Reviews of Lake Superior Zoo (Zoo)

MS

The Zoo finally opened after a long time - since Covid 19 swept thru the Country. At first, only the Gift Shop was open, under the outside canopy. Now, visitors follow a queue line to the gift shop - admissions... After paying $10 a ticket you follow a marked path down and around the outside. Youbarecasked to donate $1to help feed the animals... You walked, up and down hills.. doing far more walking than animal watching...there didn't appear to be any assistance for those needing help walking. The animals were sleepy when we were there and some were sleeping on raised shelters - adding to the search. There are a few outdoor toilets ... the one out by the picnic grounds was in dire need of cleaning ... I'd rate it an F- for cleanliness. My son was in need of refreshment.. near the petting zoo and we paid .. tax included.. $1.63 for a 7.5 oz can of coke. Wow!!! Once is enough for the season.

Charlie Swans

Was a cute little zoo. Not sure it was worth the 12 dollars we paid to get in. But nice experience.

Leonard Armitage

Price for adult entry

Samantha Cummings

Cute little zoo. Only took a little over an hour to see everything. Not very many animals but the animals they did have were easily seen and well taken care of from the looks of it. We enjoyed it for what it was.

Rachel A

Reservation recommended

Joe Kokonovitz

Wonderful zoo, quality exhibits and very active healthy animals. Small but worth the visit! (expansions in progress) **Bonus of a cool creek with waterfalls near the kangaroos**

Stacey McAtee

The kids enjoyed it. It was about an hour to walk it all. We went on a pretty hot day some of the outside animals were hidden which is to be expected. The indoor exhibits where pretty hot and miserable to walk through but each building was fairly quick to get through.

Shirley Dilly

Animals don't belong in zoos, whether they were rescued or not. The enclosures are just entirely too small, especially for bigger animals that need room to roam. I saw one of the bears pacing back and forth many many times which is a sign of boredom or stress. Same thing for one of the wolves. And I am very confused as to why the lions have an especially small enclosure. If an animal is rescued it should go to a sanctuary where there is room to run and do things that are natural to these animals. That being said, the animals do seem to be well taken care of by the staff.

David Howell

Zoo was great as well as the staff. I wish that some of the animals were not camera shy as well as a few exhibits being empty.

Michael Koska

Pros: Nice scenery Interactive Friendly staff Reciprocity on memberships Cons: It's not elite I didn't have the highest expectations when I visited this zoo, but we managed to burn a solid 3 hours. We were initially impressed with the first view coming out of the entrance. The view is great, but we also saw down in the tiger pit. Moving on we managed to see all the other animals listed. This isn't something you see instead of the San Diego or Henry Doorly Zoo (Omaha, NE). This is something you see while you're in town trying to burn a few hours or if you don't have a zoo near you.

Dave Demars

Attended "Boo at the Zoo" with the family. It was very fun! The kids loved it. It had lots of room and unlike some other zoos I have been to, there was grass and real trees, a river...not just concrete and fake topiary. The zoo had some problems in the past with a major flood and have made a lot of progress to rebuild. It is not bad for an afternoon of fun and education for your kids. If I had any complaint it was that parking was inadequate, but I was there for a special event, I assume a normal day would not be a problem.

Kima June

Really great people working there, nice variety of animals, everything was very clean and neat i would definitely go back

Climbing Kitten

What a great place! Food is good. Animals cute. My favorite was the snow leopard.

Vanessa Pooler

Great zoo with lots of space and healthy happy animals!

Gianna Lattanzio

30–60 min

Roxanne Molskness

Little gem in Duluth. Took a couple hours to explore. You get up close to the animals. Signs have interesting facts. Setting is lovely with the creek running through the zoo. Free with Science Museum membership. Planned expansion in 2019 should really make it a five star zoo. We’ll be back!

Liz Boyd

Price for adult entry

2 Sibs Play

This was a really refreshing place to go with the family. Not overly crowded, plenty to see, and it's great having a place to eat, with a gift shop.

