Recreation

Explore recreational activities in Olmsted County

Olmsted County Parks and Trails community engagement survey

Trails

Trails

Trails

Trail in the woods Oxbow Park

Olmsted County has an abundance of trails at three different parks. Enjoy various recreational activities among bluffs, woodlands, and prairie farmland.

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Camping

Camping

Camping

Campsite at Chester Woods Park

The 2025 camping season is May 2 - October 18, 2025.

Make a reservation online via the Parks Reservation website.

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Reserve a picnic shelter or amphitheater

Reserve a picnic shelter or amphitheater

Reserve a picnic shelter or amphitheater

Reserve a picnic shelter or amphitheater

Picnic shelter 3 at Oxbow Park

Chester Woods Park and Oxbow Park have several picnic areas available for your upcoming gathering including an outdoor amphitheater at Chester Woods Park.

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Accessibility accommodations

Accessibility accommodations

Accessibility accommodations

Accessibility accommodations

Action Trackchair, Photo from MnDNR

We know everyone’s experience is unique. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your visit enjoyable in our Olmsted County Parks.

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Fishing

Fishing

Fishing

Actively fishing at the park

Fishing areas are offered at four of our Olmsted County park locations.

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Swimming at Chester Woods

Swimming at Chester Woods

Swimming at Chester Woods

Swimming at Chester Woods

People at the beach at Chester Woods Park

The Swimming Beach and Beach House (with showers) at Chester Woods Park are open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

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Watercraft rentals

Watercraft rentals

Watercraft rentals

Watercraft rentals

Watercraft at Chester Woods Park

Rental requests can be made at the beach house. Cash, check or credit card is accepted for rental payment.

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Parks and Trails programs

Parks and Trails programs

Parks and Trails programs

Parks and Trails programs

Bison

Olmsted County Parks offers various weekly programs for the public to enjoy.

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Southeast Minnesota Park Rx

Southeast Minnesota Park Rx

Southeast Minnesota Park Rx

Southeast Minnesota Park Rx

Nature Prescription Activity Booklet

View the Nature Prescription Activity Booklet for Southeast Minnesota Parks.

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Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing

Parks visitors show shoeing

Olmsted County Parks snow shoeing & cross country skiing.

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Leashed Pet Areas

Leashed Pet Areas

Leashed Pet Areas

Leashed Pet Areas

No dogs warning sign at Oxbow Park

Maps of the Leashed Pet Areas at Olmsted County Parks.

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Controlled hunting opportunities

Controlled hunting opportunities

Controlled hunting opportunities

Controlled hunting opportunities

DAV Deer Hunt gathering at Chester Woods Park

Olmsted County Parks offers limited controlled hunting opportunities for Veterans and the general public at Chester Woods Park and Oxbow Park.

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