No matter the weather outside, it's always 82 degrees at the Como Zoo Conservatory

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - In the midst of a sub-zero stretch of temperatures, a warmer piece of paradise might not be as far away as you think.

Minnesotans can get there without the cost of a plane trip and when they do, it will be a balmy 82 degrees.

The weather is not only dangerous in Minnesota right now, it’s downright miserable. At the Como Zoo Conservatory, however, it’s always a glorious 82 degrees and humid.

It’s a tropical oasis without the expensive airfare.

“It feels really good,” said Erin Brothen.

So, ditch your plane tickets south and simply drive to St. Paul.

“But we’ve been talking about going on vacation so we came in here and we felt like it was a little bit of an escape," said Brothen. 

“It’s kind of surreal when your brain looks outside and says, ‘What’s going on in there? That’s impossible.’ But it’s been possible for 103 years here at Como Park,” said Paul Knuth, of the Conservatory.

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has half an acre of public gardens, thousands of plant varieties and expertly maintained climate control.

“You can actually see some colors and get some sunlight without it being a million degrees below zero. So it’s lovely,” said Brothen.

When you’re ready for your mini-tropical vacation, head on down to the Como Zoo. The conservatory is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.