Wander Minnesota: A Quick Trip

You know what I like?

I like penguins. I've seen the flurry of advertising the Minnesota Zoo has done about the new 3M Penguins of the African Coast exhibit and kept thinking, 'Oh, I need to spend a day at the Zoo, see the penguins, see everything else. But I'll need a whole day, right?'

Well, to do it up right, the longer you can spend at the Zoo, the better. And the Zoo was kind enough to offer me a free admission pass. But I didn't have that much time. How could I get the most out of a trip to Apple Valley with less than an afternoon?

First was the penguin exhibit. Then I boarded the monorail.

This was a great choice. Slightly under 30 minutes, and it took me around the perimeter of the Zoo, giving me the chance to see several animals I don't normally find in my backyard. Like this enormous fellow.

Or these guys, enjoying a beautiful fall afternoon with some spirited play.

Seriously, who can resist a congenial clutch of camels, also enjoying the beautiful day by simply hanging out?

Once off the monorail, I made my way to the Medtronic Minnesota Trail, where this gray wolf was taking a very canine approach to a warm day.

Finally, for me at least, a trip to the Zoo is never complete without a walk through the Tropics Trail. I love this Colobus monkey, sitting quietly and observing what the other monkeys are up to.

And just look at these bathing beauties.

Did I wish I could stay longer and walk the Zoo trails, watch the dolphin show, take in an Imax movie? Of course. But was a quick visit better than no visit? Absolutely.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.