Parks programs
Parks programs for July and August 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.
Sunday, June 30 at 1 p.m. – Intro to Skulls
A basic introduction to skulls. Learn some of the bones in the skull, how to use skulls to tell between predator and prey animals, and how teeth can help you identify what an animal eats. Meet in the Nature Center classroom and be prepared for a brief walk around the zoo.
Sunday, July 7 at 1 p.m. – Popsicle Party for the Animals
July is typically one of the hottest months of the summer, and as humans we enjoy popsicles to cool down. The zoo animals enjoy cool treats as well! Park naturalists will provide some of the animals with their own unique kinds of “popsicles.” Come see what hidden surprises are frozen in their popsicles! Meet at the Otter exhibit.
Saturday, July 13 at 11 a.m. – Circle of Friends Sign Language Story Time
Read a story with Circle of Friends Signing School from Rochester. You will learn some new signs and enjoy some fun books! Meet in the Nature Center classroom.
Sunday, July 14 at 1 p.m. – Ice Cream Making
Get ready for the heat of summer with us as we teach you how to make your own ice cream! All supplies will be provided. Meet in the Nature Center classroom.
Sunday, July 21 at 11 a.m.– Mindful 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, July 27 at 11 a.m. – Insect Investigation
Join a Naturalist for a brief talk about insects and then head to the prairie to see what insects you can find! Naturalists will be there to help identify insects. Insect nets will be provided. Meet in front of the Nature Center.
Sunday, August 4 at 1 p.m. – Animal Walk & Sketch
Stroll through the zoo with a Naturalist and learn about the zoo animals and get a closer look. Then you will have the opportunity to sketch the animals or color a coloring page. All art supplies will be provided. Meet in the Nature Center.
Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – PlayScape Solar System Scavenger Hunt
Come and discover more about our solar system! Head out to the Nature Playscape and search the planet signs for answers to the scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunt sheets available at the Nature Center Front Desk.
Sunday, August 18 at 1 p.m. – Mindful 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, August 24 at 8 p.m. – Night Hike
This evening hike is a great opportunity to experience the adaptations of nocturnal animals. Discover how important all the other senses are when you can’t rely on your sense of sight. Meet at the Campground Restroom building.
Oxbow Nature Center & Zollman Zoo will be open late nights until 7 p.m.:
Thursday, June 27, Thursday, July 11, and Thursday, August 1.
Chester Woods Park
The following events take place at Chester Woods Park and are subject to change.
Saturday – Sunday, July 6-7 – Mobile Rec Trailer
The Rochester City Parks Mobile Rec trailer will be at Chester Woods Park for the Fourth of July Weekend. This trailer includes many different yard games and fun activities for people of all ages!
Saturday, July 13 at 1 a.m. – Rock Painting
Join Park staff at Shelter 6 (National Rock Day) for some fun rock painting! Let your creativity fly! Rocks and paint markers will be provided.
Saturday, July 20 from 2-4 p.m. – Bug Hunt
Summer is a time of abundance, particularly for insects. Their diversity and beauty is amazing, yet usually overlooked. We'll search the prairie and woods for as many as we can find. We will see up close dragonflies, butterflies, bugs, beetles, and more. Bring your kids, as this will be an active, fun search that will need their keen eyes and youthful enthusiasm. Meet at Shelter 2.
Saturday, August 3 at 8:30 p.m. – Perseid Meteor Program
Meet in Shelter 5 and join astronomer Don Borland as he leads a Perseid Meteor Program. This is sure to be a fun and informative event.
Saturday, August 10 at 1 p.m. – Nature Painting
Meet Park staff at Shelter 1 for some watercolor paints and paper and head off into the park to let your artistic talents free!
Saturday August 24 - Summer Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Self-guided scavenger hunt sheets will be available at the campground restroom building near the bulletin boards.
Monday August 26 at 6 p.m.- “National Dog Day”
Meet at (Park to be determined) with your pooch (leashed) to learn where the dog friendly trails are that we have at Olmsted County Parks. Then head out and enjoy a evening hike with your pal!
Chester Woods Park Guided Hikes
Chester Woods Park along with Friends of Chester Woods Park (FOCW) announces summer guided nature hikes on Wednesdays beginning May 22 to 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
Full schedule
May 22 - 6:30 p.m. - Dam Overlook Trail (2.8 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
May 29 - 9:30 a.m. - Kisrow Trail (2.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
June 5 - 9:30 a.m. - Chester Lake Trail (2 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
June 12 - 6:30 p.m. - Zieman Loop Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
June 19 - 9:30 a.m. - Prairie Ridge Trail (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
June 26 - 6:30 p.m. - North Sand Prairie Trail (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
July 3 - 9:30 a.m. - North Trail (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
July 10 - 6:30 p.m. - South Sand Prairie Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
July 17 - 9:30 a.m. - Dam Overlook (2 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
July 24 - 6:30 p.m. - Zieman Loop Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
July 31 - 9:30 a.m. - Legacy Trail & DOL (3 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
August 7 - 9:30 a.m. - Kisrow Trail (2.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
August 14 - 6:30 p.m. – South Homestead hike (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
August 21 - 9:30 a.m. - Legacy Trail & DOL (3 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
August 28 - 6:30 p.m. - North Trail (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
Sept 4 - 6:30 p.m. - Zieman Loop Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
Sept 11 - 9:30 a.m. - North Sand Prairie Trail (4 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
Sept 18 - 6:30 p.m. - South Sand Prairie Trail (4.5 miles round trip), meet at boat ramp
Sept 25 - 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: Sundays, May 26, June 23, July 28th, August 25, Sept. 22
Where: Meet at the Root River Park parking lot at 6:30 p.m. (4012 80th Street SE Rochester, MN 55904)
Registration: Call 507-328-7350
No hikes during inclement weather.