Dakota Zoo - Bismarck North Dakota

The Dakota Zoo is located in Bismarck, North Dakota. It had its beginning on the 67 acre farm owned by Marc and Betty Christianson. They originally ran the farm as a kennel for domesticated animals, but over the years the animal and bird residents of the farm grew. People began stopping by to see the different animals living there, and the idea of a zoo in the community of Bismarck took hold. 

The Dakota Zoo officially opened in 1961 with 75 animals and 23 birds housed on the fifteen acre area. Visitors paid ten cents for admission. Today, there are over 600 different birds and animals to view and over 100,000 people visit the Dakota Zoo each year. This zoo is self-supporting, and has been an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association since 1991.

Visitors to the zoo can enjoy many activities and they can enjoy train rides that wind throughout the zoo. If visitors want a bite to eat, the concession stand and ice cream parlor offer some appetizing options. There is a children’s play area that allows children and parents an opportunity to take a break and enjoy some playtime. The Antler Trading Post has souvenirs and gifts to delight every visitor.

The Dakota Zoo hosts a wide variety of special events throughout the year. You can have breakfast at the zoo and attend the members’ annual picnic. There are also celebrations for Conservation Day and Children’s Day. Other great things to do include animal Ed-Ventures, which are camps geared to children ages 5-7. Older children can actually camp out on the zoo grounds with various programs designed to give them a fun experience while also learning about the animals at the zoo. There is a junior zookeeper day camp and a wine and beer tasting event of wines or beers with bird or animal names for adults. In December, families can enjoy Saturdays with Santa at the Zoo and participate in the New Years Eve Walk/Run on the zoo grounds.

The summer hours of operation for the Dakota Zoo are in effect from April 29 through September 30. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily with the grounds closing at 7:30 p.m. From June 1 to August 17, the zoo is open until 8:00 p.m. daily with the grounds closing at 8:30 p.m. The winter hours are in effect from October through April 29. The hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with the grounds closing at 5:30. All the hours of operation are dependent on the weather.

The prices for admission are $6 for people ages 13 and up, $3 for children ages 2-12 and children under the age of two are admitted free. Special winter rates are available. It is possible to schedule birthday celebrations at the zoo. Those who wish to can take advantage of several membership options, and this membership not only provides free admission to the zoo and other benefits, it allows members free admission to over one hundred other zoos and aquariums in the U.S.