- Attraction: Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
- Location: 5731 County Road 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
Picture a place where rescued wolves howl at twilight, massive bison roam across restored prairie, and playful river otters perform their underwater acrobatics just feet away from your amazed children.
Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo transforms 634 acres of pristine Zumbro River valley into southeastern Minnesota’s most beloved wildlife sanctuary and outdoor adventure destination.
Unlike typical zoos filled with exotic animals from distant continents, this remarkable facility exclusively showcases Minnesota’s native wildlife – creatures that call your own backyard state home.
Every animal here carries a special story of rescue and rehabilitation, making each encounter both educational and deeply meaningful. The park seamlessly blends wildlife education with outdoor recreation, offering everything from camping under the stars to hiking through untouched prairies.
Wildlife Encounters That Create Lasting Memories
The Wolf Pack Experience: The timber wolves remain the park’s most mesmerizing residents. You’ll watch these magnificent predators demonstrate natural pack behaviors in spacious enclosures designed to mimic their woodland habitat.
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Keep Exploring →The viewing areas allow incredible close-up observations of these normally elusive creatures as they interact, play, and communicate through their haunting vocalizations.
River Otter Entertainment: These playful aquatic acrobats steal the show with their endless energy and amusing antics. You’ll be captivated watching them dive, roll, and chase each other through crystal-clear water features.
Their underwater viewing windows provide front-row seats to observe their remarkable swimming abilities and social behaviors.
Majestic Birds of Prey: The bald eagles, with their piercing golden eyes and impressive seven-foot wingspans, create breathtaking photo opportunities.
The facility also houses various hawks, owls, and other raptors, each with detailed educational displays explaining their hunting techniques and ecological importance.
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Discover MoreMassive Bison Encounters: The Gordon Yeager Memorial Area features North America’s iconic giants roaming across authentic prairie grasslands.
You’ll witness these thousand-pound creatures grazing peacefully, demonstrating the raw power and gentle nature that once dominated Minnesota’s landscapes.
Interactive Learning Opportunities: The brand-new 13,000-square-foot Nature Center transforms wildlife education into hands-on discovery. You’ll encounter live snakes, turtles, and various reptiles in thoughtfully designed exhibits that encourage touching and exploration.
Educational programming allows you to participate in special feeding demonstrations and learn fascinating facts about each species’ survival adaptations.
Adventure Beyond the Zoo
Eight Miles of Pristine Trails: The hiking network winds through diverse ecosystems including restored prairies, dense woodlands, and scenic river valleys.
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Keep Exploring →You’ll discover well-maintained paths suitable for all fitness levels, with clearly marked trailheads and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout every season.
The Path of Imagination Playscape: This two-acre natural playground revolutionizes outdoor play with creative installations that blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Children dig for hidden fossils in massive sand pits, navigate tunnels through artificial rock formations, and climb structures designed to spark imagination while connecting with nature.
Peaceful Camping Experience: The 29-site campground offers a tranquil retreat along the Zumbro River, where you’ll fall asleep to gentle water sounds and wake to birdsong.
Modern amenities include hot showers, clean restrooms, and electrical hookups, while maintaining the authentic outdoor atmosphere that makes camping memorable.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Natural Beauty
River Valley Serenity: The park’s location in the meandering Zumbro River valley creates a naturally peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from urban stress.
You’ll notice the dramatic elevation changes, from riverbank lowlands to scenic bluffs, providing diverse landscapes within walking distance.
Seasonal Splendor: Each visit offers completely different experiences as native prairies burst with wildflowers in spring, provide cooling shade in summer, showcase brilliant autumn colors, and transform into winter wonderlands perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Educational Ambiance: The facility maintains a perfect balance between entertainment and education, with informative signage throughout that enhances understanding without overwhelming the natural experience.
You’ll appreciate how seamlessly learning opportunities integrate into every aspect of your visit.
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Keep Exploring →Family-Friendly Design: The compact layout makes navigation easy for families with young children, while wagon rentals help transport tired little ones. The accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible trails and mobility equipment loans, ensure everyone can enjoy the complete experience.
Practical Considerations
Unbeatable Value: Admission remains completely free for both the park and zoo, operating entirely through donations and volunteer support. This incredible value makes multiple visits affordable for families, while the quality of exhibits rivals much more expensive attractions.
Seasonal Activities: Winter visits offer groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails with equipment rentals available, while summer provides fishing opportunities in the Zumbro River and weekend educational programming for all ages.
Perfect Visit Duration: Most families spend 2-4 hours exploring the zoo and playground, though the extensive hiking trails and camping facilities can easily fill an entire weekend getaway.
Parking and Accessibility: Ample free parking surrounds both the Nature Center and various picnic areas, while the mobility equipment loans and ADA-accessible facilities ensure comfortable visits for guests with different needs.
Group Accommodations: The facility excels at hosting birthday parties, school field trips, and corporate events, with five picnic shelters featuring electrical outlets and fire rings available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
📍 5731 County Road 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920
