Oxbow County Park - Image 1
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Oxbow County Park

4.7
·1k reviews·Goshen, United States

Oxbow County Park offers diverse outdoor recreation with hiking trails, a zoo, disc golf, and family-friendly amenities.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Oxbow County Park - Image 1

Oxbow County Park

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Oxbow County Park offers diverse outdoor recreation with hiking trails, a zoo, disc golf, and family-friendly amenities.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"By far my favorite park in the area. Great hiking trails. Love to bring the dogs here for a nice long walk."

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TIP

🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Bring your furry friends! Trails are great for long walks, but always bring water for them .

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Ample picnic tables and large fireplaces make it ideal for gatherings. Great for day camping .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nature Trails

Nature Trails

Wander through mature trees and along the Zumbro River on well-maintained paths. Perfect for a peaceful escape.

Zollman Zoo

Zollman Zoo

Discover native Minnesota animals in a rescue setting. A hit with kids and nature lovers alike.

Disc Golf Course

Disc Golf Course

Challenge yourself on the park's disc golf course, a favorite among enthusiasts.

Observation Tower

Observation Tower

Climb the three-story tower for panoramic views of the park and surrounding landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace Nature's Trails

Oxbow County Park boasts extensive nature trails perfect for hiking and dog walking. Many visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature. Remember to bring water for yourself and your pets, as drinking fountains can be turned off seasonally.Reddit

Family Fun & Activities

This park is a gem for families, offering multiple playgrounds, sledding hills in winter, and even a nature-focused zoo with rescued animals.Instagram The disc golf course is also a popular feature, though it's undergoing renovations.Instagram

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Shaded trails offer relief
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter weekends
Why
Sledding hills are a blast
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Olmsted County is home to four amazing parks—Chester Woods, Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, Root River, and Lake Zumbro. From hiking and fishing to picnics and family fun, our parks offer something for everyone. We want your help in shaping the future of these spaces. Olmsted County is updating its park master plans, and your feedback will help guide improvements to park amenities, natural areas, and v...
olmstedcounty
21 likes • 1.1K views

🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Bring your furry friends! Trails are great for long walks, but always bring water for them.Reddit

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Ample picnic tables and large fireplaces make it ideal for gatherings. Great for day camping.Reddit

Did you know that Oxbow Regional Park has deep ties to local Black conservationist history? Estella Ehelebe, the first and only Black woman to lead Multnomah County Parks before they were transferred to Metro, fought to preserve the ancient forest the park is renowned for to this day. In a 2017 interview with Metro, her daughter Anjala is quoted saying, “People were always underestimating Mom, thi...
imagine_black_action
58 likes • 970 views
Oxbow Park hiking outing, Byron, Minnesota. Oxbow is an Olmsted County park that offers a Minnesota native animal rescue “zoo”, summer programs for kids—and hiking trails. @liminull and I had a pleasant ~3 mile hike in the woods and along the Zumbro River Tuesday, encountering some turkeys and tiny frogs—but having the trails otherwise largely to ourselves. - #oxbowparkandzollmanzoo #zumbroriver...
keith.bible
12 likes • 77 views

❄️ Winter Wonderland

Enjoy sledding on the hills during colder months. A fun family activity.Reddit

🌳 Shade & Serenity

Mature trees provide ample shade, making it a comfortable escape on sunny days.Reddit

The OxBow County Park Disc Golf Course is excepting some renovations. Find the full video with all of the details on our website globeradio.org
911theglobe
29 likes • 446 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Bring your furry friends! Trails are great for long walks, but always bring water for them.Reddit

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Ample picnic tables and large fireplaces make it ideal for gatherings. Great for day camping.Reddit

❄️ Winter Wonderland

Enjoy sledding on the hills during colder months. A fun family activity.Reddit

🌳 Shade & Serenity

Mature trees provide ample shade, making it a comfortable escape on sunny days.Reddit

🛜 Stay Connected (or Disconnect)

Cell service can be spotty, so download maps beforehand if needed.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Oxbow County Park for its beautiful mature trees, extensive hiking trails, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and sledding hills. It's a beloved spot for dog walks and picnics, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Some minor drawbacks include primitive restrooms and seasonal drinking fountain availability.

"By far my favorite park in the area. Great hiking trails. Love to bring the dogs here for a nice long walk. Plenty of picnic tables so its never too crowded. Top notch disc golf course too."

Tyler Riegsecker

"Perfect place for walks alone or with family pets. There are hiking trails , several playgrounds and pavilions you can host birthday party’s . There is a disc golf course. During the winter months there are sledding hills. Restrooms in certain areas of the park. A great place to be in with nature and get your daily exercise. I’ve lived in this area for many years and ox bow has always been a great safe place to come to for our family."

Alexandria Westlake

"Pretty good park especially if you got kids. There's multiple playgrounds and a good sized trail that they even use for cross country. They recently updated their bathrooms and that's nice. Also great during the winter because they have two hills you can use for sledding."

Phoukanh Khamphanh

What People Like

Great hiking trails
Family-friendly atmosphere
Mature trees and shade

What People Dislike

Primitive restrooms
Seasonal drinking fountains

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oxbow County Park is accessible by car. It's located in Byron, Minnesota, and is part of the Olmsted County park system.Instagram GPS navigation is recommended. Parking is available throughout the park.

Public transportation options to Oxbow County Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Check local transit schedules for any potential bus routes that may come close to the Byron area.

From Rochester, take US-14 West towards Byron. Take the exit for County Road 5 SW and follow signs for Oxbow County Park. The park entrance will be clearly marked.

