Parks and Trails programs
Accessibility options: Olmsted County Parks offer a variety of accessibility accommodations for park visitors and our public programming, ranging from accommodations for mobility like our Action Trackchair to sensory-friendly tools such as our free rental kits. We also offer an American Sign Language interpreter and a microphone/speaker system for improved acoustics during certain programs. We know everyone’s experience is unique. For more information on these resources, contact oxbow@olmstedcounty.gov or call 507-328-7340. Please let us know of needed accommodations at least two days in advance, two weeks for an American Sign Language interpreter.
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
The following events take place at Oxbow Park and are subject to change.
Saturday, April 18, 2 p.m. - Feed the Otters and Photos with Ellie the Otter - North American River Otters are a curious animal with many adaptations for hunting on land and fishing in the water. Come out to learn about them, watch a staff member feed out live minnows, and take a picture with our special guest, Ellie the Otter, who is featured in our audio stories in the We Are Water MN exhibit. This event is free to the public and for all ages. Meet at the Otter exhibit.
Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon. - Meet the Bald Eagle - Our final event for the We Are Water MN hosting. Please join the National Eagle Center at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo on April 19th for 3 live bald eagle programs: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon. Learn about bald eagles, the challenges they face, and how we can help! This event is free to the public and open to all ages. Meet at the Nature Center.
Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 3rd annual nature art and craft show - Over 20 vendors will be present selling paintings, photography, ceramics, woodworking, and much more.
All events (minus Maple Syrup) are for the “We Are Water MN” exhibit that will be at Oxbow until April 19, 2026. We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We Are Water MN is funded by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Sunday, May 3, 1 p.m. - Raptor Pellet Dissection - Ever wonder what the raptors at Zollman Zoo eat? Dissect an owl/hawk/eagle pellet with an Oxbow Park Naturalist to see! Meet in the nature center.
Saturday, May 9, 1 p.m. - Spring Wildflower Hike - Take a hike with an Oxbow Park Naturalist to learn about and identify some of the park’s spring ephemeral wildflowers! Meet in the nature center.
Sunday, May 17, 1 p.m. - Backyard Butterflies - Learn about common butterflies you might see in your own backyard and ways to attract and protect butterflies. Meet in the nature center.
Saturday, May 23, 10:30 a.m. - Feed the Bear - Our resident black bear is awake and very hungry! Join us as we share some natural history facts about black bears. Watch as we feed her a variety of food. What will she eat first? Come find out! Meet at the bear exhibit.
Sunday, May 31, 1 p.m. - Animal Enrichment - Come and learn some of the techniques that zookeepers use to amuse the animals on exhibit as well as help make a toy for the animals here at Zollman Zoo. Meet in the nature center.
Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m. - Feed the Deer and Elk - A short hike over to the elk and deer pens will allow participants to get a closer look at these spectacular creatures. Learn more about antlers, deer and elk behavior, and see them eat! Meet in the nature center. (Accommodations CAN be made for non-hikers, seniors, etc.)
Saturday, June 13, 8:30 p.m. - Fireflies - Learn about the interesting insect that produces its own light. Wait until dark and watch the fireflies light up the night! Meet the naturalist at the campground restroom building.
Sunday, June 14, 2 p.m. - Feed the Raptors - Learn more about some of Minnesota’s most common birds of prey. Not only will you enjoy hearing interesting facts, but you’ll also enjoy watching them eat. Meet at the bald eagle exhibit.
Sunday, June 28, 1 p.m. - Commonly Confused Animals - A commonly used name for animals can sometimes be the wrong one, or even a completely different species! Join a naturalist to learn about some commonly confused/misidentified animals and potentially learn some new ones as well. Meet in the nature center.
2026 Oxbow Park homeschool classes
Oxbow Park is now offering Naturalist Programs reserved for homeschool families! Sign up will be required and Oxbow Park reserves the right to cancel the program if there are not enough participants signed up. The fee is $5 per student ages three and up, while parents and children two and under can join for free.
- Payment is required to sign up for the class. No refunds will be offered.
- Please call 507-328-7340 to sign up.
Homeschool classes:
- Wednesday, January 14, 11 a.m. - Animal Adaptations
- Thursday, February 12, 1 p.m. - Reptiles/Feed the Snakes
- Tuesday, March 10, 11 a.m. - Animal Introductions
- Wednesday, April 15, 9:30 a.m. - Animal Tracks and Signs
Chester Woods
Tuesday, April 14, 7:30 p.m. ZVAS Woodcock hike
Every spring the Woodcock performs one of the strangest and most interesting mating rituals. We will try to observe it up close, beginning at dusk. Meet in the horse corral parking lot at Chester Woods County Park at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. FOCW Spring Clean Up day
Join Friends of Chester Woods for the annual spring cleanup day. Meet at the park office for coffee and doughnuts before heading out to the park to help get things ready for the busy spring and summer season!
