Lake Como Zoo, nestled in the heart of Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, educational experiences, and family-friendly entertainment. As a Lakes Touring Enthusiast, I’m excited to share with you the remarkable features and attractions that make this zoo a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
Location and Contact Information
Located at 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103, the Lake Como Zoo is easily accessible and well-connected to the surrounding area. You can reach the zoo by phone at 651-487-8201 or visit their official website at comozooconservatory.org to plan your visit.
Hours and Admission
The Lake Como Zoo is open 365 days a year, ensuring that visitors can enjoy its wonders year-round. During the summer months (April 1 – September 30), the zoo is open from 10 am to 6 pm, while the winter hours (October 1 – March 31) are from 10 am to 4 pm.
Admission to the Lake Como Zoo is free, with a suggested donation of $4 for adults and $2 for children. This affordable and accessible pricing makes it an ideal destination for families and budget-conscious travelers.
Attractions and Exhibits
The Lake Como Zoo boasts an impressive array of attractions and exhibits that cater to visitors of all ages and interests. Let’s explore some of the highlights:
Exotic Animals
The zoo is home to a diverse collection of exotic animals, including gorillas, giraffes, polar bears, sea lions, tigers, orangutans, and many more. Witnessing these magnificent creatures up close is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Tropical Encounters
The Tropical Encounters exhibit transports visitors to a lush, immersive South American rainforest environment. Explore the sights, sounds, and even the scents of this vibrant ecosystem.
Conservatory Gardens
The Lake Como Zoo’s Conservatory Gardens are a true horticultural marvel. Visitors can stroll through seasonal flower shows, tropical gardens, orchids, ferns, bonsai, and the renowned Japanese Garden, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.
Unique Experiences
The zoo offers a range of unique experiences that allow visitors to engage with the animals in meaningful ways. These include giraffe feeding, polar bear odyssey, and sea lion shows, providing an up-close and personal encounter with the zoo’s inhabitants.
Accessibility and Amenities
The Lake Como Zoo is committed to ensuring that all visitors can enjoy its offerings. The facility is wheelchair accessible, with designated parking, restrooms, and walkways designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. The zoo also provides a service dog guide for visitors who require assistance.
For larger groups, the Lake Como Zoo offers meeting and banquet facilities that can accommodate up to 400 people, making it an ideal venue for events, conferences, and special occasions.
Conservation Efforts
The Lake Como Zoo is dedicated to environmental sustainability and conservation. The zoo implements eco-friendly practices, such as landscape design, purchasing policies, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation, to minimize its impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Nearby Attractions
The Lake Como Zoo is situated within the larger Como Park, which offers a wealth of additional attractions and activities for visitors to explore. These include:
- Como Lake: Offering paddleboat, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, as well as a fishing pier.
- Como Golf Course: An 18-hole, 70-par golf course.
- Como Town: A small amusement park with a carousel and other rides.
Statistics and Notable Events
The Lake Como Zoo is a beloved institution, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. The zoo has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1897, and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years.
One notable event in the zoo’s history was the “Casey the Gorilla Incident” in 1994, when a 400-pound gorilla named Casey escaped from his enclosure and roamed the zoo for 45 minutes before being tranquilized and returned to his habitat. This incident led to significant improvements in the zoo’s safety measures.
As a Lakes Touring Enthusiast, I highly recommend adding the Lake Como Zoo to your itinerary. With its diverse array of exotic animals, immersive exhibits, beautiful gardens, and unique experiences, this zoo offers a truly memorable and educational adventure for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a nature lover, a family seeking a fun day out, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of the natural world, the Lake Como Zoo is a must-visit destination that will leave you captivated and inspired.
References
- https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/como-park/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Como_Park_Zoo_and_Conservatory
- https://comozooconservatory.org
- https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/como-park-zoo-conservatory/2457
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g43501-d267107-r521490025-Como_Park_Zoo_Conservatory-Saint_Paul_Minnesota.html