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
17224 Google Reviews
For a free admission zoo, it exceeded my expectations with the variety of animals. It wasn’t too crowded, making it easy to enjoy the exhibits. Plenty of animals to keep you entertained, plus they even have some animal performances.
Como Zoo is a fantastic place to spend time with your kids and enjoy a wonderful day together. The zoo features a variety of animals that will fascinate children and adults alike. Beyond the zoo, there’s also an amusement park with fun rides and attractions for all ages. Additionally, there’s a great restaurant on-site offering delicious meals, making it easy to spend the entire day enjoying all the amenities.
One of the highlights is the beautiful Japanese park, which offers a serene and picturesque setting. The conservatory is another must-visit spot, showcasing a stunning array of plants and flowers. It’s a perfect spot for family outings, providing both educational and entertaining experiences.
I recently had a fantastic visit to Como Zoo and Conservatory. The natural beauty of the gardens is impressive, with meticulously maintained trees and vibrant plants. The animals look well-cared-for and content, which is always great to see.
The only downside was a noticeable odor near the flamingo pond and the water aquarium. While it was a bit distracting, it didn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.
Como Zoo and Conservatory is much more than just a zoo—it’s a lovely spot for a family outing with both elders and kids. I highly recommend it for its beautiful surroundings and happy animals.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a treasure in St. Paul that offers a perfect mix of wildlife, botanical beauty, and peaceful surroundings. The first thing you’ll notice is the gorgeous landscaping. The Conservatory is a botanical wonderland, filled with vibrant seasonal flowers and exotic plants from around the world. The Sunken Garden, in particular, is breathtaking, offering colorful, seasonal displays that are stunning all year round.
The Zoo itself, while smaller than some others, offers a surprisingly diverse array of animals. From majestic big cats like lions and tigers to playful primates, the zoo provides an intimate experience that’s both fun and educational. The polar bear exhibit is especially memorable, with underwater viewing areas that bring you face to face with these powerful creatures.
One of the best parts? Como Zoo is free, though donations are encouraged to help keep the magic alive. This makes it an accessible outing for families, couples, or anyone looking for a peaceful retreat into nature. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the conservation efforts they’re involved in.
If you’re visiting St. Paul, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a must-see. It’s not just a place to observe animals and plants but a sanctuary where nature’s beauty shines. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a great place to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the natural world. Highly recommended!
I recently visited the zoo and conservatory, and it was a great experience! One of the standout features is that admission is free, with donations appreciated to support the facility.
The Japanese garden is absolutely stunning, offering a serene and beautifully landscaped space that’s perfect for a peaceful stroll. The garden’s design and maintenance are truly impressive.
As for the zoo, there is a wide variety of animals, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Overall, it’s a wonderful place to visit, whether you’re looking for a tranquil garden escape or an educational animal experience.
This was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this FREE activity to any family.
The zoo is small but the animals are active, well taken care of, and up close. My 4 year old who visits about 4 zoos a year said this was the best ever zoo. It’s clean, friendly staffed, and an easy walk, especially for a little guy.
The zoo is small but the animals are active, well taken care of, and up close. My 4 year old who visits about 4 zoos a year said this was the best ever zoo. It’s clean, friendly staffed, and an easy walk, especially for a little guy.
The conservatory was breathtaking. It’s a site to see. I love plants. But the rest of my family doesn’t share my love. I thought they would be done quickly. But that was not the case. They all loved it too. This is an A+ attraction for FREE. You are crazy to not go here.
What a beautiful zoo. It’s smaller compared to the Minneapolis Zoo but just as enjoyable. The animals seem to enjoy a lot of enrichment and the gardens are beautiful. The staff were very knowledgeable. I also had a donut at the cafe that hit the spot :).
My youngest daughter and I went for a school field trip with MNCA!! It was so fun and the animals looked so happy. 😍 Beautiful day for an outing.
