Roosevelt Park Zoo | Minot

The Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot is one of North Dakota’s oldest and most beloved zoological attractions, blending family-friendly exploration with a genuine commitment to animal care and education. Nestled along the leafy curves of Roosevelt Park beside the Souris River, the zoo feels more like a nature walk through a living landscape than a traditional urban attraction-shaded paths, soft rustling trees, and the hum of wildlife forming a calm and inviting rhythm.

History and Development
Established in 1920, the Roosevelt Park Zoo began modestly, housing a handful of animals in small enclosures. Over the decades, it evolved into a modern wildlife facility emphasizing natural habitats and conservation. After severe flooding in 2011, the zoo underwent extensive restoration and redesign, emerging stronger with improved landscapes, elevated walkways, and environmentally sustainable enclosures. Its recovery became a symbol of resilience for the entire Minot community.

Exhibits and Animal Highlights
Today, the zoo spans more than 20 acres and houses a diverse collection of species from around the world. Its African Plains exhibit features lions, zebras, and giraffes, often grazing against the soft backdrop of prairie grass and sky. The Asian Highlands area introduces visitors to tigers, red pandas, and snow leopards, each set within carefully recreated habitats that mirror their natural terrain.

The Aquatics and Tropics Building brings a shift in atmosphere-warm, humid air filled with the calls of tropical birds and the splash of fish tanks. In contrast, the North American region focuses on local wildlife, such as bison, wolves, and river otters, emphasizing the region’s ecological connections. The Children’s Zoo offers hands-on experiences with goats, miniature horses, and other gentle farm animals, making it a favorite among younger visitors.

Atmosphere and Design
What distinguishes the Roosevelt Park Zoo is its thoughtful balance between space and intimacy. Many enclosures use natural barriers-streams, rockwork, and vegetation-rather than fences, allowing unobstructed views while preserving a sense of openness. Winding pathways lead through shaded groves, past waterfalls and picnic areas, encouraging visitors to explore at a relaxed pace. Benches placed near enclosures invite quiet observation-the perfect spot to watch a tiger stretch under the morning sun or a giraffe nibble lazily on treetop leaves.

In spring, the zoo bursts into color as tulips and lilacs bloom across the park, while autumn paints the trees in gold and rust tones. Each season gives the zoo a distinct personality, making it worth revisiting throughout the year.

Education and Conservation Efforts
The zoo’s mission extends beyond exhibition. Through its education center and year-round programs, it fosters awareness of global conservation issues and local ecosystems. School groups, families, and community volunteers often participate in wildlife talks, feeding sessions, and seasonal events such as Zoo Boo or Wild About Wheels. The staff’s approachable nature and passion for wildlife give the place a warm, communal spirit.

In Essence
The Roosevelt Park Zoo is more than a collection of animals-it’s a living classroom and a reflection of Minot’s enduring care for its natural surroundings. It invites visitors to slow down, observe, and reconnect with the beauty of the animal world, whether through the calm gaze of a snow leopard or the playful chatter of monkeys in the trees. In the heart of North Dakota, this zoo remains a rare combination of education, conservation, and quiet wonder beneath the prairie sky.