Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a zoo and botanical garden in Saint Paul containing different animal habitats and plant collections in climate-controlled buildings. The grounds feature enclosures for penguins, polar bears, sea lions, and gorillas alongside conservatory greenhouses and garden areas.

The park was developed between 1891 and 1922 under Frederick Nussbaumer's direction, establishing both the zoo and botanical gardens. This early development shaped the grounds into a place for education and public enjoyment.

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory displays plant collections from different regions of the world across multiple climate zones. Visitors can walk through glasshouses filled with tropical species, succulents, and rotating flower exhibitions that change throughout the year.

The park operates throughout the year with free admission, making it accessible to everyone. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the grounds have extensive pathways and varying elevations.

Como Harbor features performances with seven pinnipeds demonstrating their natural abilities in a specially designed aquatic setting. These shows reveal the intelligence and social behaviors of these marine mammals.