Parks programs
Parks programs February- May 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
Chester Woods Park
The following events take place at Oxbow Park and are subject to change.
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.
Saturday, February 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Minnesota Parks Artist in Residence
Cassandra Buck has been chosen by the Creating Belonging for the Minnesota Parks Artist in Residence pilot program to create a public art installation at Oxbow Park. During the month of February, Cassandra welcomes residents and visitors to join her in an exciting opportunity to collaborate on artwork that will inspire and become part of a public art display at the park.
**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.
Friday, February 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. - Minnesota Parks Artist in Residence
Cassandra Buck has been chosen by the Creating Belonging for the Minnesota Parks Artist in Residence pilot program to create a public art installation at Oxbow Park. During the month of February, Cassandra welcomes residents and visitors to join her in an exciting opportunity to collaborate on artwork that will inspire and become part of a public art display at the park.
Saturday, February 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. - Minnesota Parks Artist in Residence
Cassandra Buck has been chosen by the Creating Belonging for the Minnesota Parks Artist in Residence pilot program to create a public art installation at Oxbow Park. During the month of February, Cassandra welcomes residents and visitors to join her in an exciting opportunity to collaborate on artwork that will inspire and become part of a public art display at the park.
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.
Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m. - Canines of Minnesota
Learn about the canine species of Minnesota – wolves, coyotes and fox. Observe the natural behaviors and social interactions of these canines.
Sunday, March 9, 1 p.m. Year of the Snake: Program and Craft
Join an Oxbow Park naturalist to learn more about the Chinese New Year-Year of the Snake. Learn cool facts about Chinese culture, see and touch a snake, and complete a craft!
Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m. - Maple Syruping
Join Park staff for a brief history of maple syruping then hike to Oxbow’s sugar bush as we demonstrate how we tap our sugar maples. This program ends with a small sample of Oxbow Parks’ maple syrup! Dress for the weather and expect mud.
Sunday, March 23, 1 p.m. - Maple Syruping
Join Park staff for a brief history of maple syruping then hike to Oxbow’s sugar bush as we demonstrate how we tap our sugar maples. This program ends with a small sample of Oxbow Parks’ maple syrup! Dress for the weather and expect mud.
Saturday, March 29, 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. Tour around the zoo to look at Zollman Zoo’s species of concern.
Saturday, April 6, 10:30 a.m. - Animal Feeding Time
Celebrate National Zoo Lovers Day (April 8th) by coming to Zollman Zoo and watching some of the zoo animals eat their daily diets. A naturalist will be present for questions.
Saturday, April 12, 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Nature Art and Craft Show
Come out to the Oxbow Park Nature Center to shop at the second annual Nature Arts and Crafts show! Art includes watercolor, acrylics, woodworking, photography, ceramics, and much more! Partial proceeds go to Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo.
Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. - Turkey Calling
Listen and you can hear a thundering gobble crack the silence of a spring forest. Venture out with a naturalist to invade the wild turkey territory and talk turkey.
2025 Oxbow 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, 3 years and older (parents and 2 and under are 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, April 2 at 1 p.m. - Feed the Bison
- Thursday, June 5 at 10 a.m. - Feed the Bear
- Thursday, July 17 at 11 a.m. – Life cycles
- Wednesday, August 6 at 10 a.m. - Feed the Bear
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.