Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo facts for kids
| Location | Byron, Minnesota, United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°05′03″N 92°39′02″W / 44.0841551°N 92.6504302°W |
| No. of species | over 30 |
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo are a fun place to visit in Olmsted County, Minnesota. They are located near Byron and Rochester. This special spot has a park, a campground, and a zoo.
The Zollman Zoo is home to over 30 different kinds of animals. Most of these animals are native to Minnesota. Many of them have injuries that mean they cannot live in the wild. Some popular animals you can see include wolves, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and bison. The park and zoo are open almost all year, so you can visit often!
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History of Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
The idea for Oxbow Park started in 1967. The Olmsted County Park Board and local people wanted a new park. They bought 465 acres of land. This land was in the Zumbro River Valley, which was perfect for outdoor fun.
The park got its name from a large bend in the Zumbro River. This bend looks like an "oxbow," which is part of a harness for an ox. This oxbow shape is still there today. It surrounds the main picnic area.
In 1969, the Zollman Zoo was created. John Gilbertson, a game warden, donated native Minnesota animals. The zoo quickly became a big part of the park. In 1974, more land was bought to protect the park. Dr. David Donald also donated 52 acres in 1998. This made the park a total of 624 acres.
A nature center was built in 1981. This center helps with programs and exhibits. Oxbow Park is special because many people have helped it grow. Visitors love this park in southeastern Minnesota.
Exploring Oxbow Park
Oxbow Park covers over 624 acres. It offers many activities for people who love the outdoors. You can find four picnic areas and six picnic shelters. There is also playground equipment for kids. A 2-acre natural playground is also available.
The picnic shelters are free to use. They have electricity, a fire ring, and nearby restrooms. You do not need to make a reservation.
The park has almost eight miles of trails. These trails go through prairies and wooded hills. They are great for hiking any time of year. The trails are well-kept and easy to follow. You can find maps at the nature center.
Campers can stay at the Oxbow campground. It has 29 campsites. There are modern restrooms and showers. Ten sites have electricity, and three are wheelchair accessible. The campground is close to the zoo and playgrounds. Youth groups can also use a special group camp area.
Discovering Zollman Zoo
The Dr. Paul E. Zollman Zoo is home to over 30 kinds of animals. These include mammals, birds of prey, and reptiles. All of them are native to Minnesota. Most animals here have injuries. This means they cannot survive in the wild on their own.
These animals help people learn about nature. They are part of Oxbow's education programs. The zoo is named after Dr. Paul E. Zollman. He helped care for the animals and supported the parks.
The zoo is a key part of the park's education efforts. Thousands of students visit each year. They learn from park staff and volunteers. Public programs are also offered on weekends and evenings. These programs teach about the natural world.
Across the road from the main zoo is the Gordon Yeager Memorial Area. Here, you can see large hoofed animals. These include bison, elk, and white-tailed deer. This area also has a restored prairie. You can see a pioneer home and old farm tools. This shows what life was like in the past.
There is no fee to visit the zoo. Many people come back again and again. Each visit offers something new to see and learn.
Oxbow Nature Center
The Oxbow Nature Center opened in 1981. It offers more educational programs and activities. School groups come here for environmental education. They learn about animals, natural history, and outdoor skills.
The center has a classroom area. It also has exhibits of common snakes from the region. You can see displays and artifacts about the natural world. This building helps groups and individuals enjoy nature even more.
