I thought I would kick off this adventure in my home state of Minnesota. This conservatory and park are special to me because I remember going there as a kid. Yup, that’s me front and center.
I loved that jacket!!
Throughout the years, I have returned to visit, and each time I discover something I hadn’t before. One of the reasons for this is that they refresh the sunken garden display several times a year and it is truly fabulous!
I recently read on their social media page, the sunken garden will be closed from November 18, 2024 to January 11, 2025 as they install ramps to improve accessibility for their visitors.
This conservatory is located in Como Park, which is in St. Paul, Minnesota. The park has been around for over 100 years and enhances the surrounding community with many recreational amenities. Although admission is free, voluntary donations are suggested ($4 for adults & $2 for children). Attractions nearby include the Como Zoo, a small amusement park with a beautifully restored antique carousel, an 18-hole golf course, and Como Lake where the cutest Swan paddle boats (Pic below) can be rented in the summer. The conservatory is open year-round and if you’ve ever visited a conservatory in the winter ~ it’s pretty much the best feeling ever! With two acres under glass, it includes a fern room, a palm dome, a tropical encounters exhibit, and a sunken garden (pictured above) that features FIVE stunning seasonal flower shows a year. There is also a bonsai gallery, a Japanese garden (currently closed for renovations), and a butterfly garden. The grounds also feature many outdoor gardens. I love the water ponds as you approach the main entrance, which are full of a variety of aquatic plants during the warmer months.
Take a look at these Tree Ferns, there are 11 species! This fern room offers a serene atmosphere, featuring a cascading waterfall and a gently flowing stream. You could easily lose yourself in its beauty!
The Palm dome reaches 64′ and there are more than 150 tropical varieties displayed in this room. The conservatory also has an extensive collection of Orchids. So mark your calendars, because the 50th Winter Carnival Orchid Show will be on display January 25-26 2025!
The Como Park and Majorie McNeely Conservatory has a rich history and is open year-round. There is so much to see and do in one of Minnesota’s premiere parks located in the heart of the city. So if you are visiting St. Paul, I would highly recommend spending the day at Como Park.
I’m sure you’ll love it!
If you have visited the conservatory or the park, I would love to hear what area is your favorite.
https://www.pinterest.com/Wandering_Bluebird/
This place will always hold a special place in my heart!
To me flowers are happiness – Stefano Gabbana
