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, 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, January 11, 3 p.m. - Feed the Otters

River otters are a curious animal with many adaptations for hunting on land and fishing in the water. Watch a staff member feed the river otters at Zollman Zoo and learn fun facts about river otters. Meet at the otter exhibit.

Saturday, January 17, 11 a.m. - Wildcats

These aren’t your tame little house cats! We’ll talk about hunting, physical adaptations, and many other characteristics of these amazing predators. Meet at the Wildcat exhibit.

Sunday, January 25, 2 p.m. Feed the Raptors

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. Meet at the raptor exhibit.

Saturday, January 31, 1 p.m. - Beginning Cross Country Skiing

Join park staff for a ski through the Oxbow Valley. Bring your own skis or rent skis and boots for $5.00 from Friends of Oxbow. If you have never skied, this is the time to start on our groomed trails. Recommended ages 5 and up. Snow permitting. Meet in the Nature Center.

Sunday, February 8, 10 a.m. - Feed the Coyotes

Join a naturalist as they share fun facts about our canids that live in Minnesota and watch them be fed. Meet at the coyote exhibit.

Saturday, February 14, 10 a.m. - Great Backyard Bird Count-Bird ID 101

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s annual Great Backyard Bird Count is this weekend, February 13-16! 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 limited seating is provided.

Sunday, February 15, 1 p.m. - Year of the Horse

Join an Oxbow Park naturalist to learn more about the Chinese New Year-Year of the Horse. Learn cool facts about Chinese culture and see some small members of the horse family. Meet at the Nature Center.

Sunday, February 22, 1 p.m. - Reptiles and Amphibians of Southeast Minnesota

Learn from a naturalist about what kinds of reptiles and amphibians you can find in the surrounding areas. Live ambassador animals will be present. Meet in the Nature Center.

Saturday, February 28, 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.

Snow rental equipment $5

Snowshoe, cross-country ski, and kick sleds rentals available between the hours of 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Weather permitting.

2026 Oxbow Park 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, January 14, 11 a.m. - Animal Adaptations
Thursday, February 12, 1 p.m. - Reptiles/Feed the Snakes
Tuesday, March 10, 11 a.m. - Animal Introductions
Wednesday, April 15, 9:30 a.m. - Animal Tracks and Signs

Chester Woods

Sunday, January 18, 1 p.m. Snowshoe Hike

Meet at the boat ramp kiosk with your snowshoes and join park staff on a leisurely stroll along one of the parks groomed, multi-use trails. This will be an informal hike and time to learn about and enjoy Chester Woods. If snow/weather conditions are not favorable this program will be cancelled.

Sunday, February 1, 6 p.m. Full Moon Snowshoe Hike

Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Youth Ice Expo

Project MN Youth Outdoors presents the 13th annual Youth Ice Expo! This is for ages 3-15. Please locate all information on their Facebook page. Search Project MN Youth Outdoors

Saturday, February 21, 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Candlelight Snowshoe/Hike

The Chester Lake Trail will be lit up with luminaries for visitors to enjoy a leisurely, non-guided, evening stroll. Dress for outdoor conditions as there is no indoor warming area. A bonfire will be available upon completion of the hike.

Sunday, March 15, 1 p.m. Egg Carton Gardens

Let’s celebrate the daylight getting longer by getting an early start on some gardening! Kids will have a blast playing in the dirt and watching as their seeds eventually start taking off. Then when mother nature allows, they can be transplanted to your very own garden or pot! Space is limited so call 507-328-7350 to reserve a spot, by March 10, 2026.