The Wake

There are certain fleeting moments that are so full of sun, there’s no room for cynicism. As clouds cleared, light and warmth suddenly filtered through the greenhouse’s glass dome, flooding a gratifying display of red tulips, yellow lilies and blue pansies. A semi circle of children sat around the fountain watching the carp, who watched the Terzetto string trio, who pierced the humid air with Vivaldi.

On the weekend of Mar. 24, Como Park celebrated a shamelessly tackily named Spring Fling Weekend, commemorating the beginning of spring and of their Spring Flower Show. Nobody can ignore the spring and Como Park provides the perfect, relatively inexpensive location for those who want to forget life for a day and be shamelessly, tackily happy. For those in our readership still capable of such primitive emotion, this is The Wake’s simplified guide to the wonders of mysteries of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

A day at the zoo:

9:00 a.m.:
$1.50 Bus pass
Wake up. This is not a time for sleeping, it is a time for taking the bus. More specifically, the 3A to Como Park.

10:00 a.m.:
Optional donation of $2.00 if you’re feeling generous
Arrive at Como Park. In the first main lobby you can find a station where you can recycle old ink cartridges and cell phones. “Donate you cell phone! Save an Orangutan!” Proudly declares a sign. The precise logistics of the transformation remain a mystery to the visitor.

10:15 a.m.:
Now that you have successfully saved an orangutan you can proceed into the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. The conservatory includes the Palm Dome, the Fern Room, the Sunken Garden, the North Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Bonsai Gallery.

10:20 a.m.:
If you are lucky, you may run into a representative of the Ramsey County Master Gardeners, available to answer any questions, as long as they are of a horticulture nature.

10:25 a.m.:
$ 0.01
On your way out of the conservatory, take a moment to toss a penny in a pond. Make a wish, and don’t tell anyone (or it won’t come true).

10:30 a.m.:
Proceed into the zoo. A fun suggestion from Ethan Stark, The Wake’s photo editor is “wait by the camel long enough and I guarantee you’ll hear someone make a reference to terrorists.” The other animals are also nice.

10:55 a.m.:
$2.00
No trip to the zoo is complete without ice cream, which you can purchase from one of the many carts dispersed around the park. Wake writer Sage Dahlen suggests the King Kong Bar.

11:00 a.m.:
$0 - $10.00
If you are feeling adventurous, check out the Como Town amusement park, opening for the summer on May 5. I say adventurous not because the rides are typically very thrilling, but because they look as if you never know what second they might fall apart. In fact, most of the rides are meant for younger children. However, there are several attractions you may enjoy including Teacups and Water Wars.

12:00 p.m.:
7.09 + tax
Catch lunch at the Zooper Foods concession area in the zoo. I suggest the “breaded premium” cheese curds, and a root beer float.

12:30 p.m.:
Check out Sparky the Sea Lion. Perhaps you can even catch a show later in the day. Sparky celebrated his 50th anniversary in 2006. The average lifespan of a sea lion is about 20 years. Hmmm, something’s fishy.

1:00 p.m.:
$1.50
Exit the zoo. Head to the Cafesjian’s Carousel. This beautiful carousel had served in the Minnesota State Fair since 1914 and has now been restored to its former glory. Take a ride on the carousel, you know you want to.

1:30 p.m.:
$5.00
Take a swing at Putt’er There Mini Golf course. Test your skill on the last hole and win a free game.

2:00 p.m.:
Take a walk around the park. Stroll leisurely through the many paths, or join the more athletic patrons in a jog around the lake.

3:00 p.m.:
Find a bench and take a moment to sit and watch the people. People-watching at Como Park is even more fun than animal-watching. What can you learn about the human race today?

3:30 p.m.:
Head around the lake to find the paddle boat rentals. Paddle boating is great because it is sailing and biking rolled into one and anyone can do it. What more could you want?

4:00 p.m.:
There are often free live concerts and plays at the Lakeside Pavilion. Check to if there is anything going on that night. Otherwise, start a bonfire in one of the four large fire circles and enjoy a picnic as the day combines with night.