Minnesota Zoo opens night lantern walk Wanderlight Trail

The Minnesota Zoo has opened Wanderlight Trail, a quarter-mile lantern exhibit in Apple Valley that runs Wednesdays through Sundays through Aug. 2. The nighttime attraction pairs immersive art with conservation messaging and ticketed specialty nights, giving the zoo a new summer draw after dark. Why it matters: - Wanderlight Trail gives the Minnesota Zoo a new after-dark attraction during the summer tourism season. - The exhibit combines entertainment and conservation messaging, which helps the zoo showcase animals it protects while creating a ticketed experience that can draw families, couples and adults-only crowds. What happened: - The Minnesota Zoo opened Wanderlight Trail, a twilight lantern spectacular presented by Bank of America, in Apple Valley, Minnesota. - The exhibit runs Wednesdays through Sundays through Aug. 2, 2026. - The zoo says guests can buy tickets at more information . - More to Explore Specialty nights are scheduled during the run, including adults-only evenings. The details: - Wanderlight Trail is a quarter-mile walking experience with music, vibrant lighting and interactive visual effects. - The trail includes themed areas such as Wonders of the Earth and Wonders of the Ocean. - The walk is designed to take 40 to 50 minutes at a relaxed pace. - Guests can see larger-than-life lanterns inspired by animals from around the world. - The zoo highlights illuminated versions of bison, tigers and tropical fish. - The display also includes species supported through the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program, including black rhinoceroses, red pandas and the Poweshiek skipperling. - The zoo says the experience reflects its conservation work in Minnesota and around the world. - Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the zoo closes at midnight. - Two timed entry options are available: Twilight Wander at 8 p.m. and Moonlight Wander at 9:30 p.m. - Guests may arrive any time during their selected entry window and stay until closing. - General admission ranges from $26 to $30. - Fast Pass, Specialty Night and Group Tickets are also available. - Discounts are available for members, children and groups. - Guests can also buy glow apparel, light-up toys and themed food and beverages. - Menu items include an Electric Violet cocktail and a Bioluminescent Jelly mocktail served in a souvenir light-up shaker cup. Between the lines: - The Minnesota Zoo is using a familiar seasonal format, but the lantern theme stretches the appeal beyond daytime animal viewing. - Pairing illuminated wildlife displays with conservation references gives the attraction a broader purpose than a simple light show. - Specialty nights and premium ticket options suggest the zoo is trying to capture multiple audiences and spending levels during the run. What’s next: - The exhibit will continue through Aug. 2, with guests able to visit on Wednesday through Sunday nights. - The zoo will keep offering specialty nights and timed entry windows as the summer run continues. - More details on admission and planning are available through the zoo’s website.