This month for my Minnesota Monthly Adventure my family and I explored Pine Grove Zoo, in Little Falls Minnesota. Many attractions in this area don’t open until Memorial Day weekend, but we were excited to find that Pine Grove is already open for the season. We had a great time at this zoo and were very impressed with all they had to offer.

The Location

Pine Grove Zoo is located conveniently off Highway 10 in Little Falls, Minnesota.

1200 West Broadway, Little Falls, Minnesota 56345

The Cost

$7 – Age 4 and Up (under 4 is free, prices are subject to change)

Cash and Credit Cards are accepted

The History

Pine Grove Zoo is the second oldest zoo in Minnesota. The zoo dates to September 13, 1907, when the land was deeded to the City of Little Falls, “for the enjoyment, pleasure, and benefit of the people of the area”. In June of 1913 they welcomed their first animals, two great horned owls. The people loved it and they were urged to continue to add animals. The zoo was born, and soon there were deer, elk, and moose.  To learn more about the history and how the zoo became what it is today click here.

The Amenities

While Pine Grove is a small zoo they really have everything you need. They offer FREE Parking. The have wheelchairs and wagons available to borrow FREE at the gift shop. We didn’t try it, but for $5 you can rent an IPad to take an interactive tour of the zoo. At the gift shop, they also have bottled beverages, stuffed animals, books, and toys for the children. I liked that this gift shop was small, it wasn’t somewhere you got stuck with your kids forever, and it had everything it needed. They also have a food stand, the Cougar café, it wasn’t open yet for the season when we visited. It will open Memorial Day, and will be stay open through Labor Day from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm daily.

The Animals

The animals were amazing at this zoo. We could see all the animals well, and my kids loved it! I was able to get some good photos, I hope you enjoy them!

As a bonus, in addition to getting to see the animals they have a petting zoo where my daughter got to feed a donkey! All it took was 25 cents!

The Extras

A zoo isn’t a zoo without fun statues and silly signs to take photos with, right?! This zoo had plenty of opportunities for fun photos. The biggest bonus in my daughter’s opinion was the great playground located by the picnic area. This is outside the “Zoo” but still on the grounds. They had some great equipment, older and newer options. We had a lot of fun playing here, my favorite part was blasting off in the rocket ship! The playground and picnic area also had nice, clean flush toilets that were already open pre-Memorial Day, which was a pleasant surprise!

 

Overall, we had an excellent time visiting Pine Grove Zoo in Little Falls and we look forward to visiting again in the summer! If you are looking for more to do in Little Falls be sure to also check out, Charles A. Lindberg State Park! What is your favorite Zoo? Let me know! My kids love them so I need to add some to the bucket list!

 

Much Love & Happy Travels,

Lacey

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