Which Is Best: Hemker Park and Zoo Or Como Park. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Minnesota, USA

Explore the unique experiences on offer at Hemker Park and Zoo and Como Park, two of Minnesota's finest family zoos.

Delve into the variety of animal encounters, from giraffes and rhinos at Hemker, to rare tigers and playful penguins in Como.

Discover the accessibility features, inviting families of all types to enjoy a fun, educational outing, whether it’s the trails suitable for wheelchairs at Hemker, or toddler-friendly walkways of Como.

Compare the affordability of both attractions and what value you get for different ticket prices.

Explore the additional amenities on offer, such as food stalls and parking arrangements.

All this and more covered as we take you on an immersive journey through these two fantastic zoos.

Which Is Best: Hemker Park and Zoo Or Como Park. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Minnesota, USA

At A Glance

Hemker Park and Zoo and Como Park, both situated in Minnesota, USA, offer distinct yet equally engaging experiences to animal lovers.

Hemker Park and Zoo, located in Freeport, houses an interesting collection of over 200 animals including giraffes, penguins, zebras, rhinos, and monkeys.

Accessible for all, the zoo is known for its emphasis on conservation and is particularly friendly to families with older children and toddlers.

For an average trip duration of 2-3 hours, the cost for a family of four is $95.25.

However, visitors cannot access the zoo via public transport, but free parking and food stalls are available.

In contrast, Como Park in St.

Paul showcases tigers, giraffes, sloths, penguins, and lions.

Besides offering animal experiences, it also promotes classes and learning for young ones.

With tickets going for a voluntary donation, this zoo stands as an affordable option for a family outing.

This 14.5-acre park, best explored in 2 hours, does not provide parking and cannot be accessed through public transportation either.

It allows you to bring your own food and drink and also has food stalls.

Both zoos, while unique in their offerings, offer a fun-filled and educational day out for the whole family.

Size

Though both located in Minnesota, Hemker Park and Zoo and Como Park significantly differ in size.

Como Park is specified as covering a substantial 14.5 acres, providing ample space for their variety of animal exhibits including tigers, giraffes, and penguins among others.

Visitors can expect to spend an average of around 2 hours touring all the attractions of this sizeable zoological park.

Conversely, whilst Hemker Park and Zoo doesn’t have specified acreage, it is still home to a diverse range of over 200 animals, including giraffes, penguins, and rhinos.

To see all the attractions here, visitors are expected to spend slightly longer, with an average visiting time of 2-3 hours, suggesting that Hemker Park and Zoo might also be expansive, despite its undeclared acreage.

It’s interesting how two zoos, in the same state, can differ in size yet offer equally engaging experiences.

More About Hemker Park and Zoo

About Hemker Park and Zoo

Time To Walk Around 2-3 Hours
Adult Price $20.25
Child Price $18.25
Infant Price Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4 $95.25
Parking Free
Number Of Animals Over 200 animals
Can Bring Your Own Food? Yes

Information from https://hemkerzoo.com/

Price

When comparing the ticket prices between Hemker Park and Zoo and Como Park, there is a notable difference.

At Hemker Park and Zoo, an adult ticket is priced at $20.25, a child ticket at $18.25 and a concessions ticket at $19.25, making the total price for an average family of 4 at $95.25, with children under the age of 2 gaining free entry.

On the other hand, Como Park operates on a voluntary donation ticketing system, suggesting an adult, child and concessions tickets at 4$, 2$, and 4$ respectively, with the total suggested rate for an average family of 4 being $12, lot less than Hemker park.

However, similar to Hemker Park and Zoo, children under the age of 2 gain free entry at Como Park as well.

The cost of an average family of 4 at Hemker Park and Zoo is $95.25 compared to 12 (voluntary donation) at Como Park.

Both Hemker Park and Zoo and Como Park zoos offer a fantastic variety of animals for visitors to see.

Hemker Park and Zoo, with 200 animals across all species, features fascinating creatures such as giraffes, penguins, zebras, rhinos, and monkeys.

The stars of the show at Como Park, which spans 14.5 acres, include tigers, giraffes, sloths, penguins, and lions.

Hence, while both zoos maintain an assortment of different and interesting animals, Hemker Park and Zoo provides a slightly wider variety of species for visitors to enjoy.

Please note that neither zoo allows visitors to hold any of the animals as part of their commitment to animal safety and welfare.

Regardless, the diversity of wildlife at both locations ensures a unique and engaging experience for families and animal enthusiasts alike. <div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-como-park”>

More About Como Park

About Como Park

Size (acres) 14.5
Time To Walk Around 2 Hours
Adult Price $4 (voluntary donation)
Child Price $2 (voluntary donation)
Infant Price Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4 $12 (voluntary donation)
Parking Paid
Can Bring Your Own Food? Yes

Information from https://comozooconservatory.org/

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Accesibility

Hemker Park and Zoo and Como Park both demonstrate a commitment to accessibility for visitors with disabilities.

Hemker Park and Zoo features trails that are suitable for wheelchairs, making it easier for patrons with mobility issues to navigate the zoo comfortably and interact with the over 200 species on display.

Its terrain ensures a safe experience, especially for those who are wheelchair bound.

Similarly, Como Park is cognizant of those same needs, ensuring that its walkways are wheelchair-friendly.

Despite its larger size of 14.5 acres, Como Park provides a safe and accessible environment for everyone.

Both parks thus present options for a fantastic day out for families with members who have mobility challenges.

However, potential visitors should be aware that neither zoo is accessible via public transport.

Therefore, visitors with special needs will need to make suitable arrangements for their visit.

Pefect For

Both Hemker Park and Zoo and Como Park appear to be great family-friendly options, offering disability access and welcoming families with older children and toddlers.

They can provide educational and engaging animal encounters for all ages.

Hemker Park and Zoo prides itself on being an accessible family zoo with a focus on conservation.

This might make it a more suitable choice for families who want to teach their children about the importance of animal conservation.

On the other hand, Como Park’s toddler-friendly environment and animal experience focus offer a more hands-on learning experience suitable for younger kids.

This, along with classes and learning initiatives, make it a great choice for families seeking for an educational trip.

These experiences seem to set Como Park apart as not just a zoo but an interactive learning center.

Ultimately, both zoos cater to a variety of age groups and needs, making them both excellent choices for different types of family outings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Hemker Park and Zoo and Como Park offer distinctive and engaging experiences for all ages and accessibility needs.

Hemker Park offers a unique range of animals including giraffes, penguins, zebras, rhinos, and monkeys.

Visits last 2-3 hours on average and the zoo is highly accessible to all.

On the other hand, Como Park, with its resident tigers, giraffes, sloths, penguins, and lions, offers a lower recommended donation for entrance, and further invites visitors for an educational and engaging experience through its animal-related classes.

While both zoos pride themselves on being disable-friendly and prioritize educational experiences through their animal exhibits, settling on one would simply depend on personal preference and which animal roster appeals to you more.

At the end of the day, both serve as excellent choices for a family day out.

Don’t forget to weigh in depth of pocket and distance from public transport when planning your visit.

Visit, donate and contribute to the animal kingdom in whichever way you can.

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