Parks programs
Parks programs for July and August 2024
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, sensory sensitivities including our free rental kits, American Sign Language interpreter, and a microphone/speaker system for improved acoustics for hearing with 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 ASL interpreter.
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
The following events take place at Oxbow Park and are subject to change.
Sunday, June 30 at 1 p.m. – Intro to Skulls
A basic introduction to skulls. Learn some of the bones in the skull, how to use skulls to tell between predator and prey animals, and how teeth can help you identify what an animal eats. Meet in the Nature Center classroom and be prepared for a brief walk around the zoo.
Sunday, July 7 at 1 p.m. – Popsicle Party for the Animals
July is typically one of the hottest months of the summer, and as humans we enjoy popsicles to cool down. The zoo animals enjoy cool treats as well! Park naturalists will provide some of the animals with their own unique kinds of “popsicles.” Come see what hidden surprises are frozen in their popsicles! Meet at the Otter exhibit.
Saturday, July 13 at 11 a.m. – Circle of Friends Sign Language Story Time
Read a story with Circle of Friends Signing School from Rochester. You will learn some new signs and enjoy some fun books! Meet in the Nature Center classroom.
Sunday, July 14 at 1 p.m. – Ice Cream Making
Get ready for the heat of summer with us as we teach you how to make your own ice cream! All supplies will be provided. Meet in the Nature Center classroom.
Sunday, July 21 at 11 a.m.– Mindful Meander
Join a Naturalist to learn about the many benefits being immersed in nature has on your health. You will learn about and have the opportunity to participate in a few mindfulness activities. Meet at the Nature Center.
Saturday, July 27 at 11 a.m. – Insect Investigation
Join a Naturalist for a brief talk about insects and then head to the prairie to see what insects you can find! Naturalists will be there to help identify insects. Insect nets will be provided. Meet in front of the Nature Center.
Sunday, August 4 at 1 p.m. – Animal Walk & Sketch
Stroll through the zoo with a Naturalist and learn about the zoo animals and get a closer look. Then you will have the opportunity to sketch the animals or color a coloring page. All art supplies will be provided. Meet in the Nature Center.
Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – PlayScape Solar System Scavenger Hunt
Come and discover more about our solar system! Head out to the Nature Playscape and search the planet signs for answers to the scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunt sheets available at the Nature Center Front Desk.
Sunday, August 18 at 1 p.m. – Mindful Meander
Join a Naturalist to learn about the many benefits being immersed in nature has on your health. You will learn about and have the opportunity to participate in a few mindfulness activities. Meet at the Nature Center.
Saturday, August 24 at 8 p.m. – Night Hike
This evening hike is a great opportunity to experience the adaptations of nocturnal animals. Discover how important all the other senses are when you can’t rely on your sense of sight. Meet at the Campground Restroom building.
Oxbow Nature Center & Zollman Zoo will be open late nights until 7 p.m.:
Thursday, June 27, Thursday, July 11, and Thursday, August 1.
Chester Woods Park
The following events take place at Chester Woods Park and are subject to change.
Saturday, May 11 “Big Birding Day” starting at 7:45 am – Hosted by ZVAS
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 am in case we arrive early. Depending on how many people attend we may divide into two groups. Warblers, sparrows, and other songbirds will be our focus. Be prepared for a 3-mile hike. Leaders will decide which trails offer the best possibilities for seeing birds. We’ll likely cover a combination of the Dam Overlook and North Trails. Lunch: After the morning walks, we'll pause for lunch and to talk about our favorite finds at picnic shelter #1 in Chester Woods. Bring your own food and beverages.
Saturday, May 18 at 1 p.m. – Pelts and Furs
Meet at picnic shelter 6 to learn about some of the native wildlife that inhabit the state of Minnesota. Park staff will have a collection of pelts on display, and you can learn about some of the unique characteristics of these critters.
Friday, May 24 10 a.m. – Beach and watercraft rentals Open!
Memorial Weekend is the unofficial “start of summer!” What better way to celebrate than to head out on the lake!!!
Saturday, May 25 at 1 p.m. – Rock Painting
Meet at picnic shelter 1 and let your creativity go wild! Staff will have rocks and paint markers available all you need to bring is your artistic talent!
Saturday, June 22 – 4th Annual Youth Bass Classic
Project MN Youth Outdoors is once again holding this exciting free event for youth ages 3-15. Registration starts at 7 a.m. with the blast off at 8 a.m.! All the information can be found on the Project MN Youth Outdoors Facebook page.
Wednesday and Thursday June 26 and 27 from 5-8 p.m. – Rochesterfest Family Fun Night
Bring the family down to Soldiers Field Park and check out all the fun activities and booths for kids and adults. Olmsted County Parks will be there with a few critters as well!
Chester Woods Park Guided Hikes
Chester Woods Park along with Friends of Chester Woods Park (FOCW) announces summer guided nature hikes on Wednesdays beginning May 22 to September 25, 2024. Nature is full of wonders, from the intricate patterns of a spider's web to the stunning colors of the sun setting. When nature is approached with curiosity, we notice these details and appreciate them on a deeper level.
Registration: call 507-328-7350
Please meet the guide at the Chester Woods Park Boat Ramp
Full schedule
May 22 - 6:30 p.m. - Dam Overlook Trail (2.8 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
May 29 - 9:30 a.m. - Kisrow Trail (2.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
June 5 - 9:30 a.m. - Chester Lake Trail (2 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
June 12 - 6:30 p.m. - Zieman Loop Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
June 19 - 9:30 a.m. - Prairie Ridge Trail (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
June 26 - 6:30 p.m. - North Sand Prairie Trail (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
July 3 - 9:30 a.m. - North Trail (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
July 10 - 6:30 p.m. - South Sand Prairie Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
July 17 - 9:30 a.m. - Dam Overlook (2 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
July 24 - 6:30 p.m. - Zieman Loop Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
July 31 - 9:30 a.m. - Legacy Trail & DOL (3 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
August 7 - 9:30 a.m. - Kisrow Trail (2.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
August 14 - 6:30 p.m. – South Homestead hike (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
August 21 - 9:30 a.m. - Legacy Trail & DOL (3 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
August 28 - 6:30 p.m. - North Trail (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
Sept 4 - 6:30 p.m. - Zieman Loop Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
Sept 11 - 9:30 a.m. - North Sand Prairie Trail (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
Sept 18 - 6:30 p.m. - South Sand Prairie Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
Sept 25 - 9:30 a.m. - Dam Overlook Trail (2 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
Root River Park
The following events take place at Root River Park and are subject to change.
Root River Park along with the Friends of Chester Woods Park announces guided nature hikes. Nature is full of wonders, come join our guide and enjoy the beauty and history of Root River Park.
When: Sundays, May 26th, June 23rd, July 28th, August 25th, Sept. 22nd
Where: Meet at the Root River Park parking lot at 6:30 p.m. (4012 80th Street SE Rochester, MN 55904)
Registration: Call 507-328-7350
No hikes during inclement weather.