Most People Don't Know This North Dakota Zoo And Adventure Park Exists
By Leah|Updated on May 02, 2023(Originally published April 27, 2023)
×
Leah
Author
Leah moved to North Dakota when she was 12 years old and has traveled from the Red River Valley to the badlands and many places in between. She loves small-town life and currently enjoys living on a small farm in the ND prairie. She's always had a passion for writing and has participated in novel writing challenges such as NaNoWriMo multiple times. Her favorite part about this job is recognizing small businesses that deserve a boost and seeing the positive affect her articles can have on their traffic, especially in rural areas that might have otherwise gone overlooked.
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!
The zoo was first established in 1933 and has been a crowdpleaser for visitors ever since.
Advertisement
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.
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.
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.
Plus, they have a whole host of big cats that will amaze you, such as their two Bengal tigers...
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.
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.
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.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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!