Sunday, April 26, 9 a.m. ZVAS Bird walk at Root River Park
Located just south of Rochester near Simpson, Root River has a nice 2-mile loop walking trail and good diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds. We'll look for early blooming wildflowers, newly arriving migrants like Golden-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and other signs of spring. Dress for the weather. Meet in the parking lot near the picnic tables. Trails can be slippery when wet. This trip will be cancelled if it's raining harder than a light sprinkle.
Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. ZVAS Big birding day
This year’s event takes place close to the peak of spring migration so we should see a wide variety of birds. Meet in the boat landing parking lot. If you didn't go to the earlier walks, we recommend you be at Chester Woods by 7:45 a.m. in case we arrive early. - no pre-registration needed. After morning walks, we will pause for lunch, please bring your own lunch and beverage. Event will be cancelled if it's raining more than a light sprinkle or if thunderstorms are present.
Sunday, May 10, 1 p.m. Beaded wind chime craft
Call 507-328-7350 to reserve your spot to make a fun spring themed craft with mom! Reservations will be required by May 7 to make sure we have enough supplies on hand. Meet at Shelter six (Recommended Ages 6 to12)
Friday, May 22, 10 a.m. Beach and watercraft rentals open for the season
Beach hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sun.- Thur.) and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Fri. – Sat.) watercraft rental hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day (weather permitting).
Saturday, May 23, 6 p.m. “Chester Proctor” Musical Performance
Join us at the Chester Woods Park amphitheater for a fun evening of family-friendly live music and entertainment. Stone seating is provided, but feel free to bring you own chair or blanket, as well as a favorite snack or beverage!
Sunday, May 24, 1 p.m. Create a playscape fairy garden
Join park staff as we create a magical fairy garden in the natural playscape! Feel free to bring any fairy elements that you would like to donate to this creation! Meet at the natural playscape park near shelter one.
Sunday, May 31, 11 a.m. Children's pond study
Join park staff at the beach as we explore the reservoir and see what pond life, we have living just below the waters! (Recommended Ages 8 to 12).
Sunday, May 31, Annual Youth Bass Classic
Project MN Youth Outdoors is once again holding this exciting free event for youth ages 3-15. Registration starts at 8:00am with the blast off at 9:00am! All the information can be found on the Project MN Youth Outdoors Facebook page.
Starting June 3rd and Ending Aug. 26th - Guided Nature Hikes at 10 a.m.
Reservations are required for these hikes. Call 507-328-7350 to sign up.
June 5-7 – MNDNR Take a Kid Fishing Weekend
Fish for free! Minnesotans 16 or older who take a child 15 or younger fishing don't need a license on this special weekend.
Saturday, June 6, 2:30 p.m. - National Eagle Center Love Eagle Presentation
Meet at the Amphitheater for this exciting and informative presentation from our friends at the National Eagle Center! NO pets allowed for this presentation.
Saturday, June 6, 6 p.m. - “Night Train Layne and Friends” Musical Performance
Enjoy a family-friendly acoustic performance at the Chester Woods Amphitheater. Stone seating is provided, but feel free to bring you own chair or blanket, as well as a favorite snack or beverage!
Thursday June 11, 10 a.m. – Children’s Pond Study
Join park staff at the beach as we explore the reservoir and see what pond life we have living just below the waters! (Recommended Ages 8-12)
Sunday June 14, 2 p.m. – Rock Painting
This meditative and fun, outdoor, artistic activity for all ages will be located at Picnic Shelter number six.
Monday June 15, 10 a.m. – Beginning Kayaking
Meet staff at the beach house for a brief introduction to kayaking. A brief lesson on proper life-vest fitting and simple paddle techniques, followed by a little hands-on learning. The park has a limited number of kayaks available so first come first serve.
Saturday June 20, 6 p.m. – “The Med City Misfits” Musical Performance
Enjoy a family-friendly musical performance at the Chester Woods Amphitheater. Stone seating is provided, but feel free to bring you own chair or blanket, as well as a favorite snack or beverage!
Saturday June 27, 6 p.m. – “Room for Gray” Musical Performance
Enjoy a family-friendly musical performance at the Chester Woods Amphitheater. Stone seating is provided, but feel free to bring you own chair or blanket, as well as a favorite snack or beverage!
Saturday June 27, 8:30 p.m. – Full Moon Hike
Registration Required, call 507-328-7350 to reserve your spot
Sunday June 28, 10 a.m. – Children’s Outdoor Storytime with a Naturalist
Meet at the Amphitheater to listen to a fun nature story followed by a little hands-on learning.