I always held the Minnesota Zoo as the standard to the way a zoo should be since I grew up in the Twin Cities area. Through my travels though, I learned that it was a disappointing standard to have. But recently, they sure have spruced up the 500 acre facility making it a good one to have as a bar once again.

Granted it's no San Diego Zoo, but there are still some pretty great exhibits and opportunities to be had here. And after all the remodeling that's recently taken place, it's a real treat to go back and see the zoo with new eyes. I had a great time in a recent visit and would recommend it to anyone heading to the Twin Cities for a holiday.

The main zoo building is pretty much the same as it's always been with the exception of one area; the Minnesota Trail (above) was totally renovated to give it a feeling as though you're walking along a trail in the north woods. Exhibits there include all kinds of animals that are found in Minnesota, with the highlight for us being two wrestling wolverines.

Another recently renovated area is called Russia's Grizzly Coast. I absolutely loved how all of the signs here were written both in English and Russian. It really seemed to add a special touch to the area. And the animals are spectacular with brown bears, leopards and more. I loved the stop and could've spent a good deal of time watching the active bears climb around.

The best part of what the zoo has changed though was the giraffe area. For a small fee patrons are allowed to buy large crackers to feed the giraffes by hand, under trainer supervision, and get their picture taken while doing so. I saw something similar at Sydney's Taronga Zoo and wonder if it might be patterned after the animal encounters there.

Either way, it's genius in my opinion as it can only benefit the animals through funding and education.

Classic exhibits that have not seemed to changed since my last visit are the Family Farm petting area, the Discovery Bay marine education center and all of the great shows and presentations. And oh, don't forget the monorail that circles the park too, taking in all of the outdoor exhibits. All of these areas are just as great as they've always been with great hands-on opportunities for education that actively engage everyone.

Seeing places that hold special childhood memories for me, like the Minnesota Zoo, grow and improve always put a smile on my face. For too long I've seen great places back home deteriorate; I'm happy to see the proper funding now being put forth and the proper care being given for the more than 2,400 animals from 445 different species. It's really a treat and one that I'm excited to taken in on another visit.