Lake Harriett Bandshell is located on Lake Harriet, a 300-plus-acre body of water. On the 50 acres of land sits the bandshell, which is used for jazz, folk and rock concerts in the summer. It also can be rented for private parties and weddings.
This 110-acre park has rolling terrain with wetlands, pine trees, savanna and prairie grass. The park is home to the former St. Paul underground reservoir property. When the reservoir became obsolete, the city bought the property in 1997. A special feature of the park is off-leash walking of dogs, a cooperative project between the city and Ramsey County. Dogs can be exercised without a leash in two soft trail areas, located just north of Larpenteur Avenue and east of Dale Street.
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Which do you visit first, the carousel, the zoo itself or the plant conservatory? The answer changes for every visit. The Cafesjian Carousel is beautiful and it accommodates both adults and kids who want to ride. But Sparky the Seal only comes out once or twice a day, so you don't want to miss that. And if you're in the mood to see an immaculate garden, well...
Best Times to go to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
If you go in the summer, try to avoid being outside in the late afternoon. The afternoon is the best time to see the conservatory, go to the gift shop, or have an icy snack at a shaded table. The best summer hours at the zoo are in the cool morning or early afternoon. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is open every day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April -September) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (October - March). The carousel is open during the spring, summer and fall Tuesday - Sunday. It is not usually open on Mondays. Check the Como Park website tab "Attractions," for more carousel details.
Must See at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
The animals are all so active at this zoo, you want to see everything. Make sure you see the Sparky the Sea Lion Show at 11:30 every day during the summer. The trainers have a different story to tell with Sparky's help every year, from Sparky's aerobic exploits (ever see a Sea Lion try jumping jacks?) to fairy tales with an environmental spin. Sparky gives two shows on weekends and holidays. The Polar Bear exhibit is also fun, because the bears like to come outside and swim in their large tank. And if you're into plants, take a slow meander through the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Everything is so well kept, you just want to sit on a bench and take it in.
Admission to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Admission to the zoo and conservatory is free, but a donation is suggested ($2 for kids, $3 for adults). The Carousel costs $2 per ride – rides are free to people 90 years and older.
Parking at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
There are a variety of parking lots that surround the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Maps are available online. Try to avoid parking in the surrounding residential streets – many of these become "permit only" over the summer. If you don't have a city-issued permit, hunt for a parking lot. A free summer shuttle bus runs from the Minnesota State Fair parking lot to zoo.
Public Transportion to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Como Park recommends Bus lines 3 and 83 to get you to the Zoo and Conservatory. They also recommend the Metro Green Line, which services University Avenue between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Bicyclists are invited to use Cyclopath and the Nice Ride Bike Station at Como Park (right in front of the Visitor's pavilion).
Food at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Plenty of choices, here: Zooper Foods (seasonal, outdoor venue by Seal Island) has pizzas, burgers, salads, kids meals and corn dogs for $5 - $10 per item. The Zobota Café is an indoor venue with vegetarian items, noodles, soups and salads and free wi-fi for customers, again in the $5 - $10 range. And there are also seasonal food carts throughout the zoo, offering ice cream, popcorn, cotton candy and drinks to pedestrians who need a quick pick-me-up (think around the $5 range).
Insider Tip for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
On a beautiful day, you want to get to the Sparky the Sea Lion Show amphitheater early, because it fills fast. Also, if you're looking for a way to burn off extra energy, take the kids to Como Town, a full-sized amusement park for families that is right next to the zoo.
Author's Bio: The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a favorite summer destination for Louisa Danielson. She is a freelance writer who specializes in tourism and community event information.
Kensington Park North and Kensington Park South anchor the southeastern corner of Mendota Heights' recreation offerings. Kensington Park South offers two adult soccer fields, a concession building with restrooms, two shelters with picnic tables and a playground area. Its sister park, across Stockbridge Road and extending up to Mendota Heights Road, offers a paved trail leading through a mix of open space and natural plantings.
Whether you're visiting the Twin Cities for a weekend, or you've lived in the Twin Cities your entire life, Minnehaha Falls is for you. This park features walking trails, surrey rentals at Wheel Fun Rentals, seasonal seafood restaurant: Sea Salt Eatery, sweet treats, hiking areas and of course the gorgeous waterfall. Whether you're looking for a workout and want to hike through the ground around the waterfall, or you're looking for a relaxing day of laying in the sun, Minnehaha Falls has got what you're looking for.
Parking and Public Transportation at Minnehaha Falls
Parking at Minnehaha Falls is simple. There's a large, main parking lot for the area with very inexpensive hourly rates. There is usually spots available in the main lot. During peak busy times in the summer, fall-goers can park on the street where there is metered parking just blocks from the falls.
Best and Worst Time to go to Minnehaha Falls
If you're looking to have a meal while visiting Minnehaha Falls, then you'll want to go during summer months. Sea Salt Eatery is open April through October. If you're just looking to spend a day at the falls, weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Admission to Minnehaha Falls
One of the many great aspects about Minnehaha Falls is that it is completely free to the public. Just show up and you're in.
Must See/Do at Minnehaha Falls
There's a small bridge that crosses over right in front of the falls. When visiting, it's always fun to take a photo on that bridge with the waterfall as your all-natural background.
Other Places to Visit Near Minnehaha Falls
What's the best thing after spending a day in the sun? Ice cream of course! Luckily for you, Bridgeman's Ice Cream is just a block away from the waterfall, right on Hiawatha Avenue. If ice cream's not your thing, there's many other attractions in the area, including: Fort Snelling, Lake Nokomis, Hiawatha Statue and the Longfellow House and Gardens.
Insider Tips for Visitors to Minnehaha Falls
If you're looking to rent a surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals, right in Minnehaha Park, look online for deals before you head over. There's often coupons and deals on surrey rentals online.
Author's Bio: Jessica Vaysberg is a journalist and Twin Cities native who is always up for exploring the city and capturing her adventures in writing.
