Dakota Zoo Tours

Photo by Polly Hargrove


Get ready for a day of observing and learning at Dakota Zoo. Home to all types of animals, there's a creature that'll capture your imagination here.

This Bismarck wildlife attraction is an ideal spot to start your day of sightseeing. There's plenty to see close by, like Missouri River, Bismarck Event Center, and Kirkwood Mall. Take your time at Dakota Zoo before heading to these other fine sights.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Dakota Zoo

EverSpring Inn

EverSpring Inn

2.5 out of 5
200 E.Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND
EverSpring Inn
EverSpring Suites

EverSpring Suites

2.5 out of 5
180 E Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND
EverSpring Suites
Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center

Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center

3 out of 5
800 S 3rd St, Bismarck, ND
Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center
Radisson Hotel Bismarck

Radisson Hotel Bismarck

3 out of 5
605 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND
Radisson Hotel Bismarck
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bismarck

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bismarck

3 out of 5
2240 N 12th St, Bismarck, ND
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bismarck
Ramada by Wyndham Bismarck

Ramada by Wyndham Bismarck

2.5 out of 5
1400 Interchange Ave, Bismarck, ND
Ramada by Wyndham Bismarck
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck

Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck

2 out of 5
1505 Interchange Avenue, Bismarck, ND
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Bismarck Waterpark

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Bismarck Waterpark

2.5 out of 5
3205 N 14th St, Bismarck, ND
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Bismarck Waterpark
Days Inn by Wyndham Bismarck

Days Inn by Wyndham Bismarck

2 out of 5
1300 E Capitol Ave, Bismarck, ND
Days Inn by Wyndham Bismarck
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dakota Zoo

While visiting Dakota Zoo in Bismarck, North Dakota, you can enjoy various activities nearby, including shopping and taking guided tours. Explore local boutiques and stores to find unique souvenirs and gifts. The zoo itself offers a fun and educational experience, making it a perfect destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Kirkwood Mall, located 1 mile from Dakota Zoo, featuring a variety of stores and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, check out the local boutiques in downtown Bismarck for unique gifts and souvenirs crafted by local artisans.

Recreation

Explore Sertoma Park, a serene recreational area 0.5 miles from Dakota Zoo, perfect for relaxation and leisurely walks. Enjoy a round of golf at Riverwood Golf Course, located 0.3 miles away, offering an invigorating outdoor experience amidst beautiful landscapes. For sports enthusiasts, Starion Sports Complex is 5 miles away, featuring various athletic facilities.

Adventure

At Raging Rivers Waterpark, located 1 mile from Dakota Zoo, enjoy thrilling water slides and wave pools for a fun-filled day with family. For winter sports enthusiasts, Huff Hills Ski Area, situated 13 miles away, offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

At the Dakota Zoo, the nightlife atmosphere is vibrant and engaging. Just a mile away, the Belle Mehus Auditorium offers a mix of culture and entertainment, perfect for a romantic night out or a family-friendly event, making it a fantastic addition to your evening plans.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dakota Zoo

When visiting the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck, North Dakota, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby, including an entertainment arena and scenic rivers. This family-friendly destination offers a mix of culture and urban experiences, making it perfect for travelers seeking diverse activities. Don't miss the chance to explore the local college, adding to your cultural experience while enjoying the zoo's exhibits and surrounding nature.

  • Bismarck Event Center: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this arena, hosting a variety of events from concerts to family entertainment. With its convenient location just 1 mile from Dakota Zoo, it's a great spot to catch a show or enjoy community events.
  • Missouri River: Enjoy the stunning scenery and outdoor activities along this beautiful river, located only 0.5 miles from the zoo. Whether you want to kayak, fish, or simply stroll along the banks, the Missouri River offers a perfect escape into nature.
  • Bismarck State College: Explore this modern college campus, situated 2 miles from Dakota Zoo. With its vibrant city vibes and various cultural events, it's an excellent place to soak in the local academic atmosphere and engage with the community.

Best time to go to Dakota Zoo

The best time to visit Dakota Zoo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January14.0°F (-10.0°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February14.9°F (-9.5°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March29.7°F (-1.3°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
September62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October46.0°F (7.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November31.6°F (-0.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December17.8°F (-7.9°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dakota Zoo

To save money on your visit to Dakota Zoo, consider traveling between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Sundays are the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget, hotel category, and combine your hotel with flights for package savings. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and utilize public transport for economical travel around Bismarck.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dakota Zoo are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dakota Zoo is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Dakota Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to customize your travel preferences by letting you set a budget and choose your desired location among other options. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will present you with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotel options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Dakota Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia