Como Park is Saint Paul’s great city park, and at its heart sits Como Zoo and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, a Victorian-style glasshouse full of palms, ferns, orchids and seasonal flower shows. Admission is free, with a voluntary donation of a few dollars for adults and children appreciated but not required, which makes it one of the best-value family days in the Twin Cities. The zoo is compact and easy to cover with small children, while the conservatory is where visitors from colder places tend to linger: stepping from a Minnesota November into a warm, humid tropical house is a small miracle. Both are on the same campus, a short walk apart, so you can combine them in a single visit, and the surrounding park has a lake, paths and picnic areas for warmer months. The conservatory runs different shows through the year, so check what is on at the time of your trip. It suits families, plant lovers, photographers and anyone who wants an inexpensive, low-effort way to spend half a day in Saint Paul. Because so much of the visit is indoors in the colder months, it is a very good wet-weather or winter choice, though the outdoor zoo areas are best enjoyed when the weather cooperates.
Hours and practicalities
The zoo is listed as open from 10am to 4pm daily, and the conservatory is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday through Sunday from early September 2026 through the end of April 2027, with extended Monday hours on selected dates. The campus closes early, at 4pm, on a few event days, including November 9 and December 21, 2026, so check the calendar if you are travelling near those dates.
Summer hours are longer, so plan around the season. There is no entry fee, though the suggested donation is a few dollars for adults and children. Wheelchairs and electric scooters can be rented, strollers are not available for rent, and sensory-friendly early entry is offered on selected mornings, with the dates on the zoo’s website.
What to see
The zoo covers a range of animals in a modest space, which is part of its charm, because you can see most of it in a couple of hours without exhausting small legs. The conservatory is the larger draw for many visitors, with its tropical plants, its seasonal displays and a Sunken Garden that is lovely in season.
A November visit means you are likely to find the winter shows being prepared or in place, and the warm air is a welcome change from the street. Because the site is free, it is easy to drop in for an hour rather than committing a whole day, which makes it a flexible addition to a busy itinerary.
Getting the most from your visit
Arrive soon after 10am to avoid school-group crowds at midday, bring a small donation if you can, and wear layers, since you will move between warm glasshouses and cold outdoor paths. Parking details are on the zoo’s Directions and Parking page, and the campus is not far from the State Capitol and downtown Saint Paul, so it pairs well with a morning at the Capitol or a visit to the cathedral. Families with toddlers will appreciate the compact layout, and photographers will find the conservatory’s light especially rewarding on grey winter days.
What to expect
The experience
A free zoo and a tropical conservatory on one Saint Paul campus, with a voluntary donation rather than an entry fee.
Best time
Soon after opening, and on cold or wet days when the conservatory is at its warmest and most welcome.
How long
Two to three hours for both the zoo and the conservatory.
Tips
Check the calendar for early closures, dress in layers and bring a small donation if you can.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, plant lovers and anyone after a cheap, easy half day.
- Families
- Compact and free, so it suits toddlers and school-age children alike.
- Couples
- A warm, unhurried winter stroll among the palms and flower shows.
- Pair with
- The Minnesota State Capitol or the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Is Como Zoo and Conservatory free?+
Yes. Admission is free, with a voluntary donation appreciated but not required.
What are the hours?+
The zoo is open 10am to 4pm daily, and the conservatory is open 10am to 4pm Tuesday through Sunday through April 2027. Check for early closures on event days.
Is it a good winter activity?+
Yes. The conservatory is a warm, indoor garden, which makes it a good escape from cold Minnesota weather.
Can I rent a wheelchair or stroller?+
Wheelchairs and electric scooters can be rented. Strollers are not available for rent.
Is there sensory-friendly access?+
Yes. Sensory-friendly early entry is offered on selected mornings, with the dates listed on the zoo’s website.
