Set just outside of Minneapolis in Apple Valley, Minnesota Zoo offers more than 485 acres of immersive wildlife habitats and captivating animal encounters. It’s one of Minnesota’s premier outdoor recreation sites, showcasing species from every continent amid thoughtfully designed naturalistic settings. Joining Rochester Trolley & Tour Company for a hassle-free day trip here means leaving the driving to their professional coaches and focusing solely on adventure, discovery, and family fun.
Your journey begins in Stewartville, MN, boarding a comfortable coach bus that whisks you away to the zoo, allowing you to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about traffic or parking. Upon arrival, your full admission is included, unlocking access to more than 4,500 animals across diverse zones. Among the highlights is the Treetop Trail, a 1.25-mile elevated pedestrian loop rising up to 32 feet above forest levels. It offers a unique vantage to observe birds and native wildlife while traversing the longest elevated loop trail in the world—a rare and engaging experience not found at many zoos.
Venture through themed zones like the Medtronic Minnesota Trail, which spotlights native species in recreated regional habitats. The Tropics Trail introduces visitors to exotic creatures, adding an international flavor to your journey. For live entertainment, the Sea Lion Discovery Show in Discovery Bay captivates audiences with California sea lions demonstrating their agility and intelligence in playful performances. The Wings Credit Union World of Birds Show adds further wonder, featuring hawks, owls, and parrots as they soar overhead in jaw-dropping exhibitions.
The Minnesota Zoo stands apart as a leader in conservation education and rehabilitative care, continually evolving exhibits to foster new generations of wildlife stewards. Rochester Trolley & Tour Company’s all-inclusive service makes it accessible and stress-free, perfect for families, groups, or solo travelers looking to engage with nature in a meaningful yet convenient way. From the moment of pickup to the return trip, you can focus on setting your own pace—whether grabbing lunch from one of the zoo’s cafés or packing a picnic to enjoy at scenic spots.
This experience shines not only for its rich encounters but also for the seamless logistics enabling visitors to maximize their time outdoors. By booking this day trip, you gain more than admission—you gain peace of mind, expert transportation, and a chance to create lasting wildlife memories in one of Minnesota’s most cherished wild spaces. Whether a first-timer or returning visitor, the Minnesota Zoo with Rochester Trolley offers an accessible, educating, and downright fun adventure that guests of all ages will appreciate.