Minnesota Zoo’s Treetop Trail will open July 28th

World’s Longest Elevated Pedestrian Loop – Grand Opening Set for July 28, 2023 right here in Minnesota at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, MN!

In just 100 days, families and guests at the Minnesota Zoo will be able to reach new heights when the Treetop Trail, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop, officially opens.

Opening on Friday, July 28, 2023, the1.25-mile Treetop Trail will bring guests up to 32 feet above the ground and provide them with an immersive and accessible naturistic journey. What a magical journey for parents and their families!

This opening date of the Zoo’s new pathway to nature appropriately coincides with World Nature Conservation Day. As a worldwide leader in wildlife conservation, the Minnesota Zoo created the Treetop Trail to give guests year-round access to hundreds of acres of hardwood forest, ponds and marshes, and the diverse wildlife that call Minnesota home.

The Treetop Trail will provide new perspectives of many Zoo animals, including tigers, moose, bison, and of course, a bird’s eye view for bird watchers during each of Minnesota’s four seasons.

The Minnesota Zoo opened 45 years ago in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The Treetop Trail will reinforce the Zoo’s reputation as a trusted nature destination and is an evolution of the role that zoos play around the globe.

“The Treetop Trail marks a new chapter for the Minnesota Zoo,” said Minnesota Zoo Director and Foundation President John Frawley. “As we look ahead to the Zoo’s next 45 years, the Treetop Trail is a major step in furthering connections to nature and animals in an accessible and immersive way. Integrating into the Zoo’s original monorail track which was retired in 2013, the Treetop Trail is the ultimate reuse construction project. We agree!

The entrance to the Treetop Trail will feature the Zoo’s new animal ambassador habitat. Here, guests will be greeted by several species native to Minnesota including the Treetop Trail ambassador-a North American porcupine named Quillber. Sounds like a fun photo opp!

Planning for the Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail began in June 2018 and a ceremonial groundbreaking was held in April 2022.

Plan your visit to the Minnesota Zoo here!

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