We have many incredible hiking trails in Minnesota – across all manner of terrain, ranging from rolling prairies in the south and west, to river bluffs along the Mississippi Valley and rugged wilderness in the north. But now, you can hike with brown bears, bison, and tigers – yes, tigers! – all along the same trail. How’s that, you wonder? Well, I’ll tell you. In 2023, the state’s premier zoological garden opened a brand new attraction in the form of an elevated walking trail. In fact, the Minnesota Zoo’s 1.25-mile Treetop Trail, on completion, was the longest elevated walking loop in the world. Read on to learn more about this canopy walk in Minnesota, and why I think you should get out to the MN Zoo and walk it as soon as possible!

At nearly 500 acres, the Minnesota Zoo is one of the largest in the United States.
Olivia P/TripAdvisor
The zoo's outdoor exhibits consist primarily of animals that come from - or can tolerate - climates similar to that of Minnesota.
Runner1928/Wikimedia Commons
In addition to native species, such as wolves, bison, and moose, the zoo is also home to more exotic species like brown bears, Amur tigers, and Amur leopards.
To assist visitors in getting around the park, a monorail operated on the property for almost 30 years.
Michael Hicks/Wikimedia Commons
However, because the Zoo could no longer obtain parts to maintain its monorail, it decommissioned the tram in 2013.
The zoo later announced plans to convert the old monorail track into an elevated walking path.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
After a lengthy planning stage, the zoo broke ground on the Treetop Trail in 2022.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission

Related Stories

Discover 14 Of Minnesota's Most Iconic Views On This Epic 14-Hour Road Trip

Discover 14 Of Minnesota's Most Iconic Views On This Epic 14-Hour Road Trip

 The Magnificent Lakefront Airbnb In Minnesota That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

The Magnificent Lakefront Airbnb In Minnesota That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

 La Vie Est Belle In Minnesota Is So Much More Than A Charming Boutique

La Vie Est Belle In Minnesota Is So Much More Than A Charming Boutique
Like the monorail, the loops throughout the zoo.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
Visitors walk at a height of 32 feet over some of the zoo's most pristine habitat.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
This includes more than 200 untouched acres of zoo-managed property.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
The Treetop Trail opened in summer 2023 as the longest elevated walking loop in the world.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo, used with permission
Visitors flocked to the trail and have been enjoying this Minnesota Zoo canopy walk ever since.
The Treetop Trail at the Minnesota Zoo offers a completely unique experience for visitors.
Travis Neill/Google Reviews
You can see the landscape and the animals in way that you never could before - even with the old monorail. Even better, it's out in the open, so your views aren't obscured at all.

Follow the MN Zoo’s Facebook page for updates and to keep up with the latest happenings on the Treetop Trail, or visit its website to learn more about the Minnesota Zoo, its history, and its mission. The Minnesota Zoo is also an awesome spot to visit for seasonal events, such as its Farm Babies encounter in the spring, as well as its Halloween trail and holiday lights display.

Have you walked the Treetop Trail at the Minnesota Zoo? What are some other attractions in Minnesota that folks should know about?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Minnesota Zoo

Trent Jonas | February 06, 2024

Are the Minnesota Zoo and its aquarium the only zoo or aquarium in the Land of 10,000 Lakes?

No, in fact there, are several others in the state. Some of the other well-known aquariums and zoos in Minnesota include:

  • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul. This zoo is beloved by many and is free to the public.
  • The Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth.
  • The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. This aquarium is unique in that it highlights species that are native to the Great Lakes and the surrounding region.
  • Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America in Bloomington. You can actually book a tour ahead of time for this fascinating attraction at the Mall of America.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Minnesota Zoo, Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN, USA