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
17653 Google Reviews
It’s a basic small zoo..not a lot of animals… We went on a Hot day so the animals looked like they were tired 🤣 but it’s decent. A good place to go on a simple date with the kids or your date. The carousel was fun and pocket friendly. You do get to feed the giraffes.
I Love the Como Zoo and Conservatory! ❤️ It’s a wonderful way to get in a nice afternoon even on a cold day! The zoo is just an easy walk about to view the animals. The conservatory is wonderful all year around. It’s a great place for people of all ages. They ask for a donation at the door.
Great place, beautiful plants! I loved the animals even though it is a little sad the small spaces they have live, especially the polar bears. They seem pretty stressed and unwell. The place is free, but I think it needs to be a little cleaner. I didn’t see a lot of staff members. Maybe they need to hire more people. It is beautiful and perfect for your kids. With that being said, stop being so cheap and donate money 💰 🤑 💸 !!!!! These animals need it, and the place obviously needs it. Cheap people: I watched people come in for about 15 minutes, and none stopped to donate. That is unbelievable to me. Anyway, I will definitely come back and donate more. Hopefully, they will find a bigger space for the bears and the giraffes.
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.
The conservatory is world class. a historic Victorian Glass House that was imported into Minnesota from England in the 1900s. an excellent collection. we were lucky to be there while there was an additional bonsai exhibits beyond the normal Japanese gardens. a good City run zoo. They don’t hide their past. with the 1930s original zoo building being converted into offices, but the cages on the exterior are still intact They have some interesting shows. they still have a sparky the sea lion show, he is accompanied by a harbor seal. The animals get enrichment. Most of the exhibits have multiple animals that rotate through so none of the animals are in the exhibit everyday. it was a very busy day, some of the glass in the displays could have been cleaner. zoo, I’m nostalgic about growing up in the twin cities that is much better than it was. I really enjoyed knowing the animals, names and backgrounds for the animals that were exhibited. including where the animals came from. It was good to be able to tell the kids look. these animals were born in captivity. they weren’t hunted and put on display. being able to identify which animal was on exhibit that day by their characteristics and being able to see their background was really fantastic.
Absolutely stunning Conservatory! We haven’t been here in quite some time and almost forgot how beautiful it is. Definitely a MUST SEE When we take visitors around for a local tour.
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.
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.
The Conservatory is quite beautiful here. My parents got married in the fern room in the 90s. I have heard that como Zoo isn’t very ethical which makes me sad. However it is free and it is lovely to see all the plants.
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.
