Step into Wanderlight Trail – an all-new, immersive evening experience at the Minnesota Zoo. As the sun sets, a glowing twilight journey comes to life with larger-than-life lanterns inspired by animals from around the world. Wander at your own pace, take in each illuminated moment, and make your summer night shine a little brighter.

Wanderlight Trail is a glowing, immersive twilight journey featuring larger-than-life lanterns inspired by animals from around the world. Enhance your evening with food and beverage offerings available for purchase—perfect for turning your visit into a full summer night out. With a variety of ticket options available, it’s easy to plan a Wanderlight experience that works for you.

Experience the magic of Wanderlight with:

• General Admission Tickets

• Fast Pass Tickets

• Specialty Nights

• Group Tickets

Tickets on sale for Minnesota Zoo members May 4 at 10 AM and to the general public May 8 at 10 AM.

Stroll the trail at your own pace and take in each illuminated moment. Enjoy food and beverages available for purchase as part of your evening experience.
June 3 – August 2 | Wednesdays – Sundays

Gates Open 7:30 PM – Midnight (gate closes at 11 PM)

General Admission Price: $26-$30

Additional discounts available for members, children and groups.

Skip the time slots and enjoy the experience on your schedule. Arrive when it works for you and step right into a glowing, immersive journey—it’s the easiest way to make your night shine a little brighter.

When purchasing a General Admission ticket, you’ll have the option to add a Fast Pass for $15 per person at checkout. The Fast Pass becomes available once your General Admission tickets are in your cart.

Charge your social battery and gather your group. We offer a special rate for groups of 15+ attendees. To make it even easier, your discount will be applied directly to your cart when you order 15 or more! Questions? Please contact Group Sales at 952-431-9200 or sales@mnzoo.org.

Minnesota Zoo Private Events - Minnesota Zoo: Private event spaces with catering packages are also available to make your Wanderlight Trail outing even more memorable.

From sunset into the evening, enjoy a special after hours, two-in-one experience at the Minnesota Zoo. Explore your favorite animals, enjoy the animal trails and playgrounds, experience the Treetop Trail, and catch signature shows like the Royal Credit Union Sea Lion Show and Wings of the World Bird Show. Then, as night falls, step into Wanderlight Trail, an immersive after dark experience, featuring larger than life lantern displays, specialty food and beverage offerings, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for an evening out. Discover the Zoo in a vibrant new light.

A fully outdoor, evening experience (rain or shine—dress for the weather)

A ¼-mile walk to the trail entrance from Central Plaza (approximately 10 minutes on varying terrain)

A ¼-mile illuminated trail experience taking approximately 40–50 minutes to explore at your own pace

Glowing lantern displays, music, and immersive lighting effects throughout the experience

Food and beverages will be available for purchase in Central Plaza and at the Wanderlight Market, located at the event trailhead

Entry wait times may vary depending on attendance. All guests, including children ages 2 and under, require a ticket. Take your time - linger at the moments you love most and soak in your summer night

Wanderlight Trail is an outdoor nighttime experience featuring music, colorful lighting, and immersive effects. The trail is accessible to guests using mobility assistive devices, though there are elevation changes and inclines along the path.

• Mobility devices (wheelchairs and ECVs) are available to rent only at the Guest Services desk by the Zoo’s Main Entrance

• Strollers and wagons are welcome