Como Zoo
Como Zoo started life in the late 19th century, when the city of St. Paul was given a gift of three deer. The city collected more animals like elk, foxes and buffalo, who lived in a fenced-in pasture at Como Park. In the 1930s construction started on a proper zoo.
Sadly, since the zoo is so old, many of the animal enclosures are very small by today's standards, and animals often look bored and cramped.
Much renovation and expansion took place in the 1980s, zoo staff spend considerable time providing activities for the animals, and they all look healthy and well cared for. But you wish they had more room to stretch their legs - or wings - or flippers.
This zoo is lots of fun for small children. It has all their favorite animals. There are lions and tigers and (polar) bears, and snakes, giraffes, zebras, monkey, seals and penguins. The site is small -- much smaller than the Minnesota Zoo -- so it's easy to get around and not get too tired pushing a stroller.
The giraffes, lions, monkeys and zebras live indoors during the winter. There are buildings with large observation windows for visitors to view the animals, out of the cold.
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, and Plants, Flowers and Gardens at Como Park
Como Park has historically been home to horticultural activities. In the 1880s, an ingenious tropical lily pond was grown, using warm water from the park superintendent’s house nearby.
The Gates Ajar, flowers and plants covering the walls around a set of park gates, also date from the 1880s. Almost every summer, thousands of plants and flowers are used to create intricate designs covering the walls around the gate. The Gates Ajar are on Lexington Avenue, near the Como Pavilion.
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory opened in 1915. The elegant steel and glass structure feels beautifully light, and on a sunny winter's day it is a wonderful respite from the cold.
The conservatory has several planting areas, water features, statues and sculptures. The most popular attraction is the flower shows, where the conservatory is filled with stunning flowers. The scent is incredible and can be almost overwhelming.
The beautiful conservatory is a very popular place for wedding and receptions.
The Japanese Garden displays Japanese trees, shrubs and sculpture. The Japanese Garden is open seasonally. St. Paul's sister city, Nagasaki, donated the Masami Matsuda (a prominent landscape architect) design for the garden. It's an enchanting, serene place.
Tropical Encounters Exhibit
Opened in 2006, the Tropical Encounters exhibit combines zoo animals and conservatory plants into a mini-jungle. Animals include great big fish, snakes, various creepy-crawlies, and free-flying birds. A challenge for visitors is to try to spot Chloe the sloth, concealed somewhere in the trees.
Como Town Amusement Park
Como Town Amusement Park is next door to Como Zoo. The Amusement park is outdoors, and open seasonally.
Visiting Como Park and Zoo
Como Zoo and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory are open every day of the year. Yes, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day too.
The zoo and conservatory open at 10 a.m. and closing time depends on the season. The zoo is open later in the summer.
Admission to the zoo, conservatory and gardens are free. Visitors may make a donation (suggested donations are $2 for an adult, $1 for a child) but it is optional.
There is a small parking lot outside, and cars usually have to spill over onto the streets to park on the weekend. Watch for parking restrictions if you park on the street.
For food, there is the Zobota Cafe, with plenty of kid-friendly food and some decent adult food, and a full Caribou coffee bar too. Ans seasonally, there is a concession stand in the zoo which sells fries, burgers and hotdogs.
The Como Zoo store is large, attractive, and full of everything from nice quality gifts, souvenirs, and cheap animal-themed nick-nacks.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Website
Como Zoo is a couple of miles north-east of downtown St. Paul. Here's driving Directions to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
