Minnesota’s bounty is all around us! The great outdoors of the Land of 10,000 Lakes offer a beauty that is hard to beat. But sometimes, Mother Nature drives us indoors. That’s certainly the case every winter, when the temperature plunges below freezing, the snow drifts build up, and your car never quite warms up before you reach your destination. Luckily, though, there are plenty of warm oases throughout the state. One of our favorites – and an amazing place to visit year-round – is the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St. Paul. Read on to learn about this beautiful – and warm – Minnesota treasure:
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a delightful Twin Cities destination. It’s part of Como Park, making it a popular spot in every month of the year.
jpellgen (@1179_jp)/Flickr
The conservatory dates back to 1915, and it’s only gotten better in the 100 years since.
kkmarais/Flickr
During warmer months, people flock to the conservatory to stroll through the outdoor gardens. The bonsai collection is a fascinating ode to the ancient Japanese artform.
Deb Nystrom/Flickr
The bonsai collection is housed within the larger Ordway Gardens. This section, complete with a peaceful water feature, is perfect for quiet reflection.
jpellgen (@1179_jp)/Flickr
Other outdoor features include a lily pond, a European-style garden, and more.
Christopher Rauschnot/Google
But when the temperature drops, there’s still plenty to do at this conservatory. Peek through the window of the Orchid House for glimpses of the conservatory’s most unique specimens.
Garret Voight/Flickr
The Tropical Encounters exhibit combines the animals of the Como Zoo with the beautiful plant life of the conservatory. You’ll walk through an indoor jungle, your path lined with stingrays, frogs, turtles, and free-roaming birds.
Kevin Laurenti/Google
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Chloe the sloth!
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
The Palm Dome is a glass dome that houses towering palm trees. The leafy foliage of this section looks like a trip to the equator. And because of the warmth and humidity needed to care for the trees, it’ll feel like it, too!
Nick Halverson SB/Google
The most well-known part of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is probably the Sunken Garden. Updated seasonally, the gorgeous garden showcases beautiful blooms year-round!
Adriaan Greyling/Google
All in all, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a lovely place to visit all year – especially during a Minnesota winter. Visiting is free, and it’s open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the website. And if you love exploring gardens, check out our article about the Minnesota garden that’s beautiful even under a blanket of snow.
jpellgen (@1179_jp)/Flickr
kkmarais/Flickr
Deb Nystrom/Flickr
Christopher Rauschnot/Google
Garret Voight/Flickr
Kevin Laurenti/Google
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Nick Halverson SB/Google
Adriaan Greyling/Google
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