A monorail track that sat unused for years now carries people on foot, up to 32 feet above a forest floor. I love that someone looked at old steel and saw a walking path instead of scrap.
The loop stretches 1.25 miles, and it holds the title of the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop. Even better, it sits inside a zoo. So you might spot a tiger, a moose, or a camel while you stroll above the treetops.
I believe this is one of the most clever reuse projects in Minnesota. It turns a regular zoo day into something closer to a bird’s-eye adventure. The views change with every season, from summer green to bright fall color.
An Old Monorail Got A Second Life As The World’s Longest Elevated Loop
Most retired rides end up hauled away for scrap metal. The Treetop Trail at the Minnesota Zoo took a far smarter route and kept the old track standing.
Back in 1979, the zoo opened a monorail called Skytrail. It glided over the grounds for more than 30 years before closing in 2013.
Keeping it running had simply become too expensive. So the tall steel structure stood quiet, waiting for a new purpose.
Zoo Director John Frawley found that purpose after visiting the High Line in New York City. That famous park turned an old elevated railway into a walking path.
He wondered if the same idea could work in Minnesota. Planning began in June 2018, and a ceremonial groundbreaking followed in April 2022.
The Treetop Trail officially opened on Friday, July 28, 2023. That date also happened to be World Nature Conservation Day, which feels like a fitting choice.
Today, it ranks as the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop. Not bad for a track that once seemed finished.
I like how this story rewards patience. The zoo didn’t tear down its past, it built something new right on top of it.
Your Legs Get A 1.25 Mile Workout Up To 32 Feet In The Air
Thirty-two feet is roughly the height of a three-story building. Now stretch that height across a 1.25 mile loop, and you have a walk that feels nothing like a sidewalk.
The trail doesn’t stay at one flat height the whole way. It rises up to 32 feet, so parts of the route put you right among the branches.
Because it’s a loop, you won’t need to turn around and retrace your steps. You simply keep walking until you’re back where you started.
A mile and a quarter sounds easy, and for many people it is. Still, it’s smart to wear comfy shoes and bring water on warm days.
Little legs may want a break halfway around. Good news, there are benches along the route for resting.
I can’t imagine a better way to sneak some exercise into a family zoo trip. Nobody complains about walking when there might be a tiger below.
Plan some extra time, too. Between the views and the photo stops, the loop can easily take longer than you expect.
Tigers, Moose, And Camels Look Different From Above
Tigers usually get viewed through glass at eye level. On the Treetop Trail, you get the rare chance to peek down from overhead instead.
The route passes near several animal areas. Depending on the day, you might spot tigers, moose, bison, and camels from your perch.
Animals keep their own schedules, of course. Some days they’re out and about, and other days they’re napping somewhere out of sight.
That’s part of the fun, honestly. Spotting a moose from above feels a bit like winning a small prize.
Keep in mind that the trail doesn’t overlook every exhibit at the Minnesota Zoo. Think of it as a bonus view, not a replacement for the regular paths.
Wildlife shows up beyond the zoo animals, too. The ponds and marshes along the way attract native creatures that live there on their own.
A pair of binoculars can really help here. Kids especially love scanning the ground below like real wildlife scouts.
Patience pays off on this walk. Slow down near the animal areas, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of a great sighting.
Birders Might Want To Pack The Good Binoculars
Birds don’t usually expect company up in the treetops. That’s exactly what makes this trail such a fun spot for birdwatching.
From an elevated path, you see the forest at the same level many birds live. You’re not just craning your neck upward the whole time.
The views take in Minnesota’s native hardwood forests, along with ponds and marshes. Those mixed habitats give different bird species plenty of places to hang out.
The zoo even offers self-guided birding walks on the Treetop Trail. It’s a handy way to learn what to look for as you go.
Photographers get a similar treat. The zoo also offers self-guided photography walks, which makes sense given the height and open views.
A camera with a zoom lens can capture birds without disturbing them. Even a phone works well for wide forest shots.
Early in the day often brings more bird activity in general. Check the trail hours first, since its opening time can shift in colder months.
Bring a small notebook if you enjoy keeping lists. Checking off new species turns a simple walk into a little game.
Some Serious Engineering Hides Under Your Feet
About 1,000 tons of new structural steel went into this project. That’s a lot of metal holding up one peaceful nature walk.
The design came from Snow Kreilich Architects. Buro Happold handled the engineering, and PCL Construction built it.
