PROJECT OVERVIEW

---

Treetop Trail
Minnesota Zoological Gardens, Apple Valley, Minnesota
​
Within the pages of the Minnesota Zoo’s Master Plan, Pathway to Nature, the MN Zoo’s Nature Task Force states that the mission of the Zoo is to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. This demonstrates the Zoo’s continued wildlife conservation work and its vision for “a future where wildlife thrives in Minnesota and beyond”. The Treetop Trail Project brings this mission and vision closer to reality by inviting Zoo guests to engage with the natural world from an entirely different perspective….Up in the Trees!
 
The main goals of the Treetop Trail Project were to reopen and “activate” access to heavily wooded forest and unique views of naturalistic and animal exhibits; to provide guests with a transformational way to experience nature; increase opportunities for mission-based nature education highlighting the health benefits of nature, activities that explore the intersection of art and nature; and to provide events built upon nature, adventure, recreation and leisure.
 
Treetop Trail Project Scope:

• Repurpose the outdated monorail system that was shut down in 2013 by constructing an eight-foot wide walkway the entire 1.25 miles of the rail system, 40 feet in the air at “treetop” level.
• Create multiple access points to the trail.
• Construct multiple “bump-out” areas, twelve feet in width, along the trail to provide areas for viewing animal exhibits.
• Provide seating and other amenities along the trail.
• Provide an accessible and safe trail for all Zoo visitors.

 
Project Timeline:

• Groundbreaking Ceremony: April 29, 2022; Read Sun This Week article.
• Construction Begins: May 2022
• Substantial Completion: July 12, 2023
  
• Grand Opening: July 28, 2023

Project Awards:

• AIA MN Honor Awards, Commendation for Integration
• American Public Works Association (APWA), National Project of the Year (2024) in the category of Structures $25M-$75M

​Budget
$39,000,000

BACK TO INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

TREETOP TRAIL PROJECT UPDATES