Matthew

Clean and well kept with an emphasis on education. The selection is fairly large, although, most creatures seemed to be asleep during peak hours. As far as zoo's go, it was a pleasant experience. Family friendly and kind, accommodating staff.

Sam

Yes

Geraldine Carty

This is a fairly compact zoo with some decent animal exhibits. They have a couple lions, tiger, snow leopard, and a neat nocturnal animals area. Unfortunately, the glass between the lions and humans is really bad and difficult to see through in some areas. This makes photography a real challenge. The train ride around the zoo was fun and pretty inexpensive.

Nate Forsberg

Very small exhibits. You can see where the animals pace around in the small enclosures. Lack of enrichment for many of the animals. I feel bad for contributing money to this zoo.

Roamin' Rich

Exceed expectations. Highly recommend. Pidge at the Cafe is a rock star!

Ann Perrault

We had the Zoomobile at our Easter event at the Duluth Vineyard, and they were wonderful! They brought a snake, turtle, chicken, and gecko; as well as some other education items to look at. The kids loved it. I'd recommend them for any children's event.

Jesse Reed

Not very large, but has a lot of interesting cats, birds, reptiles and other small creatures. My daughter really liked the nocturnal exhibit.

Sarah Gilmer

Really fun to visit. We went during the week day in the middle of october so not busy at all! Staff was very friendly and greeted us everytime they passed by. The animals were very cute as they were sunbathing (especially the lions, Snow Leopard, and Lynx!). The only complaint would be that they were under construction so we could not see the kangaroos very well. And a couple paths were closed. Obviously once that's done with it'll be back to normal. Would definitely go back again. Really hope they stay open and get a couple animals back that were lost during the flood in 2012. (Middle section was emptied because of the flood).

Sally Quell

The zoo has changed a lot over the years. It has monkeys, kangeroos, lions. A lot of lizards, birds, snakes and small animals. It is missing most of the big animals such as hippos, zebras, camels and such that were there way back when I was a child. It was a beautiful day and enjoyed the walk outdoors.

Melissa Engebretson

Small very neat zoo with a great staff! They have learning programs for children, farm animals, tigers, night time animals, bears and other very unique animals, nice paths to walk on or roll a stroller. If you want your kids to have a great zoo experience I highly recommend this zoo!

leah watts

I live where the Minnesota zoo is and this zoo surpassed the multiple times I’ve been to the MN zoo. All the animals were awake and doing things like eating and playing. There were so many different animals I wouldn’t have thought would be in a zoo, like a armadillo and “mud puppies”. It is so worth it!

Kim Babst

Awesome zoo for a small town. Animals are close to you and easy to see. The bears are fun to watch. Paved paths. Lots of shade. Price is great. I'd definitely go back.

Brett Freeman

If you're in town for the weekend or maybe you have never been here the lake Superior zoo is a fun place to check out. Definitely on the smaller side but perfect for young children to visit. I only rated a 4 due to the size of the zoo being small. The staff are amazing it's always up lifting to come with my children to walk around. Definitely worth the experience.

Eric Sturm

Wonderful zoo!! Very friendly staff and lots of beautiful animals of all kinds!

Sarah Radomsky

Visited on

Eddie Chamberlain

We've been here twice before. It is comparable in size to Como. We enjoyed the nocturnal exhibit and the learning center exhibit. I realize it has some financial hardships, the four stars is for the fact that it's pricey for the size of the venue and facilities

Peace Zone

Small but I was really impressed. Seems carved into a hill of Duluth with good trails thru great natural foliage. Staff friendly. If I lived in Duluth I'd take visitors. If I had two hours to fill whilst there, I'd go again. Went on weekday in July and hardly a crowd at all

Ann Genrich

Very nice zoo. Was good to know that since we are members of the Minnesota Zoo we were able to get in at a lower rate.

