Blank Park Zoo at 7401 SW 9th St is Iowa's largest accredited zoological park, home to more than 1,500 animals representing over 100 species across 49 acres in south Des Moines. Opened in 1966 and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo organizes its collection into themed exhibit areas including Africa, Australia, North America, and Discovery Center. The Africa exhibit is the most extensive, featuring giraffes in an open-air paddock visitors can view from an elevated platform and feed with purchased lettuce, lions, meerkats, and African penguins in a climate-controlled habitat. The Australia section presents wallabies in a walk-through kangaroo area where animals roam freely among visitors on the pathway. The North America section includes mountain lions, river otters with an underwater viewing panel, and bald eagles. The Discovery Center houses a reptile and amphibian collection alongside interactive education stations suited for younger visitors. Train rides circle portions of the zoo grounds on a miniature railway, and a carousel operates in the central plaza. Animal encounter programs — keeper talks at scheduled times throughout the day — bring zoo staff to exhibit areas for informal Q&A sessions. The zoo's free parking and central Des Moines location make it one of the most accessible family attractions in Iowa. Summer weekends between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM are the most crowded; spring and fall weekday mornings offer the most comfortable visiting conditions and more active animal behavior in cooler temperatures.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (extended summer hours); check blankparkzoo.com for seasonal schedule
- Best time
- Weekday mornings in spring or fall for pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds
Location
7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
41.5369, -93.6514 View on map
Highlights
- Africa exhibit with giraffe feeding platform, lions, meerkats, and African penguin habitat
- Walk-through Australia kangaroo area where wallabies and kangaroos roam freely among visitors
- River otter habitat in the North America section with an underwater viewing panel
- Daily keeper talk programs at scheduled exhibit areas throughout the zoo
- Miniature train rides and carousel in the central plaza area
Tips for visiting
- Purchase tickets in advance at blankparkzoo.com to skip the admission window queue on busy days
- The giraffe feeding experience costs an additional fee beyond zoo admission and sells out quickly — book on arrival
- Arrive at opening (9:00 AM) on summer weekends to visit the Africa section before mid-morning crowds develop
- Weekday mornings in spring and fall offer the most active animal behavior in cooler temperatures
- Keeper talks are posted on the daily schedule board near the main entrance — check it immediately on arrival
- Free parking on site; the zoo has no direct DART bus connection, so a car or rideshare is needed
When to visit
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and tend to produce more active animal behavior than summer's heat. Weekday mornings year-round are significantly less crowded than summer weekend afternoons, which draw the largest family crowds.
Accessibility
Blank Park Zoo is largely accessible to wheelchair and stroller users, with paved pathways connecting all major exhibit areas. Accessible restrooms are distributed throughout the zoo. Some terrain between exhibits involves gentle slopes. Wheelchair and stroller rentals are available at the main entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Blank Park Zoo take?
Most families spend 3-4 hours covering the main exhibit areas, the Discovery Center, and at least one keeper talk. A full visit including train rides, carousel, and giraffe feeding extends to 4-5 hours.
Is Blank Park Zoo suitable for toddlers and very young children?
Yes, the zoo is highly suitable for young children. The walk-through Australia area, giraffe feeding, and Discovery Center interactive stations are particularly engaging for children under 8. Strollers are permitted throughout.
Is photography allowed at Blank Park Zoo?
Yes, personal photography is freely permitted throughout all public exhibit areas. Flash photography is discouraged near sensitive species. Drones and commercial photography require prior authorization from zoo management.