Parks programs
Parks programs for October through December 2024
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.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024: 11 a.m. – Homeschool program: Feed the bear - FULL
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 bears, what they eat, and how they prepare for winter. Then you’ll watch as a naturalist feeds the bear in the Zollman Zoo.
Sunday, October 13, 2024: 1 p.m. – Deer and elk feeding
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 at the nature center. (Accommodations CAN be made for non-hikers, seniors, etc.)
Saturday, October 19, 2024: 11 a.m. – Mindfulness Meander
Join a naturalist to learn about the many benefits being immersed in nature has on your health. You will learn about and have the opportunity to participate in a few mindfulness activities. Meet at the nature center.
Saturday, October 26, 2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. - BOO at the Zoo
Happy Halloween! Wear your Halloween costume to Oxbow Park and trick or treat in the nature center. Other activities will be available throughout the day and watch the zoo animals get pumpkin treats at 1 p.m.
Sunday, November 3, 2024: 1 p.m. - Raptor feeding
Meet at the raptor exhibit to 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.
Saturday, November 9, 2024: 1 p.m. – Mindfulness Meander
Join a naturalist to learn about the many benefits being immersed in nature has on your health. You will learn about and have the opportunity to participate in a few mindfulness activities. Meet at the nature center.
Sunday, November 17, 2024: 11 a.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).
Saturday, November 23, 2024: 1 p.m. - Wild turkeys
This bird is on almost everyone’s mind this time of year! Come to Oxbow and learn more about these fascinating creatures and their links to our nation’s past.
Sunday, December 1, 2024: 11 a.m. - Animals in winter
Many animals in Minnesota need to grow thick fur coats to survive the cold winter. Check out some of the fur pelts to see and feel how the animals can stay warm and active all winter long. Meet in the nature center.
Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 5 - 8 p.m. - ONLY Lights ZooDazzle
Visit the Zollman Zoo lit up with holiday lights, no activities.
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.
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
LAST NIGHT OF CAMPING FOR THE SEASON IS OCTOBER 19, 2024
Saturday, September 28, 2024: 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. – National Public Lands Day
Olmsted County Parks is hosting a day of collecting native prairie seeds that will be used in the parks for prairie restoration. This is a golden opportunity to learn about prairie plants and seed collection while spending time immersed in nature. The event will be held at Chester Woods Park which has many prairies filled with wildflowers.
- Who: Families with children over 5 years old, adults interested in nature.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, 9 AM – 3 PM (okay to do a half day).
- Meet at Chester Woods Park office, 8378 Hwy 14 E Eyota, MN 55934.
- Registration required: email Patty Trnka at patty.trnka@prodigy.net by September 16, 2024.
- Free lunch of Subway sandwiches, chips, and cookies provided by Friends of Chester Woods for registered participants.
- Event leaders: Patty Trnka, Joel Dunnette, Raechel Murphy, and Loretta Mogan who are MN Master Naturalist Volunteers.
- What to bring: Water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Seed collection equipment will be provided.
- Wear: Long pants, closed-toed sturdy shoes for uneven terrain, gloves, and a hat.
Saturday, October 5, 2024: 1 p.m. –Chester Woods Park Fall Wagon Ride
Space is limited! So please call 507-328-7350 to reserve a spot on the wagon. The ADA wagon will bring folks out to the dam overlook and back.
Chester Woods Park guided hikes
Chester Woods Park along with Friends of Chester Woods Park (FOCW) announces summer guided nature hikes on Wednesdays through September 25, 2024. Nature is full of wonders, from the intricate patterns of a spider's web to the stunning colors of the sun setting. When nature is approached with curiosity, we notice these details and appreciate them on a deeper level.
Registration: call 507-328-7350
Please meet the guide at the Chester Woods Park Boat Ramp
Schedule
September 18, 2024 - 5:30 p.m. - South Sand Prairie Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
September 25, 2024 - 9:30 a.m. - Dam Overlook Trail (2 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
Root River Park
The following events take place at Root River Park and are subject to change.
Root River Park along with the Friends of Chester Woods Park announces guided nature hikes. Nature is full of wonders, come join our guide and enjoy the beauty and history of Root River Park.
When: Sunday, September 22, 2024
Where: Meet at the Root River Park parking lot at 5:30 p.m. (4012 80th Street SE Rochester, MN 55904)
Registration: Call 507-328-7350
No hikes during inclement weather.
Saturday, October 12, 2024: 11 a.m. – Root River Park Fall Wagon Ride
Space is limited! So please call 507-328-7350 to reserve a spot on the wagon.