Hemker Park and Zoo

Hemker Park and Zoo is a family-owned zoological park located in Freeport, Minnesota, in Stearns County, open daily from May 1 through October 31. Founded in 1977 and opened to the public in 1994, the zoo is home to more than 200 animals across over 70 species, including giraffes, rhinoceroses, otters, koi, and budgies, as well as an Amur leopard and three rare Pallas's cats that make Hemker one of only a handful of U.S. facilities to house the latter species. The zoo's beloved rhino, Tio, is the only rhinoceros in the state of Minnesota. The park actively supports global conservation efforts and public education about endangered species. Face-to-face animal experiences, including giraffe feeding, make Hemker a memorable destination for families exploring central Minnesota near the greater St. Cloud area.