Oxbow Park is Olmsted County’s big recreation area along the Zumbro River, about 15 miles northwest of the Mayo campus near Byron. At its center is the Dr. Paul E. Zollman Zoo, which keeps more than 30 species of wild animals native to Minnesota, many of them non-releasable because of injuries or surplus from other facilities. Bison, wolves and bald eagles are among the animals visitors remember. The zoo and nature center are open daily, and admission is free with donations encouraged. Around the zoo, the park offers hiking, picnic shelters, playgrounds, fishing and camping, so it can fill a half day or a full day. The setting is a wooded river valley, with trails that wind through bluffs and bottomland. For families it is an easy, low-cost outing that mixes animals with open space, and for adults it is a quiet place to see wildlife up close. Because the animals are native, the zoo doubles as a lesson in the region’s ecology and conservation.
Planning
The park is at 5731 County Road 105 Northwest in Byron. The zoo and nature center are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on a few holidays, while the park itself is open from early morning to late evening. There are rules to remember: no food or drink in the zoo, no pets except certified service dogs, and no bicycles, skateboards or scooters in the zoo area.
Bring layers and water, and plan picnic lunches at the shelters outside the zoo. Camping requires reservations, and the park’s newer facilities may change over time, so check the county website.
What to expect
A compact zoo you can see in an hour or two, with enclosures for native mammals, birds of prey and reptiles. Staff and volunteers often give short talks. Outside the zoo, trails and picnic areas make it easy to extend the visit, and playgrounds keep young children busy. Wildlife sightings in the surrounding park, including deer and birds, add to the experience. In winter, the zoo remains open, and the snow brings a different feel.
Making the most of it
Combine Oxbow with Quarry Hill for a day of nature near Rochester, or visit on the way to a Zumbro River picnic. Photographers should arrive early or late for better light. Because admission is free, consider leaving a donation to support animal care. Watch for special events such as seasonal festivals, and bring a refillable bottle.
Good to know
Oxbow sits in the Zumbro River valley, where steep wooded bluffs give way to floodplain, and the landscape feels very different from the flat farmland you cross on the way. Park staff offer programs on seasonal topics, and the nature center is a good starting point for questions about native species. If you are driving from Rochester, allow about 20 to 30 minutes each way, and carry snacks because there are no restaurants in the park.
On warm summer weekends, shelters fill up, so arrive early if you want a picnic table. Winter visitors should dress warmly and check road conditions, since rural roads may be slick. Autumn is a lovely time to visit, when the river valley turns gold and the animals are active in cooler air.
What to expect
The experience
A free county zoo of native Minnesota animals inside a river-valley park.
Best time
Spring to autumn, though the zoo is open year-round.
How long
Two to four hours.
Tips
No food or drink in the zoo, no pets, and check holiday closures.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families who want a free wildlife outing.
- Families
- A top pick, with animals, playgrounds and picnic shelters.
- Couples
- A peaceful riverside walk with wildlife.
- Pair with
- Quarry Hill Nature Center or a picnic by the Zumbro.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Zollman Zoo free?+
Yes. Admission is free, with donations encouraged.
What animals does it have?+
More than 30 species of Minnesota-native wildlife, many non-releasable, including bison, wolves and bald eagles.
What are the hours?+
The zoo and nature center are open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a few holiday closures; the park opens earlier and closes later.
Can I bring my dog?+
No pets are allowed in the zoo, except certified service dogs. Leashed dogs are allowed in designated park areas.
Can I camp there?+
Yes. The park has camping and picnic facilities.