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 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.
Saturday, November 7 at 1 p.m. – Books in the Woods
Are you a fan of outdoor based stories? Let’s get together and share our favorite nature themed books. Meet in the Nature Center.
Sunday, November 15 at 1 p.m. – All about Porcupines
This small mammal has many fascinating features! Learn how to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the porcupines’ quills. Meet at the porcupine exhibit.
Saturday, November 21 at 11 a.m. – Animal Crime Scene Investigation
Bring your detective skills to the park to solve the mystery of a few wildlife landscapes. Figure out what animal left their tracks and what events occurred. A naturalist will provide clues with replica tracks, fur pelts, and other animal parts left on the scene. Meet in the Nature Center.
Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. - ZooDazzle!
Join Friends of Oxbow for their ZooDazzle event. During this celebration you will see Zollman Zoo lit up with holiday lights at night! There will also be tasty, sweet treats and fun activities! This event is admission free. Rumor has it that Santa may even be there!
Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. – Lights ONLY Zoo Dazzle
Visit the Zollman Zoo lit up with holiday lights, no activities.
Sunday, December 20 at 1 p.m. – Holiday Crafts
Need a last-minute gift for someone? Join us at Oxbow to make some holiday crafts. Meet in the Nature Center.
Chester Woods
The following events take place at Chester Woods Park and are subject to change.
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.