Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo are a campground and zoo located in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States, north of the city of Byron, and about 4.5 miles west of Rochester. It houses over 30 species of animals, most of which have injuries that would prevent them from surviving in the wild.
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FREE. ZOO AND PARK: we came on a 40° grey wintery day, and it was not crowded, but also not deserted. Some paths are a bit muddy, but you can walk around on paved and wood chip paths, and stay dry, if you want to.
See photos for accessibility accommodations, and that their bison are purely bison, not mixed with cattle! Amazing!
Just adding a couple of photos of the new Oxbow Nature Center. This place is amazing! I've been to Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo before, many times: in the great outdoor park with play areas for kids; for picnics, whether as a family or with large groups for fellowship at the bridge picnic areas; and I've looked at the animals outside before, when it was warm. But this new nature center is incredible! Warm and dry of course, but also informative and modern with wonderful amenities. With this indoor space available in rainy and cold weather, we will be coming a lot more often.
The natural play area for school the groups and other young visitors is interesting and there are many things to climb in, and a pond with turtles and frogs in warm weather. They have built a scaled model of the solar system, with spheres of different sizes and distances from the "sun", and informative plaques about their similarities and differences.
I've been here with children from the age of 2 all the way up to 12 years, and they all think that it's pretty awesome. The otters are amusing and fascinating to watch for half an hour at a time. They have wolf siblings and coyotes. The turkey loves to show off his beautiful feathers. The Lynx and the bobcat are amazing, as well as the beautiful cougar. The Hawks, Eagles and Owls that they have here at Zollman Zoo would never have survived in the wild (whether because of a broken wing, or an injured eye, or whatever) and have a pretty good life here. It's amazing that all the animals here are native to Minnesota (though some are endangered,...
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Oxbow Park and Zoo in Byron, MN, is a delightful blend of nature, wildlife, and recreational fun. Located just a short drive from Rochester, this 600-acre park offers visitors a peaceful retreat with plenty of activities for all ages. The park's centerpiece is its zoo, home to a variety of native and exotic animals, including bison, wolves, wild turkeys, and birds of prey. The zoo is small but well-maintained, allowing for an up-close and personal experience with the animals in a natural, spacious setting.
The park itself is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering miles of hiking trails that wind through lush forests, wetlands, and prairies. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, the trails are suitable for all levels and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are also picnic areas and shelters, making it a great spot for a family outing or a quiet afternoon in nature.
For those interested in educational opportunities, Oxbow Park and Zoo hosts various events and programs throughout the year, including wildlife presentations and nature talks. The park’s focus on conservation and wildlife education adds an enriching aspect to the visit.
Overall, Oxbow Park and Zoo is a hidden gem in Byron, MN. It’s perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a peaceful escape to enjoy the outdoors and learn about wildlife. Whether you're there for a quick visit or to spend the day, it's an experience...
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Enchanting, charming, and completely unexpected. Summer 2024.
We were not expecting how charming and sophisticated this small county park and zoo is. Completely free to enter.
It seems to be dedicated to Minnesota flora and fauna. There's well-displayed native Minnesota plants, trees, and flowers, along with many native Minnesota wildlife -- from elk to eagles, otters to owls, and bagers to bison.
There's a ton of interactive displays and exhibits for children and the park was alive with with the sounds of laughing children. There's also a small pond stocked with tadpoles and crayfish that children are allowed to fish with small hand nets.
There's an attached campground that's well shaded for both tent and RV camping. Electric hookups only, no septic or water but there's a water station and a dump station. There's also large and very clean bathrooms and showers.
Each camp site has picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grates. Wood is available to buy on site, and you get a ridiculously large amount of wood for the price, easily three to four times what you'd get from a big box store.
The camp hosts are among the friendliest we ever met and are super helpful and accommodating.
Another camper told us the park is going to relocate the campground next year because the current campground is prone to flooding due to being right next to a river (South branch middle fork...
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