Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul: Animals, Gardens, and a Free Day Out

Some places make you choose between an afternoon with the animals or an hour among the flowers. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota, lets you do both, and it does not charge you a dime to walk through the gate. For more than a century, this beloved corner of Como Park has welcomed families, school groups, and curious visitors to see everything from polar bears to palm trees, all in one place.

That combination is exactly what makes Como so special, and so busy. It draws close to two million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited attractions in the entire state. Great experiences like this run on careful planning behind the scenes, the same way a growing business does. Como's exhibits are thoughtfully arranged, and your technology should be too, so map yours with IT Consulting that keeps everything working together.

Whether you are bringing young kids for their first zoo trip or simply looking for a relaxing walk through a historic glass conservatory, Como has something for you. Here is what to expect and how to make the most of a visit.

Two Beloved Attractions in One Place

Como is really two attractions sharing the same address. On one side is the zoo, home to animals large and small, and on the other is the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, a striking glass building filled with plants from around the world. A short walk connects them, so you can move easily between watching a sea lion show and standing beneath a towering palm.

That pairing is unusual, and it is part of Como's charm. Few places let you experience wildlife and horticulture side by side, and fewer still do it for free. It is the kind of destination you can visit again and again, catching something new each time.

Meeting the Animals at Como Zoo

The zoo has been a St. Paul institution since the late 1800s, and it has grown into a full day's worth of exhibits. You will find big cats, primates, hoofed animals, and aquatic life, along with the popular sea lion shows that draw a crowd on warm afternoons. The exhibits are close and walkable, so you never have far to go between one animal and the next.

Because Como is compact compared to sprawling safari parks, it is easy to see a lot in a short time. That makes it especially good for families with young children, who can take in the highlights without long treks between exhibits.

Habitats Worth Seeking Out

  • The big cats, including lions and tigers, always a favorite.

  • The primates, from gorillas to orangutans, endlessly entertaining to watch.

  • The aquatic animals building, home to seals and sea lions.

  • The Tropical Encounters exhibit, a rainforest under one roof.

Inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

Step into the conservatory and the temperature rises, the air turns humid, and you are surrounded by greenery. Opened in the early 1900s, this historic glass structure is a Victorian-style landmark in its own right, crowned by a soaring palm dome at its center. It is a favorite escape in the depths of a Minnesota winter, when the outside world is frozen and the conservatory stays lush and warm.

The heart of the building is the sunken garden, which hosts rotating seasonal flower shows throughout the year. From spring bulbs to autumn mums to a holiday poinsettia display, the garden is never quite the same twice, giving regulars a reason to keep coming back.

Gardens That Change With the Seasons

  • The palm dome, a towering glass centerpiece since the early 1900s.

  • The sunken garden, with flower shows that rotate throughout the year.

  • The fern room and orchid displays, quiet and green year-round.

  • The bonsai collection, a study in patience and detail.

Why Como Stays Free and Open to All

In an era when family outings can add up quickly, Como stands out for a simple reason: admission is free. A donation is welcomed, but no ticket is required to walk through the zoo or the conservatory. That commitment has made Como a place where everyone in the community can enjoy nature, regardless of budget.

Keeping something this large free and open takes real support, from the city, from donors, and from the Como Friends organization. The result is a shared community treasure, one that generations of St. Paul families have grown up visiting. Protecting what matters most is a lesson every organization can take to heart, the way a conservatory protects its plants, with Backup & Disaster Recovery Services that keep your business safe from the unexpected.

Visiting Como With Kids

Como was practically made for families. The compact layout, the free admission, and the mix of animals and gardens make it easy to fill an afternoon without overwhelming young visitors. Beyond the zoo and conservatory, the surrounding Como Park adds even more, including a small amusement park, a historic carousel, and a lake with paddleboats in summer.

Parents appreciate that a Como visit can be as short or as long as the kids can handle. You can see the highlights in an hour or spend the whole day exploring the wider park.

What Makes It Family-Friendly

  • Free admission, so a spontaneous visit never breaks the budget.

  • A compact, walkable layout that is easy for little legs.

  • Nearby Como Town rides and the historic carousel.

  • Plenty of shaded spots and lawns for a picnic break.

Seasonal Highlights at Como Park

Como changes with the calendar, and each season brings its own reasons to visit. The conservatory guarantees something green and blooming no matter the weather, while the zoo and park shift with the seasons outside.

Spring Flower Shows

Spring fills the sunken garden with bulbs and fresh color, a welcome sight after a long winter and one of the best times to visit the conservatory.

Summer Days

Summer is peak season, with the sea lion shows, the lakeside pavilion, and Como Town all in full swing. Arrive early on weekends to beat the crowds and the heat.

Winter Warmth

When the temperature drops, the conservatory becomes a warm, tropical refuge, and the holiday flower show makes it a favorite December tradition.

Making a Half-Day of It

A trip to Como is easy to plan and hard to rush. With both the zoo and the conservatory in one spot, plus the wider park to explore, it rewards a relaxed, unhurried pace. Keeping your business running smoothly through every season takes the same steady care, so keep your operation thriving year-round with dependable Managed IT Support.

A Simple Route Through the Park

  • Start at the conservatory before it fills up, especially in winter.

  • Move to the zoo and catch a sea lion show if the schedule allows.

  • Take a break for a picnic or a stop at the lakeside pavilion.

  • Let the kids ride at Como Town or the historic carousel.

  • Finish with a walk around Como Lake before you head out.

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