Seeking Memories of Smuda’s Zoo

Barn at Smudas' Zoo property, 2019, photo courtesy Blossoms Photography, LLC. — Barn at Smuda’s Zoo property, 2019, photo courtesy Blossoms Photography, LLC.

The Programming Committee of the Morrison County Historical Society is putting together an exhibit on Smuda’s Zoo for the Morrison County Fair (Little Falls), which runs from August 8-10, 2019.

Smuda’s Zoo was run by the Smuda family, whose home is directly across the street from the Weyerhaeuser Museum. The Smudas have long been involved with and supporters of the museum. Many of them have worked or volunteered for us since the Weyerhaeuser Museum opened in 1975. In fact, we purchased the property the museum sits on from the Smudas.

Because Smuda’s Zoo was a local attraction that brings back fond memories and the Smuda family has been so good to us, we wanted to honor the family and zoo by creating an exhibit. That means gathering history.

The Programming Committee is working directly with Alvina and Alice Smuda to get their history of the zoo, but we need your help. If you have memories, photos, or other memorabilia of Smuda’s Zoo that you’d like to share for the exhibit, please give us a call at the Weyerhaeuser Museum – 320-632-4007. You can also share your memories below in the comments.

Animal pen in barn at Smudas' Zoo property, 2019, photo courtesy Blossoms Photography, LLC. — Animal pen in barn at Smuda’s Zoo property, 2019, photo courtesy Blossoms Photography, LLC.

3 Replies to “Seeking Memories of Smuda’s Zoo”

Hi my name is Susan Hardwick. Alice Smuda is my Aunt. I live in Baltimore Maryland but spent several summers with my sister Sherri at the zoo. We helped clean the pens and feed the animals. Was the best summers I ever had. I will send some pictures if I can.

Thanks for sharing your story, Susan! You have a great aunt!

Mary Warner
Executive Director

I spent my summers,as a child, at Charles Lindbergh State Park. I am 63 now, so guessing 1966-1970’s. My grandparents were park rangers, Otis and Adeline Wheeler. Truly the best time of my childhood. The whole campground was mine to explore and to make new friends. Highlight was to visit the Smuda’s Zoo. What a delightful bunch they were! I remember them all sitting in a row outside their house, at the entrance. I believe they were siblings? I can still hear the peacocks call. My grandparents were good friends of theirs so they “put up” with me as an outspoken curious kid. I remember telling them to build a bigger area for the majestic lion. I may be off with my dates. Come to think of it, I feel an urgent need to come soon and re-explore??~ Tami Machtemes

Susan Hardwick says:

June 7, 2019 at 10:58 am

Hi my name is Susan Hardwick. Alice Smuda is my Aunt. I live in Baltimore Maryland but spent several summers with my sister Sherri at the zoo. We helped clean the pens and feed the animals. Was the best summers I ever had. I will send some pictures if I can.

Morrison County Historical Society says:

June 7, 2019 at 4:41 pm

Thanks for sharing your story, Susan! You have a great aunt!

Mary Warner
Executive Director

Tami Machtemes says:

September 15, 2025 at 7:01 am

I spent my summers,as a child, at Charles Lindbergh State Park. I am 63 now, so guessing 1966-1970’s. My grandparents were park rangers, Otis and Adeline Wheeler. Truly the best time of my childhood. The whole campground was mine to explore and to make new friends. Highlight was to visit the Smuda’s Zoo. What a delightful bunch they were! I remember them all sitting in a row outside their house, at the entrance. I believe they were siblings? I can still hear the peacocks call. My grandparents were good friends of theirs so they “put up” with me as an outspoken curious kid. I remember telling them to build a bigger area for the majestic lion. I may be off with my dates. Come to think of it, I feel an urgent need to come soon and re-explore??~ Tami Machtemes