Sheena Cabritit

Reservation recommended

METAL BOI

Exceptional customer service considering the burden of employee shortage. Delicious treats and so much fun. 2 hrs in with my 5 yr old and we still hadn't seen it all. Pass is good all day

Michael Coddington

1st time ever going to Boo at the Zoo. It was so much fun, most of the animals were out to actually see and all of the tables that handed out candy for the kids was awesome.

M Mateo

Came on a warm fall day, there were no lines, barely anyone there, it was paradise! I got amazing pictures of animals and the enclosures seemed well set up. The nature landscaping is very pretty too! I loved the pygmy slow loris ????

Diana Waddell

We really enjoyed our visit. Animals were active, and the natural waterfall and stream were an unexpected delight.

Kathy G

I just paid $35 to come here today with my kids only for no animals to be out and a lot of exhibits to be closed. Petting zoo changed and there are barely any animals left, we walked through in like 20 minutes and I wish I could get a refund. Definitely not coming back again, going to an actual zoo. What a sham

Jennifer Ketcham

This zoo has something other zoos we've been to...a nature trail to waterfalls! Might have been the best part. Really loved the zoo in general. Smaller than the minnesota zoo, obviously, but still worth the trip.

Benjamin Streeter (Senguin117)

Went during BOO at the zoo and while busy, it wasn't ridiculously so, got in relatively quick, and they worked well with us as we had a party of 16 people, the food venders they had were awesome!

alice schadewald

Wait time

Alex Sheehy

Took the grand kids to boo in the zoo. Zoo was in great condition, the help was friendly. Kids had a great time.

Kayla Larson

For being the size that it is, it's a wonderful zoo, especially being very well priced. It seems to not be too worse for wear after the major flood a few years ago. It's great for kids and kids-at-heart alike.

Daniel Klug

Nice little zoo. It was a very hot day when we visited so animals were low key but that's to be expected.

Valerie Thorp

How hard is it to expand some of the exhibits? I always feel so bad for the cats especially, and the wolves too. I'm 31 and as long as I can remember the cages have remained the same size. They're tiny compared to other zoo's. I appreciate an attraction to bring my kids to all year round, but I feel like this zoo lacks vision to improve the environments for the animals who live there. I picture their muscles deteriorating as they sit in their tiny cages... the cougars, bobcats and wolves. It's not just me who feels this way. Many locals in Duluth feel the same. Just expand the netting and move the log poles over for Christ sake!

Shawn Reese

The zoo was absolutely wonderful! The staff were all very very nice polite and enthusiastic about teaching my children biodiversity. Being a smaller city The lake superior zoo doesn't have as many of the job dropping mega fauna that you see in larger venues but they make. Up for it in the abundance of smaller incredibly adorable exhibits. Lots of monkeys, lots of reptiles, a few lions, a handful of marsupials, and some really amazing aquatic critters of all types. Admission price is well worth it but watch out with the snacks! I had to take out a second mortgage to get everyone in the family a chocolate dipped frozen banana! It was, to quote the greatly talented and all powerful captain of industry Montgomery Burns, "Excellent"! Enjoy Humans!

Arriana Dilly

A wonderful day of fun for all ages, friends and family alike. When looking for something that the whole family can enjoy this is it. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about and seeing all the animals. We especially enjoyed the butterfly exhibit.

Maya Mattke

I continue to be impressed by the staff at this Zoo. Even before Covid-19, but when we visited today it was clear how passionate they are about what they do and why they choose to work there. The new paths and guidance for safe distancing were clear, employees were nearby to assist at key points, signage was great, and the rearranged exhibits looked great. Plus I love that you can get so close to the animals for an up close and personal experience. And since it was so toasty out, grabbing a refreshing sherbet at concessions was the perfect end to our visit ???? Also, those bear brothers are just the greatest! So interactive with guests and playful! So glad they were able to provide a good home for the orphans, to help educate visitors and provide a safe place to live an enriched life ❤

Jake Maltby

Weekend

Victoria Campbell

What a great place! On the smaller side, but perfect for my six month old and I to explore together. Lots of animals to see and the landscaping/plants are really nice as well. There's even a little stream that runs through the zoo and makes for a pretty walk between exhibits. A recommended visit for those with little ones (and those without too)!

