Minnesota Zoo - Minnesota Trail Renovation
Apple Valley, MN

The Minnesota Trail at the Minnesota Zoo is a covered trail that takes visitors on a journey that displays Minnesota’s diverse species in their native habitats. The existing trail was a concrete walk with blank concrete walls and a wood ceiling to protect visitors from the weather. The overall appearance and character felt like a concrete tunnel with noise echoing down the corridor. The result was a steady decline of visitation over the years.

The renovated exhibit is focused around a northern Minnesota lodge which hosts events, educational seminars and casual gathering opportunities. The lodge acts as a trailhead and prepares visitors for what they are about to experience on the trail. As one leaves the lodge, they encounter the back porch with a family of raccoons that are fed with minnows swimming down a stream. The tunnel has been transformed into an outdoor trail that is more in keeping with a typical walk through the Minnesota woods. Interactive areas for children to experience different species enrich the experience and provide unique opportunities for children to explore and learn about Minnesota wildlife. Since its completion in 2007 attendance is up over 30%!