Year-round zoo and family attraction

Lake Superior Zoo

About 0.3 driving mile from the Duluth River Train boarding point

Add a year-round, conservation-focused zoo stop just around the corner from the Duluth River Train, with more than 300 animals and practical accessibility support.

The place

About Lake Superior Zoo

Lake Superior Zoo is a 19-acre hillside zoo in western Duluth and the only zoo serving northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The nonprofit describes a collection of more than 300 animals representing about 140 species, while making clear through its current animal directory that individual animals and habitats can change.

The zoo is open year-round. Published summer hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. beginning May 22, while fall, winter, and spring hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. beginning September 2. It closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, so a fall River Train pairing needs the earlier zoo closing time built into the plan.

The official accessibility guide lists two free parking lots, four accessible spaces near the main entrance, an elevator in the main building, accessible restrooms, stroller access, free first-come wheelchairs, ECV rentals, sensory bags, and detailed service-animal rules. Terrain still matters at a hillside zoo, so visitors with specific mobility needs should call before arrival.

Lake Superior Zoo is independent from Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad, but the railroad's own FAQ recommends it as a nearby stop. The two entrances are about 0.3 driving mile apart, making the zoo a practical same-neighborhood pairing when visitors protect the train's fixed boarding time.

What stands out

Explore a regional zoo collection

See more than 300 animals representing about 140 species across a compact but hilly 19-acre campus.

Check the live animal directory

Use the zoo's current roster before travel if a particular animal matters; exhibits and individual animals change.

Use the zoo's access supports

Ask about wheelchairs, ECVs, sensory bags, accessible restrooms, service-animal procedures, and the main-building elevator.

Ride the separate Zoo Train

The zoo's small ADA-accessible train is a separate attraction, generally advertised 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily June-August and weekends in spring and fall, weather and attendance permitting.

Build a two-train Duluth day

Pair the zoo's miniature train with the two-hour Duluth River Train while keeping the two operators, tickets, and schedules clearly separate.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad trip

The zoo and the Duluth River Train are neighbors on Fremont Street, about 0.3 driving mile apart. Use the zoo before a 1:30 p.m. train or after a 10:30 a.m. train only when the zoo's closing time and the railroad's 30-minute arrival request leave enough margin.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursDaily; summer 10 a.m.-5 p.m. beginning May 22, then 10 a.m.-4 p.m. beginning September 2
  • ClosuresThanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day
  • Admission$20 adults; $15 ages 3-12; free age 2 and under; $18 seniors; $5 Museums for All admission with qualifying ID
  • ParkingTwo free lots; four accessible spaces are listed near the main entrance
  • MobilityAccessible restrooms and main-building elevator; free first-come wheelchairs, stroller rentals, and ECV rentals
  • Sensory supportSensory bags are available; review the current accessibility guide before travel
  • Access contactThe main site lists 218-461-3527; the accessibility page separately directs access questions to 218-730-4500
  • Train pairingAbout 0.3 driving mile from the River Train; protect the railroad's requested 30-minute arrival window

Return to the Duluth River Train guide

Add Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad

Use the train guide for exact remaining 2026 dates, both daily departure times, fares, boarding, access limits, policies, equipment, and St. Louis River route context.

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Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When is Lake Superior Zoo open?

The zoo is open daily year-round, generally 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in summer beginning May 22 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. beginning September 2. It closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

How much is admission?

Published admission is $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 3-12, free for children 2 and under, and $18 for seniors. Qualifying visitors can use $5 Museums for All admission with the required ID.

Is parking free?

Yes. The zoo lists two free parking lots and four accessible spaces near the main entrance.

Is Lake Superior Zoo wheelchair accessible?

The zoo lists accessible restrooms, a main-building elevator, free first-come wheelchairs, and ECV rentals. Because the 19-acre campus is hilly, call ahead about the exact route and assistance you need.

Can I bring food?

Yes. The zoo FAQ permits outside food and picnics but asks visitors not to bring straws.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not allowed. Trained service animals may enter subject to the zoo's detailed restrictions around sensitive animal areas; review the current accessibility page before arrival.

Does the zoo have a train?

Yes, but it is a small separate zoo attraction, not the Duluth River Train. It is advertised as ADA accessible and generally runs 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily in June-August and on spring/fall weekends when weather and attendance permit.

How should I pair the zoo with the Duluth River Train?

The entrances are about 0.3 driving mile apart. Protect the railroad's requested 30-minute arrival window, then place the zoo before the 1:30 p.m. train or after the 10:30 a.m. train when closing time allows.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-24. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.