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
17489 Google Reviews
Love the Como Zoo and Conservatory! ❤️ It’s a wonderful way to get in a nice afternoon even on cold day! From the zoo is just an easy walk about and view the animals. The conservatory is wonderful year around. It’s a great place for people of all ages.
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 Cities—I’ve 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 don’t want to wait you can park farther out and walk too)
We had an awesome time at the Como Zoo! The staff was very kind and excited to share information about the animals when asked. They knew extensive details about the animals’ history and lots of fun facts about them which made the experience very personal! We got to catch the wolves howling, both snow leopards pretty close to the window, the arctic foxes leaping around, and even the tiger up on a stoop right by the windows! Even though it was cold outside, there were many indoor enclosures to escape the cold- so I’d say that it’s very do-able overall in the 0 degree temps. Highly recommend! Great staff and great zoo.
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.