Located in Freeport, MN, just 90 miles North of the Twin Cities Metro and only a skip away from the Alexandria Lakes area, Hemker Park & Zoo is one of Minnesota’s premier zoo experiences—both for animals and people of all ages.
Women-owned and family-operated, Hemker Park & Zoo provides many memorable experiences, as well as ever-changing exhibits, new events throughout the season, educational camps for kids, internships for those interested in zookeeping, and up-close encounters with a variety of animals, and so much more. Did we mention Red Pandas? Yes, they have two of them. As if you needed more reason to visit than that, there are many more!
There’s Plenty of Room to Roam
With more than 20 acres in a serene country setting, there’s more than enough room for the 200+ animals that call Hemker Park & Zoo home. With that much space to explore, families and groups can spend all day and have a lot of fun!
Plan on Unique Face-to-Face Experiences
Where else in Minnesota can you look eye-to-eye with a Rhino? Currently, nowhere! At Hemker Park & Zoo, there are two Rhinos to hand feed and watch play in their friendly habitat. Other furry friends you can interact with include:
- Giraffes—Give them a snack while counting their spots; it’s worth the stretch!
- Otters—Toss them a fish while learning fun otter facts.
- Budgies—Grab a seed stick and walk into the bird house for a flutter of happiness.
- Koi—Feed these beautiful fish as they swim for a snack.
- Boa Constrictor—Cuddle up to Cookie, a 10-foot Boa who loves to be held.
- American Alligators—Meet these amazing reptiles up close.
- Penguins—Give Ruby the Penguin a pet while learning more from her zookeeper.
With More to See Than Ever Before
With four new exhibits in recent years and a new park open in 2023, there’s more than ever to see at Hemker Park & Zoo, including a North American River Exhibit featuring two different types of Otters, a Bush Baby and Owl Monkey Exhibit, an American Alligator Exhibit at Shipwreck Cove, and an adorable Gnome Garden!
Priceless Memories—Made Affordable
Though you can’t put a price on good times, Hemker Park & Zoo is a super-economical option for a day of family fun. It’s easy to purchase tickets online, infants are free and the highest ticket for adults being $20.25. The add-ons, like the animal encounters and tram rides, are also highly reasonable for a day you’ll never forget.
When to Hop on Over
Time flies when you’re having fun! Before the summer flashes before your eyes, be sure to hop on over to Hemker Park and Zoo for a day of fun and to enjoy any of their special events offered throughout the year:
- Brew at the Zoo fundraiser on June 12th
- Summer Party on July 11th
- Fall Zoo Fest on September 6th
- Boo at the Zoo on October 4th, 11th, & 25th
- Santa Days on November 22nd, 28th & 29th
They’re open daily, rain or shine, through October 31st—enjoy!
Learn More
See all that’s offered at Hemker Park & Zoo at HemkerZoo.com, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for your daily dose of animal cuteness. Questions? Call 320-836-2426 or email info@hemkerzoo.com.
Don’t forget the sunscreen! Our favorite sunscreen can be found here!
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