Yes, there is a modest entrance fee, often around $3, which contributes to the park's upkeep and activities.Reddit

While specific RV parking details aren't widely publicized, the park has ample space for vehicles. It's advisable to check with park management for any size restrictions if you plan to bring a large RV or trailer.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Oxbow County Park is generally open daily from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like the Zollman Zoo may have separate hours, so it's best to check the official Olmsted County Parks website for the most current information.

No, tickets are not typically required in advance for general park entry. The entrance fee is usually paid upon arrival.Reddit

Yes, Oxbow County Park often hosts summer programs for kids and other seasonal events.Instagram Check the Olmsted County Parks calendar for upcoming activities.

The park offers paved trails and accessible facilities in many areas. The observation tower and some picnic areas are designed with accessibility in mind.

Yes, picnic shelters and pavilions are available for reservation, making them ideal for birthday parties and group gatherings.Reddit Contact Olmsted County Parks for reservation details and fees.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Oxbow County Park features a variety of trails, including nature trails for hiking and walking, and paved paths suitable for biking and rollerblading.Reddit Some trails are also used for cross-country skiing in winter.

Yes, dogs are welcome in Oxbow County Park and are a common sight on the trails.Reddit They must be kept on a leash at all times.

Families can enjoy multiple playgrounds, the Zollman Zoo, hiking, picnicking with large fireplaces,Reddit and sledding in the winter.Reddit The park is a great place for outdoor recreation.

Absolutely! Oxbow County Park has several playgrounds, making it a fantastic destination for families with young children.Reddit

The park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and pavilions. Some reviews mention that bathrooms can be a bit primitive, and drinking fountains may be turned off seasonally.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants located directly within Oxbow County Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics.

Yes, Oxbow County Park is an excellent spot for picnics. It features numerous picnic tables and large pit fireplaces in the pavilions, perfect for group outings.Reddit

There is no concession stand at Oxbow County Park. It's recommended to pack all necessary food and beverages for your visit.

Yes, many of the pavilions are equipped with large pit fireplaces that can be used for grilling or campfires, making them ideal for cookouts.Reddit

Pack your favorite picnic foods, drinks, and any necessary utensils. Don't forget blankets or chairs if you plan to sit outside the designated picnic areas. Bringing your own water is advised as drinking fountains may be off.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The nature trails offer beautiful shots of mature trees and the Zumbro River. The observation tower provides panoramic views, and Zollman Zoo offers opportunities to photograph native wildlife.Instagram

Yes, especially around Zollman Zoo where native animals are housed.Instagram Keep an eye out for local birds and small creatures along the trails.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for trails and general scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife at the zoo, and a wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the expansive views from the observation tower.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check with park management for specific regulations.

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for landscape and nature photography. Midday can be harsh, but the dense tree cover provides some shade.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Oxbow County Park is a fantastic choice for families. With multiple playgrounds and the Zollman Zoo featuring rescued native animals,Instagram there's plenty to keep kids engaged. The park's nature trails are also great for short, exploratory walks, and spotting small creatures.Instagram

Don't forget to pack a picnic! The park has numerous tables and large pit fireplaces in pavilions, perfect for birthday parties or a family meal.Reddit In winter, the sledding hills are a major draw for guaranteed family fun.Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Dog owners will find Oxbow County Park to be a welcoming destination. The hiking trails are ideal for long walks with your canine companions.Reddit Remember to keep your dogs on a leash at all times to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Bringing plenty of water for your pets is highly recommended, as drinking fountains can be seasonal.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those seeking a peaceful retreat into nature, Oxbow County Park offers beautiful mature trees and scenic walking and bike trails.Reddit The trails wind through woods and along the Zumbro River, providing a serene environment for a long walk or a refreshing jog. The park's natural beauty is a significant draw for visitors looking to de-stress and reconnect with the outdoors.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Walk Through History: Estella Ehelebe and Oxbow Park

Oxbow Regional Park holds a significant place in local conservation history, particularly through the efforts of Estella Ehelebe. She was the first and only Black woman to lead Multnomah County Parks before their transfer to Metro. Ehelebe was a staunch advocate for preserving the park's ancient forest, a legacy that continues to define Oxbow today.Instagram Her daughter, Anjala, has shared that Estella fought to ensure the park's natural beauty would be protected for future generations.Instagram

This historical connection adds a layer of depth to the park experience, reminding visitors of the dedication involved in safeguarding natural spaces. It’s a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of diverse voices in conservation efforts. Exploring Oxbow Park allows visitors to not only enjoy its natural splendor but also to appreciate its rich, often untold, history.Instagram

Disc Golf at Oxbow: A Community Hub

The disc golf course at Oxbow County Park is a well-loved amenity, attracting players of all skill levels. It's known for its challenging layout and scenic setting, winding through the park's mature trees.Reddit While the course is a major draw, it is currently undergoing renovations, with plans to update baskets, tee pads, and more.Instagram

These improvements are part of a larger effort to enhance the disc golf experience at Oxbow. The park is celebrating its disc golf course's anniversary next year, indicating a long-standing commitment to the sport within the community.Instagram Visitors looking to play should check for any temporary course closures or updated layouts during the renovation period.

Family Adventures: Playgrounds, Sledding, and Nature

Oxbow County Park is a paradise for families, offering a variety of activities to keep children entertained. The park features multiple playgrounds that are perfect for younger visitors to burn off energy.Reddit During the winter months, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland with two dedicated sledding hills, providing hours of fun for all ages.Reddit

Beyond the structured play areas, the park's nature trails offer opportunities for exploration and discovery. Families can enjoy leisurely walks, spot local wildlife like turkeys and frogs,Instagram or visit the Zollman Zoo, which houses rescued native Minnesota animals.Instagram The presence of picnic tables and pavilions with large fireplaces also makes it an ideal spot for family gatherings and birthday parties.Reddit

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