are permitted, but it's always a good idea to check the zoo's specific policy. There are also concessions available for purchasing snacks and beverages. Reddit

The Red River Zoo is generally accessible, with paved pathways suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some areas might have slight inclines. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Look for well-lit enclosures and try to capture animals in natural poses. The red pandas and red river hogs often make for great photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and potentially more active animals, leading to better photographic results. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always be mindful of signage. Reddit

Yes, telephoto lenses are useful for capturing close-ups of animals without disturbing them. Ensure your lens is appropriate for the enclosure sizes. Reddit

Try to capture the animals' behaviors – climbing, interacting, or resting. Candid shots often tell a better story than posed ones. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Red River Zoo is a fantastic choice for families. The petting zoo and carousel are huge hits, offering hands-on fun and classic amusement. Reddit Remember to bring quarters for animal feeding opportunities, which kids absolutely love! Reddit The zoo also has a dedicated play area for little ones to run around. Plan for a visit during cooler parts of the day to keep everyone comfortable, and consider checking for any special events the zoo might be hosting. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Red River Zoo offers an affordable outing. Admission prices are generally reasonable, and the opportunity to purchase small amounts of animal feed for a quarter provides a lot of interactive value without breaking the bank. Reddit Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid potential weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Reddit Packing your own snacks and drinks can also help keep costs down. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Red River Zoo offers opportunities to capture unique shots, especially of its climate-specific animals like red pandas and red river hogs. Instagram+1 Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best natural light and more active subjects. Reddit While flash photography may be restricted, a telephoto lens can be invaluable for getting close-up shots without disturbing the animals. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Red River Zoo's Animal Collection

The Red River Zoo boasts a diverse collection of approximately 300 animals, with a focus on species from similar climates. This unique approach means you won't find polar bears or tropical rainforest creatures, but rather animals that thrive in temperate environments, much like the Red River Valley itself. Popular highlights include the charming red pandas, known for their arboreal antics, and the striking red river hogs with their distinctive facial markings. Instagram+1 Visitors also rave about the active meerkat colony, always a fascinating sight as they stand guard and interact. Reddit

Beyond these stars, the zoo offers encounters with a variety of other fascinating creatures. You might spot wolves, foxes, prairie dogs, bald eagles, and lynx, showcasing the wildlife that can be found in North American temperate zones. The zoo's commitment to animals from similar climates not only provides a cohesive viewing experience but also supports conservation efforts for species that may not be as globally recognized. Reddit

For a more hands-on experience, the zoo provides opportunities for animal feeding. With the purchase of quarters, visitors can feed designated animals like goats and chickens in the petting zoo area, or even koi fish. This interactive element is a significant draw, especially for families, making the visit more engaging and memorable. Reddit

Family Fun and Activities at the Red River Zoo

The Red River Zoo is a fantastic destination for families, offering more than just animal viewing. A dedicated kids' play area provides ample space for children to burn off energy. The carousel is a perennial favorite, offering classic fun for all ages, and the small playground is perfect for younger visitors to explore. Reddit

One of the most beloved aspects for families is the petting zoo. Here, children can get up close and personal with friendly farm animals like goats and chickens. The opportunity to feed these animals (for a small fee, typically requiring quarters) creates a memorable and interactive experience that kids often talk about long after the visit. Reddit

Beyond the permanent attractions, the Red River Zoo frequently hosts special events throughout the year. These can range from educational keeper talks to seasonal celebrations, like the popular Zoo Lights during the holidays. Checking the zoo's event calendar before your visit can help you plan around these engaging activities and make your family's trip even more special. InstagramReddit

Navigating and Experiencing the Red River Zoo

When planning your visit to the Red River Zoo, it's helpful to know that while it offers a charming experience, it's not an expansive park. Most visitors find that a moderate pace allows them to see all the exhibits comfortably within about 1.5 hours. Reddit Some guests have noted that the layout can sometimes require backtracking, so grabbing a zoo map upon entry can be beneficial for planning an efficient route. Reddit

Timing is key to maximizing your enjoyment. Fargo can experience significant heat, especially during summer. To avoid the midday sun and ensure you see the animals at their most active, aim for early morning visits or late afternoon excursions. During these times, the crowds are also typically thinner, allowing for a more relaxed and personal experience with the exhibits. Reddit

For those looking to enhance their visit, consider the interactive feeding opportunities. Bringing quarters to purchase food for the designated animals is a popular activity that adds an extra layer of engagement, particularly for children. Reddit Additionally, keep an eye on the zoo's schedule for special events and keeper talks, which can offer unique insights and add to the overall experience. Instagram