In 2023, the state’s premier zoological garden is set to open a brand new Minnesota attraction in the form of an elevated walking trail. In fact, the Minnesota Zoo’s 1.25-mile Treetop Trail, on completion, will be the longest elevated walking loop in the world.
At nearly 500 acres, the Minnesota Zoo is one of the largest in the United States.
Olivia P/TripAdvisor
The zoo’s outdoor exhibits consist primarily of animals that come from - or can tolerate - climates similar to that of Minnesota.
Runner1928/Wikimedia Commons In addition to native species, such as wolves, bison, and moose, the zoo is also home to more exotic species like brown bears, Amur tigers, and Amur leopards.
To assist visitors in getting around the park, a monorail operated on the property for almost 30 years.
Michael Hicks/Wikimedia Commons However, because the Zoo could no longer obtain parts to maintain its monorail, it decommissioned the tram in 2013.
The zoo later announced plans to convert the old monorail track into an elevated walking path.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
After a lengthy planning stage, the zoo broke ground on the Treetop Trail in 2022.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
Like the monorail, the trail will loop throughout the zoo.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
Visitors will walk at a height of 32 feet over some of the zoos most pristine habitat.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
This includes more than 200 untouched acres of zoo-managed property.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
The Treetop Trail will open in 2023 as the longest elevated walking loop in the world.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
Follow the zoo’s Facebook page for updates and to keep up with information on the Treetop Trail. The Minnesota Zoo is also an awesome spot to visit for seasonal events, such as its Farm Babies encounter in the spring, as well as its Halloween trail and holiday lights display.
Olivia P/TripAdvisor
Runner1928/Wikimedia Commons
In addition to native species, such as wolves, bison, and moose, the zoo is also home to more exotic species like brown bears, Amur tigers, and Amur leopards.
Michael Hicks/Wikimedia Commons
However, because the Zoo could no longer obtain parts to maintain its monorail, it decommissioned the tram in 2013.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
Do you plan to walk the Treetop Trail at the Minnesota Zoo? What are some other brand-new attractions in Minnesota that folks should know about?
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Address: Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA
