- Attraction: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
- Location: 1225 Estabrook Dr, St. Paul, MN 55103
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: https://comozooconservatory.org/
Families discover an extraordinary experience where admission never costs a penny but memories last a lifetime.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory stands as Minnesota’s most visited cultural attraction, welcoming over two million visitors annually to explore exotic animals and breathtaking botanical displays.
Founded in 1897 with just three donated deer, this remarkable destination has evolved into a world-class facility that proves the best things in life truly are free.
The magic extends far beyond typical zoo boundaries, combining captivating wildlife exhibits with the stunning Marjorie McNeely Conservatory—a Victorian glass-domed marvel that transports you into tropical paradise regardless of Minnesota’s weather.
You’ll step from observing polar bears in their spacious habitat directly into lush gardens filled with orchids, towering palms, and seasonal flower displays that rival any botanical garden in the country.
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Polar Bear Odyssey: Your heart will race watching Como’s three polar bears—Nan, Kulu, and Neil—dive and play in their massive 15-million-dollar habitat.
The year-round viewing station offers incredible up-close encounters while educating visitors about climate change and Arctic conservation. You’ll often catch the bears during enrichment activities or training sessions that showcase their intelligence and personality.
Giraffe Feeding Station: Nothing compares to going nose-to-nose with the world’s tallest animals. This hands-on experience lets you feed Como’s graceful giraffes while standing just inches away from these gentle giants.
The zoo has welcomed twenty giraffe calves since opening this popular attraction, and you’ll often see babies alongside their mothers.
Sparky’s Sea Lion Show: The entertaining Blaze Sparky Show at Como Harbor showcases all the zoo’s marine mammals—sea lions Subee, Poppy, and Niko, harbor seals Kash and Kilian, and Atlantic gray seals Medusa and Wally.
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Discover MoreThese charismatic animals demonstrate natural behaviors while their trainers share fascinating facts about marine conservation.
Gorilla Forest: Watch magnificent silverback gorillas in North America’s largest all-mesh gorilla habitat. The 13,000 square feet of outdoor space encourages natural climbing and social behaviors, giving you remarkable opportunities to observe these incredible primates interact with their family groups.
Big Cat Displays: You’ll find yourself mesmerized by Siberian tigers and African lions in thoughtfully designed exhibits. Como became the first zoo in North America to successfully hand-raise Siberian tigers, showcasing their commitment to conservation breeding programs.
Tropical Encounters: Step into an immersive South American rainforest complete with the sights, sounds, and humid atmosphere of the tropics. This exhibit houses fascinating fish species and creates an authentic jungle experience that transports you thousands of miles from Minnesota.
Conservatory Gardens & Seasonal Displays
The Sunken Garden: Minnesota’s most beautiful room dazzles with spectacular seasonal flower shows featuring thousands of bulbs, vibrant blooms, and reflecting pools.
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Palm Dome: The soaring 64-foot crystal dome houses over 150 tropical palm and cycad species, some more than a century old. You’ll discover an “orchid nook” featuring rotating displays from Como’s extensive orchid collection alongside towering palms that create a cathedral-like atmosphere.
Japanese Garden: The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden symbolizes the friendship between St. Paul and its sister city Nagasaki. Designed by Japanese landscape artist Masami Matsuda, this peaceful sanctuary follows traditional principles using Minnesota-hardy plants, creating year-round beauty and tranquil meditation spaces.
Bonsai Collection: The upper Midwest’s largest public bonsai collection showcases the ancient Japanese art of miniature tree cultivation. Many specimens date back decades, and daily interpretive programs share the fascinating history and techniques behind these living sculptures.
Fern Room: Walk among over 100 species of ferns and fern allies in this mystical space featuring dappled lighting, gentle waterfalls, and floating mist. You’ll feel transported back in time surrounded by these ancient plants that have survived since prehistoric eras.
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Victorian Elegance: The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, completed in 1915, represents one of America’s few remaining glass-domed Victorian conservatories.
Frederick Nussbaumer designed this architectural gem after his training at London’s famous Kew Gardens, creating a “folly” that became an instant public treasure and wedding destination.
Intimate Scale: Unlike massive zoos that require full days to explore, Como’s manageable size allows you to see everything comfortably in 2-3 hours. This creates more relaxed visits where you can truly observe animals without feeling rushed, and children won’t become overwhelmed or exhausted.
Year-Round Appeal: Open 365 days annually, Como adapts beautifully to Minnesota’s seasons. Winter visits offer cozy warmth in the tropical conservatory while summer brings outdoor gardens, concerts, and special events. The contrast between snowy landscapes outside and lush tropical plants inside creates magical experiences.
Educational Focus: Daily keeper talks, animal training demonstrations, and interpretive programs happen throughout the campus. You’ll learn about polar bear care, sea lion training, giraffe behavior, and plant cultivation from passionate experts who bring the science to life.
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Unbeatable Value: Como’s “free means free” policy removes all barriers to access. While suggested donations of $4 per adult and $2 per child help support operations, you’re welcome regardless of ability to pay. This makes repeat visits easy and affordable for families building lasting traditions.
Convenient Location: Located just three miles from downtown St. Paul with free parking throughout Como Regional Park. During busy summer weekends, a free shuttle operates from the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to reduce parking congestion.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The campus includes nearby Como Town amusement park with rides for younger children, picnic areas, playgrounds, and Lake Como for additional recreation. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the broader park or focus solely on the zoo and conservatory.
Special Events: The conservatory hosts the annual Music Under Glass concert series, seasonal flower shows, educational workshops, and over 275 weddings annually. The stunning Sunken Garden serves as Minnesota’s most popular indoor wedding venue.
Accessibility: Recent renovations added ramps to the historic Sunken Garden, improving access for visitors with mobility challenges. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent, and the zoo offers sensory-friendly early entry sessions for families with autism spectrum needs.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
📍 1225 Estabrook Dr, St. Paul, MN 55103
