Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
St Paul, MN 55103
Phone: (651) 487-8200
- Cross Street:
- Kaufman Drive
- Best of Citysearch:
- Free Attraction 2008
- Hours:
- Daily 10am-6pm
Editorial Review for Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – by Citysearch Editors
In Short
One of the Cities' premier parks, Como stands out for its range of attractions: 450 acres include an 18-hole golf course, a zoo, a conservatory, the historic Cafesjian's Carousel, Como Lake and Como Lakeside Pavilion. There are even amusement rides, a mini-golf course, pony rides and an outdoor pool. In summer, enjoy 2.3 miles of paved trails. In winter, there's an equally expansive set of cross-country skiing trails. And you can picnic, too.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoStop drooling over those peanuts the monkeys are eating. There's plenty of food for humans on-site--from salad and grilled foods at Zobata Cafe to concession areas throughout the park. Stop by the visitor's center for a map and complete listing of dining options.
When to GoThe free zoo is a great place to bring kids. During winter, the lush, green-filled conservatory is a welcome respite from the cold.
User Reviews for Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
05/20/2008 Posted by Sandy1234abc
I have lived in Mpls/St. Paul most of of my life and have been to Como Park many times. I moved away for awhile after I married but recently moved back again just to be near my hometown city! You really must explore ALL of Como Park! It has a lake where you can paddle your way around it and when you're done you can go up to the little ice cream shop for a cone while listening to the marching band. Next, walk on over to the beautiful conservatory where you MUST check out each wing or you'll miss the coy fish pond, the amazing flower display that changes with the holidays and seasons, the bonzai tree room, the sloth that's usually sleeping atop one of the trees, the Fern room, and more! Make sure you stop and visit the souvenir shop on the way through too. Oh! Make sure you don't miss the beautiful Japanese garden out back either! Next, wander on over past the flamingo pond to watch the sit-down seal show, and then you can feed and watch sealion show afterward right nearby. Then, grab a snowcone before strolling over to check out the giraffe, lion, and other outdoor exhibits. My favorite is finding and watching the baby giraffe as it stretches it's neck up the wall that has the measuring chart painted on it! It just never ends! Picnics, kiddie rides, food stands, helpful staff and more! Nearly everything is FREE at Como Park. So, if you only have a little pocket change and can't afford much, this is the place for you. BUT, if you are one of those who have been blessed and can afford things, then this is the place where you will want to donate while you share in it's wonder!
Pros: Amazingly large place where there is something for everyone!
Cons: The indoor monkey exhibits during the winter.
02/28/2008 Posted by jouimizuumi
My daughter and grandkids took a trip to Como Park Zoo yesterday to visit the conservatory, which was an absolutely wonderful place to be in February with all the gorgeous greenery, beautiful flowers and wonderful smells. Then we went over to see the monkeys and apes...................how utterly depressing. It would be like putting me in my Grandma's old cellar for the winter. When we got to the spider monkey exhibit, we stood there for a while and first one, then two monkeys came up to the glass where we were all congregated and they both huddled there against the glass and the one had his hand pressed on the glass against my grandson's hand. They just sat there quietly like that with us on the other side of the glass for the longest time. It was really moving. We hated to leave them. They also had 3 beautiful big noble apes crammed into a small dark dank enclosure. You could see the intelligence in their eyes, and there they sat for our viewing pleasure. Again, very inhumane. If we have to have zoos they should at least try to replicate the animals natural habitat. These enclosures were all cement and resins and no natural light. We left Como Park very sad for the animals.
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