Stacey Hayes

Not sure

Brant Puttkammer

The zoo is following safety protocols for COVID. You get to follow the path, one way, but can go around as many times as you wish. The day we visited it was very quiet and for the most part we had the zoo to ourselves. It was very nicely taken care of and the staff were very friendly.

David Ranum

You may feel like you paid too much but it's a nice little Zoo. Seems there's more indoor exhibits than outside ones. Still may be recovering from when they were flooded.

James Eckerle

This is a nice little zoo. It is badly in need of updating. Also, it’s not the same since they lost their bear exhibit and polar bear to the flood - but I understand it is currently being reconstructed.

Megan DellaRossa

1 hr+

Daniel Skorich

Very nice! Considering the status with covid, I believe the zoo is doing a great job. It's not the zoo's fault that we need to social distance. It's a great local zoo!

Sun Tzu

Wasn't expecting a lot from this zoo, but it was pretty good! It seems to have slightly less variety of animals as Como zoo but is still as fun

Ryan Nevin

For a zoo this far from Mpls/St Paul, I was impressed. They continue to grow with new exhibits next year. Their tiger looked better than the one at Como Park! They have a nice playground (we visited during the work week) and I saw a bird I hadn't seen elsewhere.

James Eisenhauer

The Easter egg hunt was wonderfully done. Great zoo for kids. I recommend it to anyone in Duluth looking to get out with the family.

Wren Koski

Was a good visit - most of the animals seems happy but noticed a couple animals doing some sterotypic behaviors (pacing, etc.) Over all though was a good experience. I loved the nocturnal exhibit - I have been to a lot of Zoos and had never seen anything like it.

Trish Meyer

Nice little zoo. Decent animal exhibits, many were sleeping just out of view but then, they're not there to entertain humans all day. Grounds are really nice and great for a good walk. Several enclosures did not have any animals and it would be nice if they could fill those in the future to justify the admission price.

Erika Perry

zoos are terrible to see as a grown adult. animals seem miserable and exhausted from the small space and heat. 3 lions in a tiny exhibit. "educational" but no one retains any information aside from that they saw those animals. endangered species and yet we've just got them on display. can't believe this kind of things are still progressing. literal tears in my eyes while looking at those animals.

Melissa Stott

We went to Boo at the Zoo. They have bears, otters, lions and monkeys ...lots of other cool animals. I was bummed that the petting zoo was closed that day, but still had fun with my family.

Christopher Sutherland

As far as zoos go this used to be an awesome place but has had to scale back recently. Still plenty to see including non-native and exotic species. Plenty of space and potential for this facility if the funding comes in. A bit of a walk between sites as main exhibits are filled but little in between.

Ashley McConkey

Beside the fact that most of the animals were sleeping, out of site or hiding or whatever... its always a fun and great place to go! Especially for the littles!

jeff m

For being up north it has a little bit to offer. Reasonable prices for tickets and a decent walking path around the zoo. Spent about 1.5 hrs walking the place. Kids enjoyed themselves and that's what matters.

Roy Mayeda

Nice little zoo. Liked the helpful tips to spot "shy" animals in several exhibits. Wouldn't have been able to spot them otherwise. Nice roomy enclosures for majority of animals, appropriate to the animal. (Lion enclosure seems small, but honestly lions typically spend all day lounging and don't require much space!)

Cameron Leach

Fun place, it is going through renovations but they still make it entertaining and worth the admission. Thank you Zoo staff and volunteers the kids had a blast!

