North Dakota has a handful of big city zoos in places like Fargo and Bismarck, but did you know it also has a zoo and park combo in the smaller city of Wahpeton? Not only is the zoo jam packed with things to see and do, it is also located in an absolutely gorgeous park with camping, trails, a pool, and more things available for use at a great location. See it for yourself:

Located right along the Red River in Wahpeton, North Dakota is Chahinkapa Park. So many things are waiting for you inside!
Google maps
The scenic park's main attraction is the Chahinkapa Zoo, a small zoo full of amazing things to see.
minnemom/Flickr
The zoo was first established in 1933 and has been a crowdpleaser for visitors ever since.
The zoo features quite a few animals including lemurs, monkeys, and an orangutang. Because of the zoo's small size, you can get up close and personal to each exhibit without having to fight to the front of crowds.
Chahinkapa Zoo/Facebook
In addition to just viewing the animals you can learn all about them from local guides and watch the zoo's animal trainers at work with the animal residents.
Chahinkapa Zoo also features animals like red kangaroos, grizzly bears, camels, and zebras.
Chahinkapa Zoo/Facebook
Not to mention bison, elk, llamas, alpacas, and also a whole bunch of barnyard animals in their petting zoo.
Chahinkapa Zoo/Facebook
As zoos in North Dakota go, this one is a great way to get up close and personal with the animals and get one-on-one attention and information from the staff.

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Plus, they have a whole host of big cats that will amaze you, such as their two Bengal tigers...
Chahinkapa Zoo/Facebook
...rare snow leopards...
Chahinkapa Zoo/Facebook
...and cougars! And that's not all this place has.
obervethebanana/Flickr
The zoo offers a robust calendar of events so you can experience the property in new ways all the time. They're all family friendly and might include a full on party on the zoos grounds.
The Chahinkapa Park is full of history, including a historic, restored carousel called the Prairie Rose Carousel. It is only one of three antique carousels of its type left in the US.
minnemom/Flickr
You can make a whole day out of an outing to this park, starting with the zoo and ending with a picnic on the lush grounds.
Or you can turn this adventure into a whole vacation! The park includes cabins, campgrounds, ponds, trails along the Red River, a pool, playgrounds, and so much more just waiting for you to have an adventure in.
Google maps

Chahinkapa Park is located at 85 R J Hughes Drive, Wahpeton, ND 58075. The zoo is located within the park and is opening for the 2018 season on April 28th. The park is open for public use year round. Click here for more information. Have you been to this park and zoo? If so let us know all about your adventures in the comments below, we love hearing your firsthand accounts of these unique locations.

Looking for more adventure in North Dakota? Here are some great options!

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More to Explore

Zoos In North Dakota

CC | May 02, 2023

What are other zoos should I visit in North Dakota?

There’s something very special about Chahinkapa Zoo, but after you’ve experienced its charm, check out these other zoos in North Dakota.

  • Red River Zoo in Fargo
  • Dakota Zoo in Bismarck
  • Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot
  • Chahinkapa Zoo in Wahpeton

 

What natural landmarks should I visit in North Dakota?

After perusing these fabulous zoos, take a stroll through these beautiful natural landmarks in North Dakota. You can view the natural wildlife and enjoy the lush greenery while participating in a family-friendly hike. Maybe throw in a picnic as well!

  • Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge
  • Cannonball Concretions Pullout
  • Wildwood Hiking Trail
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • Fort Ransom State Park
  • North Dakota's Lost National Park
  • Cross Ranch State Park
  • Caprock-Coulee Trail

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Featured Addresses
Chahinkapa Zoo, 1004 Rj Hughes Dr, Wahpeton, ND 58075, USA