The Como Zoo & Conservatory in Saint Paul is a beloved destination offering free, year-round access to a diverse range of animals and stunning botanical gardens. Visitors can explore everything from big cats and primates to tropical plants and seasonal flower shows in the historic glass conservatory. Perfect for families, this Twin Cities gem combines wildlife, nature, and education in a beautiful, accessible setting.
Garden
Como Zoo & Conservatory
17521 Google Reviews
Always a great place to visit. We went on a Friday in April. Busier than I expected, 3 buses parked there when we arrived at 10am ( when they open).
Parking is free. No actuab entrance fee… But they do have a suggested per person donation.
The Spring flowers on display were beautiful. We walked around and saw all the animals. I do feel bad for some of them. the polar bear was just pacing back and forth in one spot outside. The monkeys were entertaining, and the Sparky show was fun to watch. We saw everything ( except the wolves were far away and hiding). We spent about 2 and 1/2 hours there.
Beautiful place! Beyond affordable and a perfect date or trip for all ages. The conservatory is wonderful and fully emersive with different rooms. The zoo is also lovely! For being open throughout the winter there are many animals available to see even in the slow season. Greatly impressed and a must see place.
Perfect place to bring the kiddos or if you’re just looking for something to do and get out of the house. The conservatory is really neat. So many things to look at. Plants and flowers and trees.
It’s impressive the different types of flowers and trees.
It’s impressive the different types of flowers and trees.
The zoo is really neat to. A lot of fun animals to look at and see.
The conservatory was beautiful, loved the orchid collection. The room of non-flowering plants was also stunning. Was able to see the lion pair interacting and cleaning each other which was an amazing experience. The volunteers throughout the zoo were well versed in their knowledge of the exhibits and the passion they expressed for their roles was unmatched. Would highly recommend asking the volunteers questions!
One of my favorite spots in the Twin CitiesโIโve visited so many times over the years, and it never gets old. The conservatory is stunning year-round, and the spring floral show in the Sunken Garden was especially beautiful on this visit. It was a bit busy on the weekend, but still such a peaceful and enjoyable experience. Spotting the sloth is always a highlight. We also stopped by the zoo area to see the primates, which was a fun bonus!
Maybe not the biggest or most spectacular, but always a very enjoyable time.
Drove down today to see the mini corpse flower. Lots of fruits also, star fruit, limes, grapefruit, cacao and pineapple.
The bonsai room was very interesting as well.
Even with the cool weather a lot of the animals were out.
Drove down today to see the mini corpse flower. Lots of fruits also, star fruit, limes, grapefruit, cacao and pineapple.
The bonsai room was very interesting as well.
Even with the cool weather a lot of the animals were out.
Beautiful – fun place to take kids! Stroll through this free zoo and conservatory – a lot to see and enjoy. They have a cafe there as well as a gift shop. I often go to the conservatory to enjoy the warm humid environment in the winter and see all the plants. Parking can be tricky but usually I just circle a lot a couple times (if you donโt want to wait you can park farther out and walk too)
I’m so impressed that this place is still FREE! They only ask for donations of $4/adult and $2/child from those who can donate.
This place has so much sentimental value to me, but even without my personal history, this place is one of Minnesota’s best and brightest gems.
They’re gone out of their way to ensure the space is accessible to all, despite physical abilities or social/ economic status.