Red River Zoo

About

Red River Zoo in Fargo, North Dakota, offers a unique focus on animals adapted to cold climates, making it a perfect match for the northern plains. Spread across a manageable campus, the zoo is home to red pandas, Pallas's cats, river otters, grey wolves, and a variety of other species you won't find at most zoos. It's a place where curiosity meets conservation, and where families can spend a full day without feeling overwhelmed.

The zoo sits on the southern edge of Fargo at 4255 23rd Ave S, easy to reach from Interstate 29. Once inside, visitors can explore indoor and outdoor exhibits, catch animal feedings and keeper talks, and enjoy seasonal events that change throughout the year. The grounds include a carousel, a train ride, and play areas for younger kids, so there's plenty to break up the animal viewing.

Admission is reasonable: $14.95 for adults (ages 15-59), $13.95 for seniors (60+), $12.95 for children (ages 2-14), and free for kids under 2. The zoo operates seasonally, so checking their website or calling ahead at (701) 277-9240 is a good idea before planning your trip.

What sets Red River Zoo apart is its commitment to conservation breeding programs for endangered species. Several animals here are part of Species Survival Plans, meaning your visit directly supports efforts to keep vulnerable populations healthy. Educational programs run year-round, from summer camps to school field trips.

The zoo is compact enough to visit in a few hours but engaging enough to fill a whole afternoon. Picnic areas let you bring your own lunch, and there are concessions on-site as well. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend outing or a traveler passing through North Dakota, Red River Zoo delivers a genuinely enjoyable experience. It's proof that great zoos don't have to be enormous - they just have to care deeply about the animals and the people who come to see them.

Accessibility

Red River Zoo's buildings and exhibits are wheelchair-accessible, as confirmed by the zoo's own accessibility information. The zoo complies with ADA requirements throughout the facility.

Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility aids will find paved pathways connecting the exhibits. The zoo's relatively compact size means distances between areas are manageable. Accessible restrooms are available on the grounds.

The zoo's guided bus tour can accommodate one wheelchair per vehicle, giving visitors with mobility challenges an alternative way to experience the grounds without extensive walking.

Staff members are described as helpful and ready to assist visitors with special needs. If you have specific accommodation requests, the zoo asks that visitors communicate their needs so staff can help ensure a comfortable experience.

For visitors planning ahead, the zoo can be reached at (701) 277-9240 or by email at [email protected]. Contact them directly for current details on sensory accommodations, quiet spaces, service animal policies, or any specific accessibility questions. Their website also posts event updates and seasonal activity information that may affect your visit planning.

Parking details and information about specialized programs for visitors with disabilities should be confirmed directly with the zoo, as these may change seasonally.

More accessible places in North Dakota

• Fargo Air Museum (Fargo)
• West Acres Mall (Fargo)
• Plains Art Museum (Fargo)
• Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (Williston)
• Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (Stanton)
• Bonanzaville USA (West Fargo)