The numbers get even more impressive. Crews added 2.8 miles of steel guard rail and over 131,750 linear feet of decking boards.
The clever part was how they built it. Sections of the boardwalk were made ahead of time somewhere else, then brought in.
Workers moved those pieces into place using trolleys that rolled along the old monorail track. In a way, the monorail helped build its own replacement.
This method kept disruption to the zoo low while work went on. Animals and guests could carry on with their days nearby.
All told, the trail added 70,000 square feet of new space to the zoo. That’s a big gain without clearing new ground.
Next time you’re walking it, glance down at the boards. Each step sits on a pretty brilliant piece of problem-solving.
Wide Bump-Outs Turn A Walk Into A Hangout
Walking paths usually push you forward. Here, more than 22 wider spots practically beg you to stop and stay a while.
The zoo calls them bump-outs, and they’re about 12 feet wide. They give people room to pause without blocking anyone behind them.
These spaces do more than offer a breather. They host special programs that make the trail feel lively.
The trail has hosted wellness classes and nature programs, while its wider gathering areas were designed to accommodate performances and special events. After-hours events happen up there too.
Picture stretching through a yoga pose with treetops around you. Okay, I’m not allowed to start with that, but it sneaks in here nicely.
Even on a regular day, the bump-outs are worth using. They’re great for photos, snack breaks, or simply watching the forest move in the breeze.
Families can also use them as natural meeting points. Tell everyone to regroup at the next wide spot, and nobody wanders too far ahead.
Check the Minnesota Zoo’s event calendar before your visit. A concert or art show could turn an ordinary stroll into a memorable outing.
A Porcupine Might Say Hello Along The Way
Skunks aren’t usually on anyone’s wish list for a meet-and-greet. On this trail, though, they can be one of the highlights.
Zookeepers sometimes appear along the route with ambassador animals. These are creatures native to Minnesota, chosen to help teach visitors.
You might meet a porcupine, a skunk, or a red-tailed hawk. Each one comes with a keeper ready to share facts and answer questions.
This is a great chance for kids to ask everything on their minds. How sharp are porcupine quills, anyway?
I like how these meetings connect the view to real local wildlife. The forest below suddenly feels full of neighbors you’ve actually met.
Encounters like these aren’t guaranteed at every moment. Keepers come and go, so a little luck helps.
Give the animals space and follow the keeper’s guidance. Calm voices and gentle movements make the experience better for everyone.
And yes, the skunk is well-behaved. You can relax, your clothes are safe.
These chats often stick with kids long after the trip ends. A hawk up close beats any picture in a textbook.
Snow Doesn’t Shut This Loop Down
Winter in Minnesota tends to send people indoors. This trail keeps welcoming walkers all year long.
The Treetop Trail is an open-air, all-weather path with no roof overhead. Crews handle snow removal so the route stays usable.
In cooler weather, the trail generally opens by noon, weather permitting. That gives staff time to clear snow and handle maintenance.
It can also close without warning when the weather turns rough. Checking conditions before you head out is a smart move.
Each season brings a different look. Summer offers thick green leaves, while fall paints the hardwoods in bright colors.
Winter has its own charm with bare branches and open views. You may see farther into the forest when the leaves are gone.
Dress in layers when temperatures drop. Being 32 feet up means the wind can feel a bit sharper.
Since nothing covers the path, bring sunscreen or a hat on bright summer days, too. Comfort makes the full loop much more enjoyable.
Fall might be the showstopper season, honestly. Walking at treetop level through autumn color is hard to top.
Getting Up There Is Easier Than You’d Think
Good news for anyone worried about stairs. The trail includes ADA-compliant access points, and that includes an elevator.
Benches sit along the route for anyone who needs a rest. The zoo also shares information about accessibility accommodations for guests.
You’ll find the trail inside the Minnesota Zoo at 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124. It’s included with general zoo admission, so no separate ticket is needed.
You do need zoo admission to get on the trail. It’s not a free public path you can hop onto from outside.
The trail closes 30 minutes before the zoo itself closes. Arrive with plenty of time so you’re not rushing the loop.
The zoo is open 363 days a year. It only closes on Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
Combine the trail with the rest of the zoo for a full day out. The ground-level exhibits and the treetop views make a great pair.
For a true Minnesota adventure, this one checks every box. Where else can you walk an old monorail with a camel below?
