





Zoos
Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
📍 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920🌐 www.co.olmsted.mn.us/pw/parks/oxbowpark/Pages/default.aspx
About Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
Nature park & a zoo with native animals. Park featuring hiking trails, a campground, picnic areas, a playground & a zoo with native animals. Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo offers free admission, as mentioned in 74 review mentions, making it an accessible educational resource for families. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,191 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Best For
- All ages
- Hours
- Nature Center 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily
- Key Attractions
- Path of Imagination Playscape, trails, fishing areas
💡 Did You Know?
- Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo offers free admission, as mentioned in 74 review mentions, making it an accessible educational resource for families
- The zoo features a specialized archery deer hunt program for Disabled American Veterans beginning October 31, 2025, demonstrating inclusive recreational programming
- The zoo maintains native animal species including cougars, bobcats, lynx, otters, bison, coyotes, prairie dogs, and bald eagles, with otters being the most frequently mentioned animal in reviews (32 mentions)
- The attraction features the Path of Imagination Playscape, a natural playscape designed for interactive exploration and learning, combining zoological education with hands-on play
- The venue operates across three Olmsted County parks with multiple interconnected hiking trails, expanding its educational reach beyond a traditional single-site zoo model
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit between 11am and noon to catch feeding times for bobcats, lynx, and cougars - reviewers highlighted this as a particularly engaging and educational experience
- Plan 1.5-2 hours for your visit to comfortably walk through all animal exhibits and visit the Nature Center (open 10am-4pm daily), which provides indoor warming during winter visits
- Take advantage of the free admission and bring a picnic to the well-maintained picnic areas - reviewers consistently praised this as excellent value for a full outing without additional food costs
- Explore the multiple hiking trails across the three connected Olmsted County parks to maximize your nature experience beyond just the zoo exhibits
- Book camping during the May 1 - October 17 season or check out seasonal programs like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to experience the park throughout the year in different ways
More Family Fun Nearby
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