Red River Zoo 🇺🇸

Located in Fargo, North Dakota, the Red River Zoo offers a unique look at over 600 animals from 89 species on a transformed 33-acre site. Once a flat farm known as the Red River Ranch, the property was beautifully landscaped with hundreds of trees, shrubs, and a series of five ponds, while original renovated farm buildings are still in use today. As an AZA-accredited facility, the zoo specializes in breeding and exhibiting rare cold climate species from around the world.

You will get to encounter remarkable animals such as red pandas, Sichuan takin, Pallas's cats, and Russian Red Tree Squirrels during your visit. Make sure to check out the gray wolf exhibit, where you can observe a family of six wolves from the outside or step inside a trapper's cabin featuring two large viewing windows. You can also explore the North American River Otter exhibit, which provides both indoor and underwater viewing areas to watch these creatures.

Beyond the animal habitats, you can enjoy a ride on a fully restored 1928 carousel, which was donated by the Diederich family. Run entirely without public funds, your admission directly supports the non-profit Red River Zoological Society's ongoing animal care.

What to see at Red River Zoo

• Specialized breeding program for rare cold climate species like red pandas and Sichuan takin
• Gray wolf exhibit featuring a trapper's cabin with two large viewing windows
• North American River Otter exhibit equipped with indoor and underwater viewing
• A fully restored 1928 carousel donated by the Diederich family
• Beautifully landscaped 33-acre grounds with five ponds and hundreds of trees

Visiting tips

Head inside the trapper's cabin at the gray wolf exhibit for a comfortable view through two large viewing windows.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Red River Zoo is easy to reach on Fargo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Rourke Art Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Fargo travel guide.