Experience Tropical Temperatures One Hour from Owatonna

I've forgotten what it feels like to be warm without a jacket on. I'm thinking I might need to take a drive to Minneapolis to refresh my memory.

If you are craving warm weather, a break from the tundra outside, and a getaway without actually getting away, a day trip to Como Zoo Conservatory needs to be added to your to-do list.

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The Como Zoo Conservatory is currently about 90 degrees to accommodate the plants that are growing there, as well as the guests that need a little taste of summer. There is plenty to see and do at the conservatory:

The Sunken Garden offers beautiful floral shows, updated seasonally. This ever-changing display is as artful as it is fragrant. Perfect for a romantic walk or a curious exploration.

There is also the Tropical Encounter (which is one of my favorite parts of this zoo):

This $2.1 million exhibit is a total immersion experience which allows guests to visit an authentic neo-tropical rainforest and explore the relationships between plants and animals.

Capacity is limited right now to 250 due to COVID-19 restrictions, and you do have to make a reservation online for your trip. You can do that here. 

I think it's time to send out a group text to my friends and head down to Como Zoo for some warmer weather and a change of scenery. It would be nice to see plants growing and now be freezing cold, even if it is just for a couple of hours.