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, October 10, 2026 - Fall Color Hike – CANCELLED
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.
Friday, October 9 at 10:30 a.m. – Rochester Public Library Outdoor Storytime at the Amphitheater
Sunday, October 11 at 11 a.m. – Nature Suncatchers
Children 5-12 meet at Shelter 2 for this fun fall nature craft!
Saturday, October 24 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.