Dakota Zoo

Dakota Zoo Visit www.dakotazoo.org for more information, or call us at (701) 223 7543. We hope to see you soon!
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The Dakota Zoo was founded in 1961 by Marc & Betty Christianson with the help of a host of dedicated volunteers. The Dakota Zoo opened its gates on June 3, 1961 on 15 acres of developed land, with 75 mammals and 23 birds, and 40,000 visitors passed through the gates that first year. Today, thanks to the continued support of members, visitors, donors and volunteers, the Dakota Zoo has grown to a 90

acre facility housing 600 animals, birds, reptiles and fish representing 125 species and visited by more than 150,000 people each year.

Hope to see you at the zoo this weekend! Open daily 10am to 6pm through September 27th. Winter hours begin October 2nd. ...
08/28/2026

Hope to see you at the zoo this weekend!

Open daily 10am to 6pm through September 27th. Winter hours begin October 2nd.

📸 by keepers Shannon, Cade, and Keira

08/23/2026

Yesterday one of our keepers heard our first bugle of the season! 💥🎺🦌

It came from Ernie, our bull elk, who can be found at the center of the wilderness trail along with his herd! “Bugling” is done by male elk for a few reasons, but the main purpose is to be heard and warn others of their territory. The bugle can sound like a roar, a whistle, and then small barks, or a combination of any of the three.

He will continue to do this throughout the fall, but usually he can be heard bugling the most during September. Come out and see if you get lucky and hear the bugle too! 🎶🎵

Open daily 10am to 6pm through September 27th. Winter hours begin October 2nd.

🎥 by Keeper Shannon

Juliet’s just checking in to see if you’re coming to the zoo this weekend! ☀️Open daily 10am to 6pm through September 27...
08/21/2026

Juliet’s just checking in to see if you’re coming to the zoo this weekend! ☀️

Open daily 10am to 6pm through September 27th! Winter hours begin October 2nd.

📷 by Keeper Keira

School is back in session! Starting Wednesday, August 19th the Concession Stand hours will be reduced to 3pm-6pm as most...
08/19/2026

School is back in session! Starting Wednesday, August 19th the Concession Stand hours will be reduced to 3pm-6pm as most of our employees return to school. The train will run during those hours. The zoo will still be open otherwise from 10am to 6pm daily through September 27th with normal concessions stand hours on the weekends. Thank you for another great summer!

Starting Wednesday, August 19th the Concession Stand hours will be reduced to 3pm-6pm as most of our employees return to...
08/16/2026

Starting Wednesday, August 19th the Concession Stand hours will be reduced to 3pm-6pm as most of our employees return to school. The train will run during those hours. The zoo will still be open otherwise from 10am to 6pm daily through September 27th with normal concessions stand hours on the weekends. Thank you for another great summer!

It’s a nice morning for breakfast! 🥞 8-10am
08/15/2026

It’s a nice morning for breakfast! 🥞 8-10am

08/11/2026

Keeper POV. Hanging out with Niko (by the fence). 🐯 💙

🎥 by Senior Keeper Shannon

Happy Monday! Open daily 10am to 6pm. Plan your visit before school starts! 📷 by Keeper Keira 🐱
08/10/2026

Happy Monday! Open daily 10am to 6pm. Plan your visit before school starts!

📷 by Keeper Keira 🐱

Address

602 Riverside Park Road
Bismarck, ND
58504

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+17012237543

Website

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