Whoever said "Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!" would be utterly overwhelmed at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. It has bears and polar bears, lions and sea lions, and a tiger that weighs over 400 pounds. That's not even mentioning the zebras, sea horses, gorillas, and more—an absolute menagerie compared to the zoo's humble start. Back in 1897, it was just a fenced-in pasture housing three deer Saint Paul received as a gift.

The years have been kind to the growing zoo and its surrounding attractions. Celebrating its centennial in 2015, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's half-acre of lush gardens and greenhouses bloom with bonsai trees, ferns, orchids, seasonal flowers, and water lilies. The equally historical carousel spreads joy to the riders on the backs of its restored faux horses. For those looking for more thrills, the Como Town amusement park features bumper cars, a tilt-a-whirl, spinning teacups, and a family-friendly mini coaster.