Parks and Trails programs
Parks and Trails programs June - August 2025
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 29, 1 p.m. - Karst Geology
Oxbow Park is home to a unique landscape underground. Karst is full of fascinating features of caves, cracks, and fissures in the bedrock. A mile hike with a naturalist will reveal the beauty of karst and waterfalls that accompany this rock feature. Meet at the Nature Center.
Saturday, July 5, 1 p.m. - Popsicle Party
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.
Sunday, July 13, 11 a.m. - Animal Intros
This program is a great intro to three small live animals. You will learn some fun facts about these critters and possibly have the opportunity to touch them.
Saturday, July 19, 1 p.m. - Birding by Ear
Join a Park Naturalist and listen to the calls of birds at the park. Learn fun ways to identify and remember their calls with pneumonics. No binoculars required, but you can bring your own if you would like and we’ll have a small selection available for use. For beginners and experts alike! Meet at the Nature Center.
Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. - Keeper Chat
Come learn about the animals that live at Zollman Zoo. A Zookeeper will chat about how they care for the animals, what they eat, what their favorite toys are, and more! Feel free to ask questions about your favorite animals at the zoo. Meet at the Nature Center.
Sunday, July 27, 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, August 2, 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.
Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m. - Nature Journaling
Are you looking for a relaxing and creative outdoor activity? Join a naturalist to learn about and practice the activity of nature journaling. Basic journal supplies will be provided to help you get started. If you want, you can bring your own journal or creative supplies to make it your own!
Sunday, August 10, 1 p.m. - Rock Painting
All artistic abilities welcome! Come to the Oxbow Park nature center to enjoy creative painting on rocks. These are perfect for decorating a garden!
Saturday, August 16, 9 a.m. – Sensory-Friendly Hour & All Day: Accessibility Accommodations Showcase
Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo can be a busy place which may be overwhelming for some guests. Visit us from 9:00 – 10:00 am for a quieter and less busy visit. This time is designed for individuals with sensory sensitives and their friends and families. All day we will be showcasing our Sensory Kit available for free use, accessibility features of our Nature Center, the Action Trackchair, and other accommodations we have available to make your visit to the park easy and enjoyable!
Sunday, August 24, 10 a.m. – Feed the Bear
Our resident black bear is awake and very hungry! Join us as we share some natural history facts about black bears. We will tempt her with a wide variety of foods. What will she eat first? Come to this program to find out! Meet at the bear exhibit.
Saturday, August 30, 9 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.
2025 Oxbow 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, April 2 at 1 p.m. - Feed the Bison
- Thursday, June 5 at 10 a.m. - Feed the Bear - FULL
- Thursday, July 17 at 11 a.m. – Life cycles
- Wednesday, August 6 at 10 a.m. - Feed the Bear
Chester Woods Park
Guided Nature hikes
Wednesdays through August 27 at 10 a.m. Please call 507-328-7350 to sign up.
Full moon nature hikes
July 12 and August 9 at 8:30 p.m. Meet at the boat launch. Call 507-328-7350 to sign up.
Sunday, June 22, 2 p.m. - Prairie Cruise
Ride the Prairie Cruiser to view the different areas of the park. Space is limited and children must be 8 years or older. Please call 507-328-7350 to register. Registration is required.
Thursday, and Friday, June 26 and 27, 5 to 8 p.m. Rochesterfest Family Fun Night
Bring the family down to Soldiers Field Park and check out all the fun activities and booths for kids and adults. Olmsted County Parks will be there with a few critters as well!
Sunday, June 29 - 5th Annual Youth Bass Classic
Project MN Youth Outdoors is once again holding this exciting free event for youth ages 3-15. Registration starts at 8 a.m. with the blast off at 9 a.m.! All the information can be found on the Project MN Youth Outdoors Facebook page.
Friday - Sunday, July 4th-6th Red, White and Blue Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunt sheets are available at the campground restroom building. When all the items have been located, head to the watercraft rental area with your sheet for a prize!
Saturday, July 12 - Chester Woods Park 30th Anniversary Celebration
Wagon ride at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is required as seating is limited. Please call 507-328-7350 fir registration.
Park information booths, cake, and a foam party - Shelter #1 at 2 p.m. Come learn a little about the history of the park and enjoy a slice of cake while the kiddos romp around in the foam!
The Lonely Knees - A musical performance at the Chester Woods Park Amphitheater at 6 p.m.
Moonlight hike - Registration is required, call 507-328-7350. Meet at the boat ramp kiosk at 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 13, 2 p.m. - Bug Hunt
Join us at picnic shelter #2 to explore the vibrant world of insects this summer! Discover the incredible diversity and beauty of dragonflies, butterflies, bugs, beetles, and more in the prairie and woods. Bring your kids along for an active and fun search as their keen eyes and youthful enthusiasm lead the way. This event is free to attend and requires no registration.
Tuesday, July 15, 9:30 a.m. - Children's outdoor story time with a Naturalist
Meet at the outdoor amphitheater to listen to a fun nature story.
Saturday, July 19, 6-8 p.m. - The Nodding Wild Onions
Enjoy an evening of music for all ages at the Chester Woods Park Amphitheater. The amphitheater has stone seating or bring your own chair or blanket!
July 21-27, 2025 – Olmsted County Fair – Conservation Booth
Friday, July 25 at 9:30 a.m. – Rochester Public Library’s Children’s Story Time at the Amphitheater
Thursday, July 31 – Chester Woods Park at Thursday’s Downtown
Saturday, August 2 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.
Wednesday, August 6, at 4:30 p.m. - Reptiles and Amphibians
Join Park staff at the Rochester Public Library for this fun children’s program!
Saturday, August 9, - Moonlight hike
Registration is required. Please call 507-328-7350.
Friday, August 22 at 9:30 a.m. - Rochester Public Library’s Children’s Story Time at the Amphitheater