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, August 29th at 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.
Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. - Totally Turtles – Minnesota is home to nine different species of turtles. Turtles are one of the longest living species in the world dating back to the era when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Learn all about these fascinating creatures and meet the zoo’s resident turtles! Meet at the nature center.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. - Endangered Species – Come and learn about some of the latest information about endangered animals. The focus will be on animals of Minnesota and some common concerns and misconceptions will be addressed. Meet at the nature center.
Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. - Feed the Deer and Elk – A short hike over to the elk and deer exhibits 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 at the nature center. (Accommodations CAN be made for non-hikers, seniors, etc.)
Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Treasure Trek – Join Friends of Oxbow on their annual treasure trek/scavenger hunt for all ages. Starting at the nature center, participants can choose between a 1-mile or 2-mile route while they hunt for treasures. The first 200 participants will receive a prize! Meet at the front of the nature center.
Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. - Wildcats- Cougars, bobcats, and lynx, OH MY! – These aren’t your tame little house cats! We’ll talk about hunting, physical adaptations, and many other characteristics of these amazing predators. Meet at the wildcat exhibit.
Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. - Fall Color Hike – Fall can be the one of the most colorful seasons in Minnesota. Take a short hike with a naturalist and find out what makes leaves change from green to yellow, orange, red and brown. Meet at the nature center.
Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 1 p.m. – Bats and Crafts – Join a naturalist in the nature center as they give a talk on bats and how important they are to the environment. Share your enthusiasm for these misunderstood mammals by making a craft after the program. Meet at the nature center.
Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Boo at the Zoo - Celebrate HallZOOween early at the zoo! There will be crafts, pumpkins, and other spooktacular fun to join in on. Friends of Oxbow will be on site selling merchandise. Wear your costume and have a faBOOlous time! Staff will be giving the zoo animals pumpkins at 1 p.m.
Chester Woods
The following events take place at Chester Woods Park and are subject to change.
Saturday – September 5th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Med City Misfits
Meet at the Chester Woods Park Amphitheater for this free musical event! The Med City Misfits will be performing a fun family friendly concert open to the public. There is no cost for this event, however donations are welcome! The amphitheater has limestone seating provided, or feel free to bring your own chair or blanket along with your favorite snacks and drinks! See you there!
Sunday, September 6th at 1 p.m. – Rock Painting
Bring your creative side to shelter 6 for this fun activity! Park staff will provide rocks and paint pens for use.
Saturday, September 19th at 6 p.m. – The Midnight Hounds
Meet at the Chester Woods Park Amphitheater for this free musical event! The Midnight Hounds will be performing a fun family-friendly concert open to the public. There is no cost for this event, however donations are welcome! The amphitheater has limestone seating provided, or feel free to bring your own chair or blanket along with your favorite snacks and drinks! See you there!
Saturday, September 26th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. – National Public Lands Day
The Friends of Chester Woods will host a day of collecting prairie seeds and planting native wildflowers. This is a golden opportunity to learn about prairie plants and seed collection while spending time immersed in nature. Lunch will be provided for registered participants. Please wear long pants, closed-toed sturdy shoes, gloves and a hat and bring water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray.
Registration is limited and required for this event. Please email Patty Trnka at patty.trnka@prodigy.net by September 18th for registration. Meet at the Chester Woods Park office, 8378 Hwy 14 E, Eyota MN (Ages 8 and up)
Tuesday, October 6th at 10 a.m. – Fall Colors Wagon Ride
Join park staff on a wagon ride through some of the prairies and woodlands at the park and enjoy the beautiful colors of the season! There is very limited space on the wagon, so registration is required! Please call 507-328-7350 or email chesterwoods@olmstedcounty.gov to reserve your space! Meet at Shelter 1
Friday, October 9th at 10:30 a.m. – Rochester Public Library Outdoor Storytime at the Amphitheater
Sunday, October 11th at 11 a.m. – Nature Suncatchers
Children 5-12 meet at Shelter 2 for this fun fall nature craft!
Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 a.m. – Friends of Chester Woods Annual Meeting
Meet at the Chester Woods Park Office
Saturday, October 24 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Halloween Craze at the Maze
The public is invited to a Halloween-themed event in the maze. Participants can wander to various stations to view prairie-themed displays. One station will feature a bluebird house with a nest and its eggs. Another station will display a collection of seeds, while another talks about animals that make their homes in the prairie. Each station will give out a snack or treat to children who visit them. It is free and open to the public. Costumes are optional but will add to the festive atmosphere. Since dogs may become excited or alarmed by costumed children, we respectfully ask that dogs are not brought into the maze during this event. Come join us for our Second Annual Halloween Craze!! No registration is required.
Join guided FULL MOON hikes at Chester Woods Park
Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 p.m.
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
Room for Gray – August 29, 6 p.m.
The Med City Misfits - September 5, 5:30 p.m.
The Midnight Hounds – September 19, 6 p.m.
Root River Park
Join a guided FULL MOON hike at Root River Park
Saturday, September 26 at 6 p.m.
MEET YOUR GUIDE IN THE PARKING LOT
Registration: Email chesterwoods@olmstedcounty.gov with your name and phone number to reserve your spot.
Note: Hikes are canceled in the event of inclement weather.