We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Bismarck
Log in Join
More
    Help Centre

    The Dakota Zoo

    246 Reviews
    #2 of 34 things to do in Bismarck
    Features Animals
    Zoos & Aquariums, Nature & Parks, Outdoor Activities
    602 Riverside Park Rd, Box 711, Bismarck, ND 58504
    +1 701-223-7543
    Website
    Save
    All photos (58)
    Full view
    Certificate of Excellence
    Review Highlights
    “Great place for small kids”

    First time visiting. For a smaller zoo, it was nice. My group were all adults, and I felt it was... read more

    Reviewed 24 August 2017
    tameez1
    ,
    Des Moines, Iowa
    “Family trip ”

    Great zoo to visit with family! We loved the monkeys and feeding all the farm animals! I would... read more

    Reviewed 14 August 2017
    bremecham
    ,
    Bismarck, North Dakota
    via mobile
    Read all 246 reviews
    Map
    Satellite
    Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info.
    Reset zoom
    Overview
    More
    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.

    About The Dakota Zoo

    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.
    4.5
    246 reviews
    • Excellent53%
    • Very good35%
    • Average10%
    • Poor1%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “train ride” (28 reviews)
    “big cats” (10 reviews)
    “farm animals” (5 reviews)
    Closed
    Hours
    Hours Today: Closed
    Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
    LOCATION
    602 Riverside Park Rd, Box 711, Bismarck, ND 58504
    CONTACT
    Website
    +1 701-223-7543
    Improve This Listing
    Write a Review
    JPMiles / Payback Arrow
    50
    JPMiles / Payback Arrow
    Reviews (246)
    Traveller rating
    Traveller type
    Time of year
    Language
    All reviews
    "train ride"
    in 28 reviews
    "big cats"
    in 10 reviews
    "farm animals"
    in 5 reviews
    "great family"
    in 4 reviews
    "large variety of animals"
    in 4 reviews
    "well taken care"
    in 4 reviews
    "monkey exhibit"
    in 4 reviews
    "discovery center"
    in 3 reviews
    "monkey house"
    in 3 reviews
    "spider monkeys"
    in 3 reviews
    "snack bar"
    in 3 reviews
    "bison"
    in 7 reviews
    "kids love"
    in 3 reviews
    "walk around"
    in 5 reviews
    "few hours"
    in 8 reviews
    "gift shop"
    in 10 reviews
    "well worth the visit"
    in 3 reviews
    Filter

    11 - 20 of 246 reviews

    Reviewed 24 August 2017
    Great place for small kids

    First time visiting. For a smaller zoo, it was nice. My group were all adults, and I felt it was more tailored to little kids vs whole family. Several enclosers were empty. Lots off weeds growing everywhere.

    Ask tameez1 about The Dakota Zoo
    Thank tameez1
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 14 August 2017 via mobile
    Family trip

    Great zoo to visit with family! We loved the monkeys and feeding all the farm animals! I would recommend this zoo to anyone!!

    Ask bremecham about The Dakota Zoo
    Thank bremecham
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 9 August 2017
    Day with Friends

    Me and a friend took her 2 little boys. It was a nice day. They keep doing up dates to the Bismarck Zoo.

    Ask Ranita M about The Dakota Zoo
    Thank Ranita M
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    See more reviews
    Reviewed 8 August 2017 via mobile
    Wonderful Place!

    The Dakota Zoo has it all and that is especially true if you are looking for a fun time with children. There is a wonderful playground, good snacks, train rides and best of all many interesting animals. Kids can even feed some if he animals....More

    Ask Patrice58503 about The Dakota Zoo
    1  Thank Patrice58503
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 8 August 2017 via mobile
    Mrs Unruh

    Great place for visiting and also for camps for kids of all ages. Become a member and you also get discounts at other zoos.

    Ask nora U about The Dakota Zoo
    Thank nora U
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 30 July 2017
    Solid Zoo For a Small Town

    The zoo has lots of animals but it is very spread out so you may need a stroller for younger kids. The monkeys and petting area of small horses are the best exhibits. I love how the zoo has a reciprocity agreement with the Red...More

    Ask Busboy19 about The Dakota Zoo
    1  Thank Busboy19
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 25 July 2017 via mobile
    Visit with Grandaughter

    Visited with Granddaughter. Nice zoo setup, nice train ride, good selection of animals.something for everyone to see.

    Ask DBsputer about The Dakota Zoo
    2  Thank DBsputer
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 23 July 2017 via mobile
    North Dakota

    Fun place to see animals. It's not a big zoo so it made for a nice lazy afternoon. Kids loved seeing the variety of animals. Also not an expensive afternoon. Good for a budget.

    Ask uvawisedude about The Dakota Zoo
    1  Thank uvawisedude
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 19 July 2017
    Great Small Zoo

    Very kind and knowledgeable staff. Exhibits are well done, with animals having both indoor and outdoor spaces. Particularly enjoyed bear exhibit.

    Ask Vivgoesvroom about The Dakota Zoo
    1  Thank Vivgoesvroom
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 8 July 2017 via mobile
    Great Zoo

    Nice variety of happy animals. You can take the train around the park or put some walking shoes on and get your steps in while looking for the animals in their nice big enclosures. Definitely go if you like Zoos!

    Ask SarahLynnCates about The Dakota Zoo
    2  Thank SarahLynnCates
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    123456…25
    Nearby
    Nearby HotelsSee all 32 hotels in Bismarck
    Fairfield Inn & Suites Bismarck South
    104 reviews
    1.19 km away
    Expressway Suites
    91 reviews
    1.40 km away
    Ramkota Hotel
    812 reviews
    1.42 km away
    EverSpring Inn & Suites - Bismarck
    156 reviews
    1.49 km away
    Nearby Restaurants
    HuHot Mongolian Grill
    85 reviews
    1.60 km away
    Ground Round Restaurant
    92 reviews
    1.49 km away
    Broadway Grill & Tavern
    73 reviews
    1.53 km away
    Steep Me A Cup of Tea
    21 reviews
    1.60 km away
    Nearby Attractions
    Missouri River
    114 reviews
    1.19 km away
    Raging Rivers Waterpark
    37 reviews
    1.59 km away
    Superslide Amusement Park
    25 reviews
    .29 km away
    Ask a question
    Questions & Answers
    Roxann B
    11 July 2016|
    Answer
    Response from Brian H | Reviewed this property |
    $7.50 for adults 13+ $4.50 for kids 2-12 $6.50 for seniors According to the website
    1
    Vote
    Hwy9
    7 August 2015|
    Answer
    Response from Larry K | Property representative |
    We have one electric scooter and several push type chairs available for free on a first come first served basis. We ask for a set of car keys or drivers license as security while you have them checked out. Please ask at the... More
    3
    Votes