There’s something undeniably breathtaking about this continent’s great wilderness—the towering peaks of the Rockies, the vast expanse of the Great Plains, the dense forests that have stood for centuries. These landscapes tell a story of resilience, wonder, and the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. Now, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we’re bringing that story to life in a whole new way.

Welcome to North America Trek, a reimagined region designed to immerse guests in the beauty and diversity of our continent’s wild places. Inspired by the landscapes of our national parks, this transformative project is more than just an upgrade—it’s a journey into the heart of North America’s most awe-inspiring environments.

Through carefully designed habitats, naturalistic landscapes, and innovative conservation messaging, North America Trek will offer an unparalleled experience that connects guests with the incredible wildlife that shares our world. With every step along the winding paths, you’ll feel as if you’ve ventured into untouched wilderness, where black bears roam, river otters splash, and Mexican wolves call across rocky outcroppings.

As construction progresses, we invite you to follow along on this journey, exploring the craftsmanship, conservation, inspiration, and creativity that make North America Trek a destination like no other.

Inspired by the Real Thing

Every detail of North America Trek has been carefully designed to evoke the majesty of the continent’s wild places, and that inspiration came straight from the landscapes that define them. From the towering cliffs of Yellowstone to the rushing rivers of the Pacific Northwest, our team visited and drew from real national parks to shape the look and feel of this reimagined space.

The rock formations extend beyond artistic interpretations—they’re modeled after the dramatic foliage found in the Great Smoky Mountains and the rugged landscape of the Southwest. The lush greenery and meandering waterways mirror the untamed beauty of Acadia and Glacier National Parks. Even the rustic structures and wayfinding elements are reminiscent of the classic National Park Service style, reinforcing the spirit of adventure and exploration.

By incorporating these real-world elements into North America Trek, we’re also crafting an experience that immerses guests in the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscapes these animals call home. With these side-by-side images of inspiration and execution, we hope visitors will feel the deep connection between the wilderness we protect and the remarkable animals that inhabit it.

Building North America Trek

Transforming the Columbus Zoo’s North America region into the breathtaking North America Trek is no small feat. Covering 14 acres of land, with the first phase spanning roughly 8 acres, this reimagined space brings a new level of immersion and innovation to the Zoo. Originally developed in the 1980s, this is the oldest region of the Zoo—and now, it’s getting a bold, nature-inspired redesign.

This $40 million project will create engaging, modern habitats for North American river otters, bald eagles, black bears, and Mexican wolves, as well as a new aviaries for trumpeter swans and songbirds, all resulting in an environment that places animal wellbeing at the heart of every decision. From the way habitats are designed to encourage species-appropriate behaviors, to ensuring that keepers can provide optimal care, every element has been built with both wildlife and people in mind.

To bring this vision to life, the Zoo partnered with Pepper Construction and PGAV, companies that shares values in sustainability, innovation, and empowering teams to do their best work. Their expertise in designing and creating environmentally responsible structures, combined with their commitment to collaboration, made them an ideal partner for this transformative project.

Together, our teams have worked hand in hand to ensure that North America Trek is not only a breathtaking new space but also a model for how construction can align with conservation efforts. By incorporating sustainable materials, reducing waste, and prioritizing eco-friendly building techniques, this project is as forward-thinking as it is immersive.

Mindful Construction

In keeping with the Zoo’s commitment to sustainability, every decision has been made with conservation in mind. Thousands of tons of soil have been moved to reshape the land, but rather than removing it from the site, the team has retained as much as possible—saving costs and reducing environmental impact.

Additionally, every tree removed was carefully considered. Many trees were preserved, while others were repurposed as enrichment materials for animals, natural perches, or habitat elements. Others were sourced from local nurseries.

In a particularly unique effort, several of the pine trees being planted throughout North America Trek were rescued from a local property that was being cleared. Rather than simply being cut down, these native North American trees were relocated to the Zoo  —giving them a second life and enhancing the natural beauty of the region. 

In total, more than 300 native trees will be planted throughout North America Trek, strengthening the region’s ecological value and long-term sustainability.

The Zoo also worked closely with the Wetlands Biologist from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to identify and remove invasive species in the wetlands area, replacing them with native plantings that will help restore and maintain the local ecosystem.

The Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation

One of the most exciting additions to North America Trek is the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation (OCWC), located near the Zoo’s iconic big red barn. This space will showcase the Zoo’s conservation efforts with species like eastern hellbenders, Plains garter snakes, and freshwater mussels. Visitors will be able to see animals up close and learn about the Zoo’s work in preserving Ohio’s ecosystems. The surrounding wetlands will provide an authentic glimpse into the delicate balance of native habitats, offering both beauty and education.

An Immersive Experience for Columbus Zoo Guests

Every detail of North America Trek has been carefully considered to create a beautiful space, transport guests into the heart of this continent, and provide a seamless, immersive experience designed to feel like stepping into one of America’s national parks.

From the moment guests enter, they’ll know they’re somewhere special. A grand entrance arch, inspired by the rustic gateways of national parks, will welcome visitors, setting the tone for adventure. Beneath it, a compass rose will offer a sense of direction—both physically and symbolically—inviting guests to explore the landscapes ahead.

The entire space has been designed with both aesthetic and functional details in mind:

• Hand-carved rockwork that reflects the diverse landscapes of North America
• Stacked stone and boulder edges designed to blend naturally into the surroundings
• Green roofs that help regulate temperature and reduce environmental impact
• Vintage-style lanterns, weathered wood, and rustic signage inspired by the National Park Service to reinforce the feeling of stepping into a national park
• Pathways that are fully ADA-accessible, ensuring all guests can enjoy the beauty of North America Trek

Animal wellbeing is woven into every aspect of this project. The variety of terrains, rockwork, and water features encourage natural behaviors. Each habitat was designed with multiple postures in mind—providing the animals with the opportunity to display the full range of behaviors they would in their native range. And for guests, these design choices offer a more authentic and meaningful way to observe and appreciate these incredible species.

A Shared Vision

North America Trek is the result of an incredible collaboration between multiple teams, all working together with a shared goal—creating a region that is immersive, sustainable, and, most importantly, supports the wellbeing of the animals that call it home.

From the very beginning, construction crews, planning teams, habitat designers, animal care specialists, veterinarians, and leadership worked side by side, exchanging ideas, solving challenges, and ensuring that every detail was carefully considered. Daily collaboration meant that the voices of all stakeholders were heard—whether it was ensuring optimal guest sightlines, incorporating innovative sustainability efforts, or designing spaces that allow the animals to thrive in enriched environments.

This project has been a true testament to teamwork, with each department empowering one another to make North America Trek the best it can be. The lessons learned throughout this process—about communication, problem-solving, and balancing functionality with beauty—will help guide future projects at the Columbus Zoo and beyond.

At the end of the day, North America Trek is about inspiring a love for wildlife and wild places. Every rock, every tree, every carefully crafted detail is here to remind us that nature is worth protecting.

So, pack your sense of adventure and get ready to explore. North America Trek is coming in Summer 2025—and it’s a journey you won’t want to miss.

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