Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Visitor Center
4.7(113)google
IndoorVisitor CenterRestrooms AvailableExotic Plants
Overview
The Como Park Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory (also known as the Como Zoo and Conservatory) are located in Como Park at 1225 Estabrook Drive in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The park, zoo and conservatory are owned by the City of Saint Paul and are a division of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. Its attractions include a zoo, a conservatory, an amusement park, a carousel, Lake Como, a golf course, a pool and more.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 6:00PM
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeDeep winter from December to February creates the most profound and magical contrast; escaping the freezing twin cities snow to step inside the warm, humid Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is unforgettable. Aim for 10:00 AM to capture crisp morning daylight flooding the historic glass dome parlor and Sunken Garden floral displays.
Getting ThereNestled beautifully within Como Regional Park at 1225 Estabrook Drive. Driving is the premier transit standard: ride Interstate 94 E to the Lexington Pkwy exit, head straight north for 2 miles, and turn into the park. The botanical center features several sprawling, completely complimentary public surface lots directly facing the main entries.
Travel Tips
- While admission is voluntary donation-based, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's tropical microclimate triggers severe 20-minute camera lens condensation in winter; pack chemical microfiber defogging cloths.
- The delicate Ordway Japanese Garden shutters its gates daily at 4:00 PM to maintain its pristine landscape, closing a full hour ahead of the primary outer zoo parameters; route your walking paths accordingly.
- Complimentary spaces around Lake Como overflow completely by 11:00 AM during spring and summer; vehicle wheels resting on lawn verges are met with immediate $150 Saint Paul police non-negotiable citations.
Reviews
Positive
- The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is breathtakingly beautiful; countless flowers bloom under the exquisite turn-of-the-century glass dome, creating a photogenic winter escape.
- This is a hidden treasure completely free to the public (with only a suggested nominal donation), featuring polar bears, gorillas, and exotic flora at unbelievable value.
- The visitor center management is top-notch with sharp signs, nursing rooms, wide accessible pathways, and plenty of seating; the staff are incredibly warm to families.
- The location is fantastic with a rich natural vibe; nearby Lake Como is picturesquely beautiful, and the Japanese garden is meticulously manicured and peaceful.
Heads up
- Being free and wildly popular, the grounds flood with cars on summer weekends; free lots fill instantly, forcing drivers to circle the single-lane ring roads for ages.
- Compared to premium paid zoos, the animal habitats here are relatively small; some older enclosure wings feel cramped and outdated, which might concern animal welfare advocates.
- During shoulder seasons, freezing weather keeps most major animals hidden indoors, while the conservatory interior is incredibly muggy for insulation, making the transit jarring.
- The pathways inside the conservatory are narrow and become heavily choked with strollers during peak hours, making it noisy and stuffy, requiring long waits for photos.