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, 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.
Friday, June 26, 1 p.m. – Prairie and Pollinator Walk - Co-hosted with City of Byron Park and Recreation, join a naturalist on a walk through the prairie and learn all about pollinators and why they’re so important. Meet at the nature center.
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.
Saturday, July 4, 1 p.m. – Popsicle Party - 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 11, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Rochester Public Library Bookmobile -Rochester Reading Champions will be providing early literacy activities, Bookmobile, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles for kids to play!
Saturday, July 11, 10:30 a.m. – Owls - Come learn all about owls including WHOO they are, where they live, and about their nocturnal lifestyle. Meet at the raptor exhibit.
Sunday, July 12, 11 a.m. – Wolves - Learn about the largest canine species in North America, the gray wolf a.k.a. timber wolf. Observe the natural behaviors and social interactions of wolves. Meet at the wolf exhibit.
Saturday, July 18, 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 26, 1 p.m. – Nature Craft - Come to the nature center to create a nature craft with an Oxbow Park naturalist.
Saturday, August 1, 2 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.
Sunday, August 9, 11 a.m. – Keeper Chat - Come learn about the animals that live at Zollman Zoo. A Zookeeper will chat about how they care for the animals, what they eat, what their favorite toys are, and more! Feel free to ask questions about your favorite animals at the zoo.
Saturday, August 15, 8:30 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.
Saturday, August 22, 8:15 p.m. – Moth Hunt - When the sun goes down the creatures of the night come out. Join an Oxbow Park naturalist to find moths that wait until the safety of the dark to become active. Meet at the campground restroom building.
Sunday, August 23, 1 p.m. – Pet the Pelts - This is an opportunity to experience how the wild animals of the zoo actually feel. Participate in the fur pelt identification activity. You can see, touch, and learn about fur pelts from many animals native to Minnesota.
Saturday, August 29, 1 p.m. – Feed the Bison - Bring the entire family out for a closer look at the majestic Plains Bison. You'll learn interesting facts about these marvelous creatures and get a close-up look as they are fed. A short hike is involved (accommodations can be made for seniors, non-hikers, etc.) Meet at the Nature Center.
2026 Oxbow Park Summer Naturalist Classes
Do you want your children to continue to learn this summer? Sign up for one or all of our school-aged nature education classes taught by Oxbow Park Naturalists. Classes vary and may be geared toward a certain age group. 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.
Summer classes:
- Wednesday, June 24 at 1 p.m. – Karst Geology (Ages 8+)
A mile hike with a naturalist will reveal the beauty of karst and waterfalls that accompany this
rock feature. - Monday, June 29 at 1 p.m. – Raptors (All Ages)
Learn about the characteristics of some of Minnesota’s Birds of Prey. - Tuesday, July 7 at 10 a.m. – Insect Investigation (Ages 3-7)
Join a naturalist for a brief talk about insects then head to the prairie to see what insects
you can find. - Tuesday, July 7 at 10:45 a.m. – Insect Investigation (Ages 8+)
Join a naturalist for a brief talk about insects then head to the prairie to see what insects
you can find. - Wednesday, July 15 at 10 a.m. – Animal Tracks and Signs (Ages 3-10)
Join us to learn how to look for signs and clues of animal life around us. - Wednesday, July 15 at 10:45 a.m. – All About Bats (Ages 8+)
Learn about Minnesota’s only flying mammal. Learn about where they live and why they are so
beneficial. - Tuesday, August 4 at 1 p.m. – Feed the Bison (All Ages)
See bison up close while they eat and learn all about these magnificent creatures! - Wednesday, August 12 at 10 a.m. – Feed the Bear (All Ages)
Learn about the natural history of black bears and watch Zollman Zoo’s bear eat her
favorite foods.
Chester Woods
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.
Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 5, – Red, White, and Blue Scavenger Hunt - Scavenger hunt sheets are available at the campground restroom building. When all the items have been located, head to the watercraft rental area with your sheets for a prize!
Sunday, July 12, 10 a.m. – Child'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)
Wednesday, July 15, 10 a.m. – Beginning Kayaking - Meet staff at the beach house for a brief introduction to kayaking. A quick lesson on proper life vest fitting and simple paddle techniques, followed by a little hands-on learning. There will be a limited number of kayaks available, but this is a great way to briefly test this type of water recreation out and learn about the rental opportunities that Chester Woods has to offer! (Children under 16 must have parent present)
Thursday, July 16, – Chester Woods Park and Oxbow Park at Thursday’s Downtown
Saturday, July 18, 6 p.m. – Live music by Chester Proctor - Enjoy an evening of music for all ages at the Chester Woods Park Amphitheater. The amphitheater has stone seating or bring your own chair or blanket!
Sunday, July 19, 11 a.m. – Children's outdoor story time with a naturalist - Meet at the outdoor amphitheater to listen to a fun nature story.
Wednesday, July 29, 4:30 p.m. – Rochester Public Library Children's Program - Reptiles - Meet at the Rochester Public Library with your little ones for this fun program! Learn a little about Minnesota’s native snakes and turtles.
Saturday, August 1, 8:30 p.m. – Perseid Meteor Program - Meet in Shelter 5 and join astronomer Don Borland as he leads a Perseid Meteor Program. This is sure to be a fun and informative event.
Sunday, August 9, 10 a.m. – Reptiles and Amphibians - Join Park staff at the Chester Woods Park Amphitheater for this fun children’s program!
Thursday August 13, 10 a.m. – Beginning Kayaking
Beginning Kayaking - Meet staff at the beach house for a brief introduction to kayaking. A quick lesson on proper life vest fitting and simple paddle techniques, followed by a little hands-on learning. There will be a limited number of kayaks available, but this is a great way to briefly test this type of water recreation out and learn about the rental opportunities that Chester Woods has to offer! (Children under 16 must have parent present)
Join Us for Guided Summer Nature Hikes at Chester Woods Park
When: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dates: June 3 through August 26
Meeting Point: Kiosk at boat dock area
Registration: Call 507-328-7350 to reserve your spot.
Note: Hikes are canceled in the event of inclement weather.
JOIN GUIDED FULL MOON HIKES AT
CHESTER WOODS PARK
AT 8:3O pm
JUNE 27, SATURDAY
AUGUST 1, SATURDAY
AUGUST 29, SATURDAY
MEET YOUR GUIDE AT THE BOAT DOCK KIOSK
Registration: Call 507-328-7350 to reserve your spot.
Note: Hikes are canceled in the event of inclement weather.
Amphitheater Summer Events
Chester Proctor – May 23, 6 p.m.
National Eagle Center – June 6, 2:30 p.m.
Night Trail Layne and Friends – June 6, 6 p.m.
The Med City Misfits – June 20, 6 p.m.
Room for Gray – June 27, 6 p.m.
The Lonely Knees – July 25, 6 p.m.
The Midnight Hounds – August 15, 6 p.m.
Room for Gray – August 29, 6 p.m.
The Midnight Hounds – September 19, 6 p.m.