Como Regional Park | Saint Paul

Here is a detailed overview of Como Regional Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota, including its history, layout, amenities, cultural significance, and visitor experience:

Como Regional Park – Saint Paul, Minnesota

I. Overview and Setting

Como Regional Park is one of the most iconic and beloved public parks in Minnesota, covering more than 384 acres in the heart of Saint Paul. Blending natural beauty with cultural attractions, it’s a year-round destination that offers lakeside scenery, gardens, museums, sports facilities, picnic areas, and one of the country’s few free zoos and conservatories. The park is part of Saint Paul’s regional park system and attracts over 2 million visitors annually.

It is not only a green oasis in the urban environment but also a vital center for recreation, education, and community gathering.

II. Historical Background

The city of Saint Paul acquired the land surrounding Lake Como in 1873, intending to develop a public park inspired by prominent European and American urban green spaces like New York's Central Park.

The park’s name was borrowed from Lake Como in Italy, echoing a sense of romanticism and natural tranquility.

Development accelerated in the early 20th century with the construction of the Como Zoo (1897) and the Como Conservatory (1915).

During the New Deal era, federal programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded projects that improved the park's infrastructure, planted trees, and built bridges and trails.

Throughout the 20th and into the 21st century, Como Park expanded its facilities and became a model of multipurpose urban park planning.

III. Layout and Key Zones

The park’s design integrates nature with structured recreation. It includes:

1. Como Lake

A scenic centerpiece offering paddleboat rentals in summer and ice skating in winter.

Encircled by a 1.7-mile paved walking and biking trail, ideal for exercise and leisure.

Shaded benches and fishing piers enhance relaxation and wildlife viewing.

2. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

A glass-domed botanical garden with year-round seasonal flower shows, tropical plants, and bonsai collections.

The conservatory is a standout architectural and horticultural landmark within the park.

3. Como Zoo

A free zoo featuring species from around the world in immersive exhibits like Gorilla Forest, Polar Bear Odyssey, and Tropical Encounters.

The zoo shares educational missions with the Conservatory, emphasizing biodiversity and animal care.

4. Como Town Amusement Park

A seasonal, family-friendly amusement area with rides for young children, games, and concessions.

Accessible directly from the zoo area, it provides additional fun for families visiting with kids.

5. Cafesjian’s Carousel

A meticulously restored 1914 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel.

Operated seasonally in a dedicated pavilion with historical interpretation.

6. Como Park Golf Course

A public 18-hole course that blends a scenic layout with urban convenience.

Affordable and well-maintained, it is a local favorite among casual and experienced golfers.

7. Picnic Grounds and Pavilions

Multiple picnic areas with shelters available for rental, some of which can accommodate large groups or events.

Sites like West Picnic Grounds and East Picnic Pavilion are shaded and accessible.

8. Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom

A restored native woodland with interpretive signage about ecology, habitat, and history.

Serves both as a quiet escape and a tool for environmental education.

9. McMurray Fields

A large athletic field complex used for soccer, baseball, and lacrosse.

Hosts local and regional sports tournaments and community leagues.

IV. Cultural and Community Features

Art and Sculpture Installations – Scattered throughout the park are murals, commemorative plaques, and statues, including tributes to local figures and international friendships.

Como Park Art Gallery – Inside the Visitor Center, this small but thoughtful space features rotating exhibits by Minnesota artists.

Community Events – Regular events include the Como Fest, outdoor movie nights, yoga in the park, food truck gatherings, and the Music Under Glass series.

V. Environmental and Sustainability Efforts

Native Habitat Restoration – Woodland and prairie areas have been restored to support local biodiversity and pollinators.

Stormwater Management – Sustainable drainage and filtration systems help protect nearby lakes and rivers.

Recycling and Composting – Throughout the park, waste stations promote responsible disposal.

Educational Signage – Many trails and garden areas include signs about native plants, conservation practices, and historical context.

VI. Visitor Experience and Tips

Admission: Entry to the park, zoo, and conservatory is free, with donations encouraged.

Accessibility: The park is largely wheelchair accessible. Paved trails and accessible restrooms are available throughout the property.

Parking: Multiple lots and street parking available, though it can fill during summer weekends.

Public Transit: Accessible via Metro Transit buses, with stops adjacent to the zoo and lake.

Facilities:

Visitor Center with restrooms, maps, and a gift shop.

Zobota Café and seasonal food stands for snacks and light meals.

Best Times to Visit:

Spring and summer offer lush scenery and full programming.

Autumn offers stunning fall foliage around the lake.

Winter features indoor plant exhibits and occasional ice sculpture events.

VII. Significance in the Twin Cities

Como Regional Park stands as one of the most accessible and inclusive recreational destinations in the Twin Cities. Its free offerings, diverse landscapes, and wide-ranging activities make it suitable for all ages and backgrounds. Whether families are visiting for a full day at the zoo and rides, couples are walking around the lake, or individuals are relaxing in the gardens, the park serves as a living expression of Saint Paul’s commitment to public green space, civic pride, and cultural enrichment.

Summary

Como Regional Park combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, family entertainment, and environmental responsibility into one cohesive and inspiring public space. With a history stretching back over 150 years and a future centered on sustainability and community, Como continues to be a place where generations of Minnesotans and visitors gather, learn, and reconnect with nature and one another.