Blank Park Zoo’s dazzling Wild Lights festival will be returning to Des Moines this spring April 1 through May 30, 2022. The Zoo’s grounds come to life after dark this season with a series of sparkling, larger-than-life lantern safaris that makes this a fun destination on a central Iowa spring night.
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As the sun goes down, the lights come on, illuminating acres of the zoo. The lantern creatures are spaced out along the zoo’s paths and divided much like the zoo itself, with animals from different regions grouped together. This year’s festival will feature Asian mythical creatures, prehistoric dinosaurs, and endangered animals. In addition, you’ll see a few fan-favorite displays from last year – like the wisteria tunnel.
You don’t want to miss this beautiful display of illuminated hand-crafted sculptures! The lanterns are created using steel frames surrounded by colorful rayon “skins” and illuminated from within by LED lights. The lights are simply stunning and walking through some of the installations is super cool!
Know Before You Go to Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights
- Wild Lights is open Wednesday through Sunday, April 1 to May 30, 2022.
- The best viewing begins at sunset. Admission begins at 7:30 p.m. and you can arrive anytime until 9:30 p.m.
- Specific event tickets are required and can be purchased on the Zoo’s website. Please note that there is a capacity limit for the event. Advanced Tickets are $24.95 per person and $19.95 for zoo members. One and under are FREE. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door and are $30 per person or $25 for members.
- For the safety of the animals, staff and visiting public, the ‘real’ animals will not be available for viewing.
- The event is outdoors and takes place rain or shine. Spring weather in Iowa can be a bit unpredictable and it can get chilly as the sun goes down, so you’ll want to dress appropriately.
- Just like a regular visit, strollers are allowed.
- Food will be available via food trucks on select nights. Wine and Beer will be available on select Friday and Saturday nights.
- This is a very visual event, and the Zoo hopes you take LOTS of pictures and share your experience on social media tagging @BlankParkZoo and #WildLightsDSM.
- It takes about 60-90 minutes to stroll through the whole exhibit.
Do you plan on attending Wild Lights at the Blank Park Zoo this spring in Des Moines?
