Como Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the Como Park Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory are more commonly referred to as the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Owned by the City of Saint Paul, the facilities are a division of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. Como Park Zoo includes the zoo and conservatory, as well as a golf course, amusement park, a pool, a carousel and much more

The City of Saint Paul acquired 300-acres of land that would become a private park, in 1878. Como Park has been expanded and today covers 384-acres in total size. The park contains 2.3 miles of paved walking trails, athletic fields, the Como Golf Course, Como Lake, picnic shelters, Putt'r There Mini-Golf, Como Pool and Como Town Amusement Park.

There are some historically important sculptures and structures and artwork located in Como Park. The Frog Pond was constructed in 1910, and overlooks a pergola that was donated to the park in 1923. Built in 1895, the Lily Pond was known as the aquarium and featured exotic lily pads. Installed in 1894, the Gates Ajar is an iron gate that was installed during the Great Depression, by the Chief City Blacksmith, Walter Cronk; the gates were completely restored in 2007. Located throughout the park are several other bridges, structures and buildings that have been named Historical Landmarks.

In 1897, the City of Saint Paul received 3 deer as a gift, which marked the beginning of the first zoo on Harriet Island. Other animals followed and when the collection outgrew the facilities, they were moved to a new home at Como Park. The Zoological Building is done in an art-deco style and was designed by Charles Bassford in 1936. Other structures were constructed by the Works Progress Administration and include, Monkey Island which is now Seal Island and a barn and bear grotto.

As part of a major renovation in the 1980's, the zoo was expanded to include the Large Cat Exhibit, Aquatic Animal Building, the Primate House, a Land and Water Bird Exhibit and the African Hoofed Stock Facility. The Como Zoo has one of the most interesting collections in Minnesota, Don the Gorilla, fiberglass Giraffes, Polar Bears, Sparky the Sea Lion and Toby the Tortoise are all sculptures that showcase the work of area artists.

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory was opened in 1915, and is open 365 days a year. The conservatory contains an extensive collection of plants and vegetation from all over the world. The Palm Dome contains more than 150 palm and cycad species in the 64-foot crystal dome. In the North Garden, visitors find the conservatory's living pharmacy, grocery store and building supply store. The Sunken Garden showcases seasonal displays and the Fall Flower Show takes place here every year. The Fern Room invites guests with a gentle waterfall and more than 100 species of delicate, lacy-green ferns. The Bonsai Gallery is dedicated to Japanese art and the conservatory features the largest collection of bonsai trees in the Midwest. The newest exhibit is Tropical Encounters, which simulates a tropical rainforest and combines the plant and animal worlds. Enchanted Gardens is a haven for butterflies and features a stunning collection of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs which attract butterflies.

The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory are open October through March from 10 am until 4 pm, and April through September from 10 am until 6 pm. The facilities and parking are both free of charge, however, donations are appreciated.