Contact Us

Included in the room rental:

• Dining tables & chairs
• Coat racks and hangers
• Setup, teardown and clean-up of the event
• An event manager on-site for your entire event
• Zoo security
• Garbage and electricity
• Parking

Included with the catering surcharge:

• Standard table linens and skirting
• Linen napkins-choose from over 12 colors
• China, flatware, and stemware
• Two votive candles per table

General Information & Helpful Hints

• All food and beverage service is provided by the Minnesota Zoo's exclusive caterer, Lancer Catering.
• Lancer Catering has a well known reputation for outstanding cuisine and superb service.
• Food or beverage may not be brought on-site or taken off-site.
• Food and beverage may be consumed on the animal exhibit walkways; however, for the safety of the animals, no glass containers, straws, or stir sticks can be carried on the trails.
• Additional fees may apply for set up and tear down of rental equipment.
• Certain events may require the hiring of a police officer at client's expense.
• No feeding of Minnesota Zoo animals.
• Discard trash in proper containers.
• The Minnesota Zoo is an indoor smoke-free facility.
• Beverages containing alcohol are not served after 11:30 pm. All legal restrictions apply.

Reservation Procedures
Rental requests should be made at least one month in advance of your event. A non-refundable deposit of one-half your rental fee is required within ten calendar days of the confirmation of your event. We reserve the right to open your date if deposit is not received within this time. The balance is due ten days before your event date. Please make your check or money order payable to the Minnesota Zoo.

Evening Venues

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.

The Minnesota Zoo’s lush grounds and serene settings form a beautiful and unique backdrop for your special day. Treat your guests to the Zoo in a private setting, while celebrating your special occasion.

Discovery Bay

Experience the amazing beauty of the deep sea in Discovery Bay—an incredible undersea world filled with a dizzying array of colorful coral, unusual tropical fish, fun-loving dolphins and majestic sharks. Over one million gallons of water provide homes for sharks, rays, our ever-popular Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and other marine life. Guests can observe the fun behavior of our dolphin pod or the mystical glide of the sandtiger shark. This impressive marine exhibit is a great setting for your event, complete with underwater viewing windows, interactive Club House Cove, and an estuary and tide pool.

Maximum Capacity: Cocktail reception - 400 Seated & served - 240 Buffet style - 225	Facility Rental Fee: Friday: $1,700 Saturday: $1,900 Sunday-Thursday: $1,600
Food & Beverage Minimums: Friday: $3,300 Saturday: $4,800 Sunday-Thursday: $2,300	Rental Hours: October–April: 6 p.m.–Midnight May–September: 7 p.m.– Midnight

Tropics

One of the Minnesota Zoo's internationally acclaimed exhibits is a one-of-a-kind setting for your event. Guests can stroll in a living rain forest with green foliage, beautiful orchids and a winding path featuring exotic animals, birds, and fish. Inquisitive lemurs, shy tamarins and agile tree kangaroos are just a few of the animals who will share in your private event! Beauty and unique wildlife of the Tropics will captivate your guests. This area is perfect for hosting a unique social hour, for dinner or greeting guests.

Maximum Capacity: Cocktail reception - 400 Seated & served - 200 Buffet style - 175	Facility Rental Fee: Friday: $1,500 Saturday: $1,700 Sunday-Thursday: $1,400
Food & Beverage Minimums: Friday: $2,800 Saturday: $4,300 Sunday-Thursday: $2,300	Rental Hours: October–April: 6 p.m.–Midnight May-September: 6:30 p.m.– Midnight

Call of the Wild

The Minnesota Zoo's restaurant is magically transformed into an elegant banquet facility. Located in the center of the Zoo, this venue provides a peaceful view of our Main Lake. Dine and dance in the Zoo’s most traditional room setting. With an outstanding view of Minnesota’s natural beauty through floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy beautiful summer sunsets as you watch trumpeter swans glide across the lake.

Maximum Capacity: Cocktail reception - 425 Seated & served - 280 Buffet style - 250	Facility Rental Fee: Friday: $800 Saturday: $1,000 Sunday-Thursday: $700
Food & Beverage Minimums: Friday: $2,500 Saturday: $3,800 Sunday-Thursday: $2,300	Rental Hours: October–April: 6 p.m.– Midnight May–September: 7 p.m.–Midnight

Minnesota Lodge & Trail

Gather in the warm, welcoming lodge of the Medtronic Minnesota Trail. Log siding, a grand stone fireplace, and beautiful artifacts showcase Minnesota’s rich heritage with the outdoors. This setting is one smaller groups are sure to love.  May-August include the Medtronic Minnesota Trail to enjoy the native animals of Minnesota such as lynx, puma, and gray wolves.

Maximum Capacity: Cocktail reception - 100 Seated & served - 80 Buffet style - 80	Lodge Facility Rental Fee: Friday: $800     Saturday: $1,000 Sunday-Thursday: $700
Add the Minnesota trail for $400.00 more; Trail available May-August
Food & Beverage Minimums: Friday: $2,500 Saturday: $3,800 Sunday-Thursday: $2,300 With trail: Increase food & beverage $300.00	Rental Hours: October–April: 6 p.m.– Midnight May–September: 7 p.m.–Midnight Trail closes at 8 p.m.; subject to change

Consider combing our spaces! Treat your guests to hors d’oeuvres in one area then lead them to another for a delicious dinner and entertainment. Imagine how guests will feel as they are treated to multiple Zoo venues in a private setting!

Talk to your Zoo representative for pricing information: 952.431.9200