Located in the heart of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Como Regional Park stands as a testament to over a century of vision, recreation, and community well-being. More than just a city park, Como Regional Park is an urban oasis where natural beauty, history, and an abundance of activities come together to enrich the lives of locals and visitors alike.
Historical Roots: A Park with a Purpose
Como Regional Park traces its origins back more than 120 years, with the land set aside to serve as a refuge from urban life well before the city’s boundaries reached its edge. Inspired by the landscape ideals of H.W.S. Cleveland and brought to fruition by Frederick Nussbaumer, the park grew from open fields to a meticulously designed haven for recreation and respite.
Nussbaumer, a forward-thinking parks superintendent, worked tirelessly to ensure the park offered free or affordable activities, educational opportunities, and natural beauty accessible to all residents—a legacy still evident today. From the earliest band concerts at the lakeside pavilion to the establishment of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, Como has evolved with the community at every step.
Expansive Nature & Attractions
Covering 450 acres, Como Regional Park offers far more than green space alone. Its spacious landscape features Como Lake, a serene body of water perfect for paddle boating, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the shore. Lush gardens and wooded trails wind through the park, making it a top destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists seeking a tranquil environment amidst the city bustle. Occasional stretches of prairie and woodland create a diverse habitat, supporting a variety of plants and wildlife.
One of the park’s most beloved features is the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, a stunning glass-domed botanical garden that showcases ever-changing seasonal flower shows. Adjacent lies the Como-Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden, a gift from Nagasaki designed to promote peace and tranquility. The Como Zoo, open and free to the public, delights families with its array of unique animals and educational programs, while Sparky the Sea Lion draws crowds with lively performances during summer months.
A Hub for Recreation
Como Regional Park caters to recreation enthusiasts of all ages and interests. Its facilities include:
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A scenic 1.6-mile trail encircling Como Lake, ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling.
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An 18-hole golf course, plus a mini-golf alternative for a more relaxed experience.
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A well-appointed play area, picnic spaces, barbecue grills, and fire rings—perfect for family gatherings.
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Athletic fields for softball, baseball, football, and soccer.
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Court sports including tennis on four well-maintained courts.
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Cross-country and downhill skiing in winter, plus an ice rink and sliding hill for cold-weather fun.
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Como Park Pool, featuring a lap pool, lazy river, diving board, and climbing wall, providing aquatic excitement for all ages.
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Event venues such as the Como Lakeside Pavilion, which hosts live music, community events, and private celebrations.
The park continually adapts its amenities to the seasons, offering concessions and warming houses in winter and watercraft rentals in summer, ensuring year-round engagement for all.
Well-Being in the Park: Mind, Body & Community
Beyond recreation, Como Regional Park profoundly supports mental and physical well-being. Studies underscore that time spent in natural settings can significantly reduce stress, boost mood, improve concentration, and foster creativity. Whether you’re winding down after a long workday or seeking a quiet space following a therapy session, Como Regional Park’s abundant greenery and lakeshore ambiance provide an ideal backdrop for mindfulness and reflection.
Social connections flourish here, too. The shared experience of concerts, walks, athletics, or simply people-watching along the lakeside pavilion contributes to a sense of belonging and community support—a key aspect of holistic well-being. Nature’s presence, combined with recreational diversity and welcoming public spaces, helps everyone, from families to solo wanderers, find a sense of balance and rejuvenation.
The Park Experience: Inclusive and Interwoven
Como Regional Park honors its historical mandate to be accessible and welcoming to all. From its origins as a green refuge designed to “stimulate recuperation of the wear and tear of life in the crowded marts of commerce,” the park remains committed to inclusivity, offering a blend of free and low-cost activities and venues. The park’s thoughtful design minimizes the intrusion of vehicles and maximizes natural landscapes, ensuring no barriers to enjoyment for those on foot or wheels.
Moreover, the educational opportunities at the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom invite visitors young and old to engage deeply with the environment, fostering stewardship and appreciation for the natural world. Events like “Music in the Parks” and fitness programs further knit the community into the park’s everyday life.
The Ongoing Legacy
Como Regional Park’s blend of nature, recreation, and well-being is the product of decades of vision and public investment. From the peaceful ripples on Como Lake to the vibrant laughter at the playground or zoo, each visit reinforces the park’s timeless purpose: to offer a slice of nature, restorative recreation, and a better quality of life right in the city’s heart. As Saint Paul grows and changes, Como Regional Park endures as a beloved destination for escape, exercise, connection, and renewal.
