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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

Buzz & Neil, the polar bears who are creating some BIG waves at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

Buzz & Neil

On June 3, 2010 Como Zoo will unveil “Polar Bear Odyssey”.  This novel World Class Exhibit will provide luxurious accommodations for the large, white, furry friends.  Their new home will include:  large indoor bedrooms, a cub den, plenty of light, and 3 salt water pools.  Now that is a place to call home!

If you head over to visit this astonishing exhibit, be assured that whether you are indoors or outdoors, you will have an incredible view of these remarkable creatures.  There are also 2 designated stations, so onlookers can watch animal training sessions between zookeepers and polar bears.

Polar Bears International (PBI) endorsed Polar Bear Odyssey as an exceptional design for a polar bear habitat and believes it will serve as a model for other zoos in North America.

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park was just voted “Best Place to Waste an Afternoon” by City Pages! We agree — if you have not been, you must go soon!  The Conservatory is paradise beyond your imagination!  Imagine a place where you can see brightly colored flowers, bamboo trees, and hear toads croaking in the background.  While you’re there make sure to visit the zoo, park & lake — all within a short distance from each other.

For more information visit, http://www.comozooconservatory.org/supp/click.shtml

If you don’t want to worry about finding a parking spot…Como Park Shuttle to the rescue!

Como Shuttle Bus

Como Shuttle Operation Days & Hours

The shuttle runs continuously from 9:30 am — 6:30 pm

April 24 — September 30. Daily service begins June 1 — August 8.

9:30 am first pick-up at off-site lot and 6:30 pm last pick-up at Como.

Please note there will be no service June 19 & 20 and July 3 & 4.

For lot locations & more information visit, http://www.comozooconservatory.org/como_park/Shuttle.shtml