Accessibility, Amenities, and Museum Navigation

Zoo staff and volunteers aim to make our zoo, programs, exhibits, and facilities accessible for everyone by removing barriers, providing a welcoming experience, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. While the information here provides a general overview of accessibility features, we encourage you to contact us in advance of your visit with any questions or specific needs at info@lszoo.org or by calling us at 218-730-4500.

Getting Here

The Lake Superior Zoo is located in West Duluth at 7210 Fremont Street. We offer free parking, with two large lots.

Arriving from I-35 North

Take exit 251A from I-35 N to merge onto Cody Street. Turn right onto N 63rd Ave W. Turn right onto Grand Avenue. Turn right onto S 72nd Ave W. Follow the road to the zoo parking lot.

Arriving from I-35 South

Take exit 251B from I-35 S to Grand Avenue. Turn right onto S 72nd Ave W. Follow the road to the zoo parking lot.

Arriving from the Iron Range

From US-53 S, turn right on Midway Road. Stay on Midway Road after both traffic circles. Turn left onto US-2 E. Merge onto I-35 N. Take exit 251A from I-35 N to merge onto Cody Street. Turn right onto N 63rd Ave W. Turn right onto Grand Avenue. Turn right onto S 72nd Ave W. Follow the road to the zoo parking lot.

Arriving from Wisconsin

Coming from US-2 W, head west toward Banks Ave. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on US-2 W. Turn left to merge onto I-35 S/US-2 W. Take exit 251B from I-35 S to Grand Avenue. Turn right onto S 72nd Ave W. Follow the road to the zoo parking lot.

Public Transportation

The zoo is on a bus line with stops right on Grand Ave. Visit the Duluth Transit Authority to learn more.

Parking

Parking is free. There are 4 designated accessible parking spaces located in our lot.

Bike Racks

We have a bike rack located to the right of our admissions booth at our front entrance. Please plan to bring your own lock.

At the Zoo

Zoo Map

Click here to download our map.

Elevators

Zoo Central (main building) has an elevator located on the right side just before the black-crested mangabey exhibit.

Restrooms

Accessible restrooms are available on both levels of Zoo Central, and there is a restroom with changing stations for infants or children on both levels as well. All Gender and Family restrooms are located in the Primate Conservation Center.

Food & Beverage

We have an on-site café that offers ready-to-go items and an à la carte menu. Please feel free to bring coolers and your own lunches! No outside alcohol allowed (beverages available for purchase at the Porcupine Pub).

Photography

Taking photos is allowed and encouraged at the Lake Superior Zoo (tag us @lakesuperiorzoo or #lakesuperiorzoo)! However, please do not use flash when taking photos of animals, especially up close and while inside the Nocturnal Building.

Strollers

Strollers are available for all visitors to rent at admission. Bringing your own stroller is also allowed, and the exhibits are stroller accessible. All are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wheelchairs and ECVs

Wheelchairs are available for all visitors for free at the Tiger’s Paw Gift Shop. ECVs (Electric Conveyance Vehicles) are available for rent as well. All are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sensory-Friendly Resources

We are a KultureCity Certified location! All zoo staff attend an annual training to provide the best experience for ALL. Sensory bags are offered at no charge and can be checked out in the Tiger’s Paw Gift Shop. Click here to learn more about the items included in the bags. You will also notice signage that indicates quiet spaces across the zoo.

Privacy Pod

A privacy pod is located on the lower level of our main building as a space for families.

Service Animals

The Zoo allows service animals to accompany people with disabilities. Service animals in the museum must be housebroken, as well as harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain the animal through effective controls. Misbehaving or out-of-control service animals may be asked to leave the premises. 

Service animals are expected to stay off rock or mesh barriers, windows and fencing; keep all paws on the ground at Zoo habitats and not bark at Zoo animals.

With respect for all wildlife, service animals must remain in your lap, dog carrier, or on the ground at all times and must not be held up next to animal habitats for even brief periods of time.

Service animals should be kept at least 10 feet away from ambassador animals presented during programs or walking outside of habitat space.

Direct contact between Zoo animals and service animals is prohibited

Care and supervision of service animals is solely the responsibility of the owner. Per the ADA, service animals may be excluded if their presence alters the nature of the Zoo’s services or if the animal is out of the owner’s control.

Please utilize designated service animal relief stations as indicated by the service animal map. Animal waste bags are available in the gift shop as needed.

Please reference the MN Council on Disability’s Reference Guide for additional information.

Map of Service Animal Spaces

Restricted Areas (no service animal access):

Barnyard, Kangaroo & Capybara yard pathway

Sensitive Areas (spend limited time)

  • In front of Kookaburras
  • Outdoor Lemur habitat
  • Outdoor Angolan Colobus Habitat

Animal Relief Areas

  • Along the fence line at the bottom of ACC Hill
  • Along the nature trail by the waterfall bridge

Accessible Tours for People Accompanied by Service Animals

Click Here to Learn MORE & Request a Tour

  • Nocturnal Feeding Tour
  • Primate Painting Tour
  • Carnivore Feeding
  • Common Snapping Turtle Feeding
  • Pig Feeding
  • Red Panda

These tours will not include behind-the-scenes opportunities

Accessibility Programs

The Lake Superior Zoo is committed to providing equitable access for all people. We offer several options for eligible individuals and families:

Zoo for All Membership Program

Our Zoo for All program is available to people and families who experience financial barriers to visiting the LSZoo. The membership covers one year of unlimited general admission for up to two adults and their children. Access is not limited to one year; you simply renew your membership with the same eligibility information provided today.

Museums for All Program

Through this nationwide program, eligible people can receive $5 admission to the Zoo. You do not need to register, and there is no limit on the number of times you can visit the zoo. Simply show your SNAP EBT card and a photo ID when checking in.

Blue Star Museums

The Lake Superior Zoo is a proud member of the Blue Star program. This program offers free admission to active-duty military members and their families from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day.