The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden at Como Park — Attraction in Saint Paul

Such a beautiful Japanese garden! The design imparts such tranquility. The walking path through the garden is primarily a pebble gravel and is pretty accessible. There are a number of benches along the walking path to stop, rest, and take in the beauty of the garden.

The bonsai exhibit is also incredible, it's amazing to see how long each bonsai has been in training for. On our most recent visit, we also got the opportunity to speak with two different staff members who both were super nice and gave us some great information about the park. Two facts I learned in our conversations with them:

1. the eastern white cedar bonsai outside began training in 1992, but the tree is actually much, much older than that (estimated 400 years!!) it was found on a riverside and then brought into training.
2. the island you can walk over to in the pond outside is actually shaped like a turtle.

This is a wonderful garden to spend some time in and I highly recommend checking it out while you're at the Como Zoo and...

Love, Love, Love the Interactive Toddler Program that Como Park Zoo does does over the late fall to early spring months on Thursdays! If you haven’t ever been, give it a try!! It’s a few hours of great play, story time, often a Como Animal joins the party, an Art activity, Sand Table Play, Music...just a great outing for you and your toddler! Parking is sometimes tricky, and the lot is a tiny little hike in winter snow, so plan around those little hiccups, it’s still well worth venturing out for! The Zoo Cafe is so-so, we usually pack our own snacks and beverages, if needed, and plan lunch out from zoo or at home. The Como Zoo gift shop is wonderful and they have some great books and art supplies as well as some really neat and unique educational games,...

Unfortunately, we were not allowed in the garden as it was closed for the night and raining. However, we could see a large section of the garden through a large glass window within the room we were occupying for a catered event we attended adjoining the garden. The garden was impressive, immaculately manicured, and a feast for the eyes. The indoor catered event was very well appointed, food presentation was well done and tasty. Arriving guests were met at the conservatory front door by the Park staff who showed guests how to navigate to our scheduled event. The entire event was very...