Parks programs
Parks programs for January through February 2025
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.
Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 5 - 8 p.m. - ZooDazzle!
Join Friends of Oxbow for the return of their ZooDazzle event. During this celebration you will see Zollman Zoo all lit up with holiday lights at night! There will also be treats and activities. This event is admission free. Rumor has it that Santa may even be there!
Sunday, December 22, 2024, 1 p.m. – Holiday craft
Join a naturalist to create your very own decorated wood cookie ornament. All art supplies and wood cookies will be provided.
**FULL** Tuesday, January 21 at 2 p.m. – Homeschool Program: Reptiles & Amphibians
Oxbow Park is now offering programs for homeschool families. Sign up is required by calling 507-328-7340 or emailing oxbow@olmstedcounty.gov. Fee is $5 per student ages 3 and up. This month we will learn about the difference between reptiles and amphibians. You may even get to touch one of our Ambassador Animals that lives at the Zollman Zoo!
Saturday, February 1 at 11 a.m. – All About Woodchucks
With Groundhog Day just around the corner this program will tell you all about groundhogs, also known as woodchucks. Learn some fun facts about this little mammal and why a groundhog would choose to wake up for Groundhog’s Day.
Sunday, February 9 at 1 p.m. – Feed the Snakes
Snakes have teeth, yet they do not use their teeth to chew their food, they swallow it whole. Watch as the nature center snakes are fed and hear other interesting facts about these slithering critters.
Saturday, February 15 at 10 a.m. – Great Backyard Bird Count
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s annual Great Backyard Bird Count is this weekend, February 14-17! Come watch the birds in the comfort of the Nature Center’s Wildlife Viewing Area to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. A Naturalist will be there to help identify and count birds and share identifications tips and fun facts. Binoculars, field guides, and some seating is provided.
**FULL** Thursday, February 20 at 11 a.m. – Homeschool Program: Animal Adaptations
Oxbow Park is now offering programs for homeschool families. Sign up is required by calling 507-328-7340 or emailing oxbow@olmstedcounty.gov. Fee is $5 per student ages 3 and up. This month we will learn about adaptations animals have to help them survive.
Sunday, February 23 at 1 p.m. – All About Owls
It's owl courtship time! Let us show you WHOO they are, where they live, and how they live in our natural world. Live birds will be displayed.
Snow rental equipment
Snowshoe ($5), cross-country ski ($5), and kick sleds ($5) rentals available when snow permits between the hours of 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Chester Woods Park
Saturday, January 18 at 1 p.m. – Snowshoe Hike
Meet at the boat ramp kiosk with your snowshoes and join park staff on a leisurely stroll along one of the parks groomed multi-use trails. This will be an informal hike and time to learn about and enjoy Chester Woods. If snow/weather conditions are not favorable this program will be cancelled.
Sunday, January 19 from 10 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. – Kick sled Demo
Meet at the park office to try-out one of these fun winter recreation items. The sleds will be available on a first come basis and available for folks to try out for free. Rentals are available daily from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 1 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Candlelight Snowshoe/Hike
The Chester Lake Trail will be lit up with luminaries for visitors to enjoy a leisurely, non-guided, evening stroll. Dress for outdoor conditions as there is no indoor warming area. A bonfire and cup of hot cocoa will be available upon completions of the hike.
Saturday, February 15 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Youth Ice Expo
Project MN Youth Outdoors presents the 13th annual Youth Ice Expo! This is for ages 3-15. Please locate all information on their Facebook page. Search Project MN Youth Outdoors.
Saturday, March 15 at 10 a.m.– Egg Carton Gardens
Let’s celebrate the daylight getting longer by getting an early start on some gardening! Kids will have a blast playing in the dirt and watching as their seeds eventually start taking off. Then when mother nature allows, they can be transplanted to your very own garden or pot! Space is limited so call 507-328-7350 to reserve a spot, by March 10th.