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Oxbow Park Nature Center

The nature center is open to the public daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Located at 5731 County Road 105 NW Byron MN 55920

Please no pets in the Zollman Zoo or buildings. This includes comfort and/or emotional support animals. Service animals that are trained for a specific task are welcome but may be asked to leave if they are misbehaving.


The nature center offers expanded educational and recreational programs and activities. School groups participate in structured environmental education programs during each season of the year, covering not only animal life, but natural history, outdoor recreation skills, and ecology. The building includes class areas, exhibits of some of the more common animals, birds, and reptiles of the region, and displays and artifacts associated with our natural world. The expanded experiences allow groups and individuals more ways to enjoy the natural world.

Nature Center bison and prairie exhibit
Nature Center Exhibits Animal Area
Nature Center fish turtle amphibian exhibits
Nature Center snakes and raptors exhibit
outside front view of the new nature center

Activity backpacks at Oxbow Park nature center

Oxbow Park has three different themed activity backpacks that are available to use for FREE while at the park! Choose from an Audubon Birding Backpack or summer or winter backpacks from Project Get Outdoors. Backpacks can be checked out at the front desk of the nature center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Audubon Birding Backpack and it's contents

The Audubon Birding Backpack is sponsored by the Zumbro Valley Audubon Society and includes:

  • Binoculars and harness.
  • Birds of Minnesota Field Guide and quick reference fold-out.
  • Checklist of Minnesota birds.
  • Information about the Zumbro Valley Audubon Society.

Project Get Outdoors Summer Backpack

  • Clipboard and writing utensils
  • Cloud identifier frame
  • Ball
  • Bug net and viewing box
  • Binoculars
  • Family nature guides
  • Magnifying glasses
  • Bird bingo
  • Project Get Outdoors activity ideas booklet
  • and MORE!

Project Get Outdoors Winter Backpack

  • Nature scavenger hunt lists
  • Activity sheets
  • Animal track sheets
  • Winter tree finder ID
  • Snowman making kit
  • Bucket
  • Project Get Outdoors winter activity calendars
  • and MORE!

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  • Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo

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