Jacob Moldenhauer

This is a great little zoo. It is a perfect outing for families, especially with young children. There is a decent selection of animals to see including lions, tiger, kangaroos, many reptiles, fish and birds. There is a new development for bears coming in the summer of 2019. Most trails are nice paved and some are rough. Overall, this a place you could being your kids multiple times and there is great potential for this zoo, it would just need more money which is hard to come by in Duluth. We'll probably get a membership once our kids are older so they can experience more. Also, very reasonable adult ticket price of $10.

Nicole Dyson

Hands down the best zoo we have been to! Many hands on activities for the kids, great photo opportunities and unique play ground. This zoo has many things others don't, including a nocturnal exhibit that really caught my 5 year Olds attention.

Todd Christensen

Not the world's most extravagant zoo, but it is affordable and well taken care of. A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon with the family!

marcella holck

Wait time

Jan Gatzke

As MN Zoo members, we weren’t expecting much from this zoo, but wow!!!! Spent about 2 hours exploring and loved the peacock, kangaroo, snow leopard, and various monkeys. Our favorite exhibit was Verde the snake … it was feeding time and the zoo attendant was phenomenal in telling us all about him. Very clean and well kept zoo. Well worth it!!

Lauren McDonough

Was a great family friendly place but think we should've went later in the day--the zoo train wasn't running and a lot of the animals were sleeping. Still a great time though!!

Philip Carlson

$11–15

Leona Finnegan

This zoo is kinda meh. There were definitely things that I enjoyed and appreciated. But it was a lot smaller than I expected and underwhelming. There are some great animals,and ones I've never seen before. Don't go on a hot day.

Melly Grutt

Great little zoo... very much still recovering from devastating floods a few years ago. Their long term plans look promising indeed. They really need all the community support they can get.

Jacarla Hughes

Have been a member for going on 7 years now and we also sponsor a different animal every year and also donate sweet potatoes for all the animals. This place has gone down hill so much over the years. To be honest it is not their fault. The lack of funds and Grant's have killed this place. 75% of the enclosures are empty. Lenny the llama spits at me everytime. Really wish they could revamp this zoo because it has lots of potential.

Isaac Johnson

Great little zoo! We stopped on vacation, kids ages 2 & 5, and they loved it! For the price it's worth it. We went through in an hour or so, had lunch and visited the gift shop. We will definitely go back!

Hans Schwarz

Great place to visit took us about two hours to do everything. Their check in process could be better as we had to wait a half an hour but that’s because the person was not computer savvy. Some of the glass does need clean at the establishment in order to see the animals better. Great variety of animals to see. Would recommend for anyone going to Duluth With kids

Phill White

Great place to go on a cold wintry afternoon with three grand children under the age of eight. Love the monkeys and all of the reptiles that are shown. The tiger was outside but was visible. Spent 2 hours and enjoyed ourselves completely. Phill

Kiersten Reid

We've gone during the cold & the warm. Different animals are active at different times. During the cold, the big cats were moving around, but during the warmth, the bear cubs were swimming & wrestling! So glad the buildings are back open to give us more to look at.

Mara

It is a nice zoo. Most of the times I've been there many of the exhibits were empty or under construction. The zoo used to have a lot more animals. It's still a nice place to visit. A great place for families. The Nocturnal Exhibit is a must see. It includes owls, marsupials, and other exotic animals that prefer the night time. They do have a cool little petting zoo but it's not been open any of the times I've been there recently.

Patti Raymond

Larger than como zoo. Animals were fed and seemed content. If you like frogs, this is the place. They have a large amount of those. No aquatic animals, but very pretty walk and we had a great time.

Ron H

$11–15

Marc Sundberg

The zoo is very large but has very few exhibits for the amount of space. It seems as if the zoo doesn't quite know what it wants to do. The indoors is well kept up and nicely updated, but most of the outdoor exhibits haven't changed in years. This is by no means a bad attraction, I just believe that there are some better options in the Duluth/Superior area. If you are looking into something similar in the area, I would highly recommend the Great Lakes Aquarium. It does cost a tad bit more, but I believe it is worth it.