The651.com

Imagine a perfect summer day, being surrounded by hundreds of different species of butterflies, a whirlwind of color, and the scent of flowers in the air.  Sound amazing?  Well it isn’t just an imagination – it’s at the Como Zoo in the Blooming Butterflies tent, just steps away from the parking lot!

Inside view of the tent

Once you enter the 2,500 square foot greenhouse that resembles a caterpillar, you see a beautiful and eclectic array of butterflies,  along with different species of plants and flowers.  There are pamphlets to pick up at the entrance that define the over 100 butterfly species.  Did you know, a butterflies life span is only 2-4 weeks?   Have a buck?  Each day at noon, you have the chance to release a butterfly into the air for the reasonable price $1.

Outside view of the caterpillar-shaped tent

While inside, you are not allowed to touch the critters, but you will find they frequently like to use your shoulder as a landing spot.  With 300-500 butterflies roaming around at one time, your chances are good!  You can also observe them while they feed on watermelon and orange slices placed on stands throughout the exhibit.

A favorite to watch, was the Cairns Butterfly, native to Australia.  The Cairns is one of the largest butterflies, with a wingspan of 6 1/2 inches!  Cairns are colored a brilliant blue, neon green, bright red, and yellow.

Looking for a good date idea?  What’s more romantic that sitting in a garden with colorful butterflies swirling about.

The Blooming Butterflies exhibit is FREE, although small donation are accepted.

Blooming Butterflies exhibit

Open daily from 10am – 6pm through September 6th

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

1225 Estabrook Drive

Saint Paul, MN 55103

(651) 487-8200