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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, cooler temps

Red River Zoo
Best Time
Animals are active, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming zoo focusing on animals from similar climates, featuring red pandas, red river hogs, and interactive feeding.
"Definitely a place to visit and come back year round."

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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Red River Hogs
African Veldt
Discover these unique wild pigs, known for their distinctive facial markings and playful nature.

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

Petting Zoo & Carousel
Children's Area
A hit with kids, offering opportunities to feed goats and chickens, plus a fun carousel ride.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Maximize Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
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:
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Red River Zoo is often visited alongside other Fargo attractions like downtown exploration, local markets, and parks.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Keep an eye out for potential Red River Zoo coupons or membership benefits. Sometimes local partnerships or seasonal promotions offer discounts.
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.
🎫 🦁 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.
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:
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:
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.
The Red River Zoo is generally accessible, with paved pathways suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some areas might have slight inclines.
📸 📸 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.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and potentially more active animals, leading to better photographic results.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always be mindful of signage.
Yes, telephoto lenses are useful for capturing close-ups of animals without disturbing them. Ensure your lens is appropriate for the enclosure sizes.
Try to capture the animals' behaviors – climbing, interacting, or resting. Candid shots often tell a better story than posed ones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Red River Zoo's Animal Collection
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.
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.
Family Fun and Activities at the Red River Zoo
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.
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.
Navigating and Experiencing the Red River Zoo
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.
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. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit