Minnesota Zoo

Corporate events Add ons Eagle

Corporate & Social Events

Due to plans for construction, the Minnesota Zoo is no longer booking space for evening events that will occur between the dates of June 30, 2010 through August 31, 2011. This will pertain to all indoor areas of the Zoo. Evening events will start again as of September 1, 2011. For further information or questions pertaining to this, please contact the Minnesota Zoo directly at 952-431-9298.

Looking for a unique location for your next holiday party, anniversary celebration, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Quinceñera, class reunion, or any other special occasion? Whether it’s dining in front of the dolphins, strolling through our tropical rain forest, or making your escape “up north” on our Minnesota Trail, the Zoo provides a unique and private backdrop to make your guests have a truly memorable and “wild” evening.

Additional Options:

Coral Reef Dive Demonstration
Experience the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific reef when our diver interacts with your guests as he feeds a host of tropical fish, talks about the conservation of the species and answers your questions.

Fee: $500.00

Random Raptors
Get up-close and personal to a magnificent bird of prey. During the initial hour of your event, our World of Birds Show trainers will be on hand to talk with your guests about the birds that they are displaying as well as the challenges they face in the wild. Make sure to bring your cameras as these birds are truly amazing.

Fee: $350.00 for two birds or $225.00 for one.

Contact a sales representative @ 952.431.9200 or cheryl.tait@state.mn.us

Corporate and Social Events Frequently Asked Questions

What type of entertainment does the Zoo allow?

The Zoo allows parties to have a disc jockey (DJ) or acoustic musicians in all three of our event spaces. Dance bands (up to eight musicians) are allowed in the Call of the Wild area. All of our rental spaces have a dance area. For the safety of our animals, music levels are strictly controlled by the evening event manager.

Lighting—Par Can lighting is allowed. Fog or bubble machines, strobe, laser, or cop lights are not permitted.

Can we bring in our own caterer?

The Minnesota Zoo is proud to partner with Lancer Catering as our exclusive on-site caterer. Lancer offers complete food and beverage service, as well as staff who will work with you to customize your event.

Is there a food and beverage minimum?

Yes. Depending on the night of the week, and the facility rented, the food and beverage minimums range from $2,000-$4,800.

Are there decorating parameters?

Because the Zoo is a unique venue, we encourage you to take advantage of the décor that is already in place. Most clients have found that keeping decorations to table-top centerpieces adds a nice touch to the event and is just enough décor. Please note that all floral must be supplied by a licensed florist or wholesaler. Flowers and plants cannot come from home gardens or farmer's markets. All candles must be encased in glass. Live goldfish, mylar shreds, confetti, glitter, balloons, streamers, rice, birdseed, gel candles, and liquid bubbles are not allowed on Zoo grounds or in its facilities. All décor must be pre-approved by your Minnesota Zoo Sales Representative.

Can we have alcohol?

Alcohol is permitted at Evening Events at the Minnesota Zoo. Lancer Catering handles all beverage service, as they hold the liquor license and liability insurance for these events. Any alcohol brought in is not permitted on Zoo grounds or in its facilities and will be confiscated.

Is there a security charge?

Minnesota Zoo security is included with your room rental fee. If alcohol is served, an Apple Valley Police officer will be hired by the Zoo at an additional charge to the client.

What parts of the Zoo can we see during our event?

All Evening Events held at the Minnesota Zoo are held after the Zoo is closed. The only area you and your guests will have access to is the area you have rented for the event.

Does it smell like a zoo?

The Minnesota Zoo prides itself on the cleanliness of our facility, with staff cleaning the exhibits and common areas every day. Keep in mind, this is a zoo; however, once your party begins, everyone is having too much fun to notice anything unusual!

How far in advance can we reserve one of your facilities?

It is never too early to book an event at the Minnesota Zoo. Because we are one of the Twin Cities' most unique venues, our facilities do fill quickly!

What is your deposit policy?

Minnesota Zoo: 50 percent of the facility rental fee and a signed contract is due within two weeks of booking.

Lancer Catering: 25 percent of the food and beverage minimum and a signed contract is due within two weeks of booking. Another 25 percent of the food and beverage minimum is due six months before the date. (If the date is six months out or less, 50 percent of the food and beverage is due)

All deposits are non-refundable.

Do you have audio/ visual equipment on-site that we can use?

We have limited A/V resources on-site depending on the room you choose. Some items may have additional charges. Please ask your Zoo representative for more details.