FAQ

  • Weddings


    • Where does the ceremony take place?
      • Outdoor Covered Promenade, overlooking Lake Como
      • 2nd Floor Mezzanine, for smaller groups in the off-season

    • Does the Promenade have sides?
      • No, and unless there are straight-line winds coming directly off the lake, you should be just fine. Worst case scenario, we’ll turn the ceremony around and have it on the stage rather than over the lake.

    • Is the Promenade covered?
      • Yes, there is a full roof overhead

    • What is included with the Promenade rental?
      • For a ceremony: park benches, altar box, sound system with two microphones, dressing rooms for both bride and groom during your timeslot
      • For a reception: all tables and chairs must be rented through Black Bear Crossings

    • How many people can the Promenade hold?
      • For just ceremony: Up to 400
      • For ceremony and reception: Up to 300

    • How late can the reception go outside?
      • The music can go until 10pm;your guests must depart by 11pm
      • If using a DJ, then you must use Midwest Sound.

        How many people can the banquet room hold?
      • 150 for plated dinners, 175 for buffet dinners, and 200 cocktail

    • What is included in the banquet room rental?
      • 60” round guest tables; black chairs; ivory table cloths, skirting and napkins; white china; flatware; crystal glassware; 16’x16’ wooden parquet dance floor; two votive candles and one silver budvase per guest table.
    • How late can the reception go inside?
      • Your reception can go until midnight
      • You have approx 45 minutes to 1 hour after the end of the reception to clean up your decorations
    • Who does your catering?
      • Traditional tiered wedding cakes are provided by exclusively by Buttercream Collections.

      • Café

        • Is Black Bear Crossings open year round?
        • Do you need reservations?
          • No, we pride ourselves on being a very casual, cafeteria style restaurant.
        • What type of food do you serve?
        • Are gift certificates available?
          • Yes, we offer Bear Bucks.
        • What’s on the second floor?
          • The second floor mezzanine is where the bathrooms are located and provides additional seating for up to 40 people. It’s a great space for small, casual gatherings such as tour groups, birthday parties, retirement parties and the like.

        • Is there outside seating?
          • Yes, the Outdoor Promenade is available from April-October.

        • Can we bring in our own picnic?
          • You may picnic on the grounds around the Pavilion, but due to Minnesota Health Code regulations and our insurance, you may not bring your own food inside.

        • Does your café have wireless internet?
          • To keep in spirit with the tranquility of Como Park, we do not provide a wi-fi internet connection.

        • What are the hours for your community rooms?
          • They are available the same hours as the restaurant, which fluctuate seasonally. Visit our Café page for information about our hours.Visit our Community Room page for reservations and menus.

      • Parks

        • What hours is Como Park open?
          • From Sunrise to 11pm, every day.

        • How long is the path around Lake Como?
          • 1.8 miles

        • Is there parking around Lake Como?
          • There are two large free lots by the Pavilion on the west side of the lake on Lexington Pkwy and a smaller lot free lot on the east side on E Como Blvd.

        • Where do we rent the paddleboats from?
          • The paddleboats are rented from the concession stand on the east side of the Como Lakeside Pavilion, down by the water. Look for the green awning.
            Visit the Boats page to get more information about the boats.
        • Can I launch my own boat into Lake Como?
          • Yes, you may launch any non-motorized boats, such as canoes and kayaks.

        • Can I swim in Lake Como?
          • No, swimming is not permitted in Lake Como. There is no lifeguard  on duty and no beach available.

        • Can I fish in Lake Como?
          • Yes, the lake is stocked with a variety of fish every spring. There are two dedicated fishing docks, one at the Pavilion and one on the south side of the lake, as well as a point that goes into the east side of the lake.

        • Do you rent bicycles in Como Park?
          • No, we do not rent bicycles.

        • Where can we go skiing and sledding?
          • Cross country skis are rented from the Como Park Golf Course.
            Please visit the Como park website for additional information.
            www.comozooconservatory.com

        • Can we go ice skating/ice fishing on the lake?
          • No, ice skating and fishing are no longer permitted on Lake Como. There are two aerators in the lake to help keep the water oxygenated for the fish and to help minimize the weeds in the lake. Because of the aerators, there is always open water in the middle of the lake, making ice-related activities unsafe. 

        • Where are the picnic pavilions?
        • Where is the Zoo/Conservatory/Street Car Station/Pool/Carousel?
        • How do I become a performer for Music in the Parks?

Black Bear Crossings on the Lake
Como Lakeside Pavilion
1360 North Lexington Parkway
St. Paul, Minnesota 55103
Office: 651.488.4920
Fax:651.488.4915
Email: info@blackbearcrossings.com