The Minnesota Zoo has proudly opened its doors to the public for the world’s most extended elevated pedestrian loop, known as the Treetop Trail. This ambitious project involved repurposing 1.25 miles of a former monorail structure into a captivating walkway, offering visitors an extraordinary experience 32 feet above the ground, with stunning views of the zoo’s diverse wildlife, hardwood forest, and wetlands.
Image courtesy of Minnesota Zoo
“The Treetop Trail marks a new chapter for the Minnesota Zoo,” exclaimed John Frawley, the institution’s director and foundation president. “As we look ahead to the Zoo’s next 45 years, the Treetop Trail is a major step in furthering connections to nature and animals in an accessible and immersive way.”
The Treetop Trail: A New Perspective on Wildlife and Nature
The Treetop Trail’s innovative design was spearheaded by Minneapolis-based Snow Kreilich Architects in collaboration with renowned engineering firm Buro Happold (noted for its work on the High Line in New York City) and landscape architecture and urban design practice TEN x TEN. PCL served as the construction leader. The team’s top priority was to minimize disruptions to the zoo’s animals and guests throughout the planning, construction, and post-construction phases.
Image courtesy of Minnesota Zoo
The journey towards the Treetop Trail commenced in June 2018, and groundbreaking occurred in April 2022. The original monorail track opened in 1979 and was retired in 2013, making way for this groundbreaking attraction. Adding an impressive 70,000 square feet to the zoo’s premises, the trail comprises 400 20-foot modular sections, each meticulously wheeled into position using a custom-made trolley fabricated exclusively for this project.
Image courtesy of Minnesota Zoo
To ensure a sturdy structure and seamless experience for visitors, the Treetop Trail utilizes nearly 1,000 tons of new structural steel, reinforcing angles, walkway frames, and handrails along the trail’s curves. The trail’s entrance also boasts the zoo’s new animal ambassador habitat, where guests are warmly greeted by several species native to Minnesota, enhancing the immersive encounter.
Fraser Reid, a structural engineer and associate principal with Buro Happold, praised the Minnesota Zoo’s vision, stating, “We applaud the vision of this worldwide leader in wildlife conservation, the Minnesota Zoo, in conceiving the Treetop Trail to creatively adapt and reuse this existing structure and offer year-round access to diverse wildlife amid hundreds of acres of beautiful natural forest, ponds, and marshes, as well as a unique perspective of Minnesota Zoo’s animals.”
Image courtesy of Minnesota Zoo
With a total cost of $39 million, public and private support made this remarkable endeavor possible. Appropriately timed to coincide with World Nature Conservation Day, the Treetop Trail officially opened its gates on July 28th, allowing visitors to embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting treetops, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the natural world.
Image courtesy of Minnesota Zoo
This visionary project not only showcases Minnesota Zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation and nature preservation but also provides a platform for fostering a stronger connection between humans and the animal kingdom.
As visitors stroll along the elevated walkway, they can embrace the beauty of the zoo’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, leaving them with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. The Treetop Trail is undoubtedly set to become a symbol of environmental stewardship and an emblem of progress in harmoniously blending human experiences with the captivating realm of wildlife.
