At A Glance
Located in the heart of Minnesota, are two wildlife havens: Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley and Hemker Park and Zoo in Freeport.
The vast Minnesota Zoo covers an impressive 485 acres, housing 4,500 animals from 505 different species including tigers, bears and penguins.
However, the trails in this zoo may not be suitable for wheelchairs.
For a day of exploration, you should set aside 3-4 hours along with a budget of around $67.8 for a family of 4, and parking costs of $7 per car.
This zoo has a variety of attraction keywords associated with it such as ‘large zoo,’ ‘family day out,’ and ‘conservation.’
Contrastingly, Hemker Park and Zoo is smaller, with over 200 animals from a variety of species including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and monkeys.
The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible and is great for families with older children and toddlers.
A visit typically lasts 2-3 hours, and tickets for a family of four total to $95.25 - a slightly higher cost than Minnesota Zoo, but offset by free parking.
Hemker Park and Zoo shares the ‘conservation’ and ‘family’ aspects with its Minnesota counterpart, while adding ‘accessible’ to its defining features.
Both places hold a strict policy against guests holding animals and bringing their pet dogs, however they both allow service animals and encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.
Size
When it comes to size, there is a significant difference between the Minnesota Zoo and Hemker Park and Zoo.
The larger of the two, Minnesota Zoo, covers an expansive 485 acres of land, hosting over 4,500 animals from 505 different species.
A visit here lasts approximately 3-4 hours if one were to see all the attractions.
On the other hand, Hemker Park and Zoo, while still substantial, does not provide specific information about its acreage.
However, the variety of animals is notably smaller with over 200 animals housed within its premises.
It takes an average of 2-3 hours to tour the entire facility.
Thus, in terms of physical size and variety of species, Minnesota Zoo is considerably larger than Hemker Park and Zoo.
More About Minnesota Zoo
About Minnesota Zoo
- 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, United States
- 952-431-9200
- https://mnzoo.org/
| Size (acres) | 485 |
| Time To Walk Around | 3-4 Hours |
| Adult Price | $19.95 |
| Child Price | $13.95 |
| Infant Price | Free Under 2 Years Old |
| Price For Family Of 4 | $67.8 |
| Parking | $7 |
| Number Of Animals | 4,500 animals and 505 species |
| Can Bring Your Own Food? | Yes |
Information from https://mnzoo.org/
Price
When comparing the ticket prices of Minnesota Zoo and Hemker Park and Zoo, it’s noticeable that Hemker Park and Zoo has slightly higher prices.
For adult entry, Hemker Park and Zoo charges $20.25 while Minnesota Zoo costs $19.95.
Child tickets are also more expensive at Hemker Park and Zoo with a rate of $18.25 compared to Minnesota Zoo’s $13.95.
This discrepancy is observed too with concession tickets, for which Hemker Park and Zoo charges $19.25, while it’s priced at $13.95 at Minnesota Zoo.
Nonetheless, both offer free entry for children below the age of 2.
Furthermore, a visit to Hemker Park and Zoo for an average family of four would cost $95.25 in contrast to Minnesota Zoo where it would be significantly lower at $67.8.
The cost of an average family of 4 at Minnesota Zoo is $67.8 compared to 95.25 at Hemker Park and Zoo.
Popular Animals
When comparing the range of animals at Minnesota Zoo and Hemker Park and Zoo, they both offer a diverse selection for viewers, but Minnesota Zoo stands out for its sheer size and variety.
Hosting 4,500 animals that span over 505 species, its inhabitants include tigers, bears, and penguins, providing an extensive animal viewing experience.
At Hemker Park and Zoo, notable animals include giraffes, zebras, rhinos, monkeys, and also penguins, creating a rich wildlife presentation for its visitors.
However, with over 200 animals, the variety and quantity don’t reach the same scope as Minnesota Zoo.
Both zoos prioritize conservation, showcasing species from different parts of the globe.
However, the Minnesota Zoo, with its larger population, offers a more comprehensive display of the world’s fauna. <div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-hemker-park-and-zoo”>
More About Hemker Park and Zoo
About Hemker Park and Zoo
- 26715 Co Rd 39, Freeport, MN 56331, United States
- 320-836-2426
- https://hemkerzoo.com/
| Time To Walk Around | 2-3 Hours |
| Adult Price | $20.25 |
| Child Price | $18.25 |
| Infant Price | Free Under 2 Years Old |
| Price For Family Of 4 | $95.25 |
| Parking | Free |
| Number Of Animals | Over 200 animals |
| Can Bring Your Own Food? | Yes |
Information from https://hemkerzoo.com/
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Accesibility
Both Minnesota Zoo and Hemker Park and Zoo, located respectively in Apple Valley and Freeport within Minnesota, prioritize the needs of disabled visitors, ensuring their journey through the zoological parks is as enjoyable as for all other attendees.
However, accessibility differs between the two.
Minnesota Zoo offers disability access as one of its features, but notes that its trails may be unsuitable for wheelchairs, which might present challenges for those with mobility impairments and possibly restrict access to some areas.
On the other hand, Hemker Park and Zoo emphasizes on inclusivity, offering trails that are suitable and more navigable for those in wheelchairs or those who have difficulty walking.
This makes Hemker Park and Zoo potentially more accommodating and accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.
Despite the limitations at Minnesota Zoo, both establishments recognize the importance of welcoming all visitors and provide provisions for those with disabilities.
Pefect For
Both Minnesota Zoo and Hemker Park and Zoo offer an engaging experience for families, specializing in conservation and wildlife education.
Minnesota Zoo is a large establishment spread over 485 acres, boasting diversity in animal species.
It’s a splendid choice for a family day out, specifically geared towards families with older children, although the trails may be unsuitable for wheelchairs.
On the other hand, Hemker Park and Zoo, despite being smaller, offers a wonderful and thoroughly accessible experience for families with children of all ages, including toddlers.
Its trails have added convenience and are suitable for wheelchairs, making it a relaxed and inclusive adventure for all.
Therefore, for families with younger members or anyone requiring disability access, Hemker Park and Zoo would be a more accommodating option, while Minnesota Zoo would be an idyllic choice for families with older children wanting a more extensive expedition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley and Hemker Park and Zoo in Freeport offer unique experiences for families looking for a day outing in the state of Minnesota.
Minnesota Zoo, with its variety of 4,500 animals and 505 species, including bears, tigers and penguins, is larger, covering 485 acres and offering notable features such as llama treks and dolphin shows.
It is slightly more affordable for families but has a parking fee.
On the other hand, Hemker Park and Zoo, may cater to a lesser variety of over 200 animals, including giraffes, zebras, and monkeys, but has the edge in accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly trails and free parking.
It includes the options for families with toddlers beyond those with older children.
While both zoos prioritize conservation and restrict pet access to service animals only, they permit families to bring their own refreshments, providing additional convenience.
The choice between the two might merely come down to geographic accessibility, specific animal interests, or even budget.
Either way, an engaging day awaits at both these reputable institutions.
