Exploring the outdoors
4/3/2025 by Muse Abdi, M.B.B.S., B.BiomedSc, M.P.H., and Brian A. Lynch, M.D.
As the days grow longer and nature awakens from its winter slumber, spring is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors. Olmsted County Parks, the City of Rochester and Project Get Outdoors offer a diverse lineup of activities to connect people with nature, promote wellness and encourage community engagement. From birdwatching to hands-on environmental education, there's something for everyone to enjoy this season.
These activities provide opportunities for relaxation, learning and community building. We hope those who attend can foster a deeper appreciation for nature and well-being.
Exciting programs at Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
Located in Byron, Minnesota, Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo offers interactive and educational programs that bring visitors closer to wildlife and the natural world.
- Animal Feeding Time (April 6, 10:30 a.m.): Watch the zoo's residents enjoy their meals during National Zoo Lovers Day celebrations.
- Nature Art & Craft Show (April 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Support local artists by browsing nature-inspired artwork and crafts, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts or personal treasures.
- Turkey Calling Adventure (April 26, 11 a.m.): Experience the iconic spring turkey gobble during a guided walk through the forest and learn about turkey behavior.
- Homeschool classes (Thursday, June 5, and Wednesday, August 6, at 10 a.m. — Feed the Bear; Thursday, July 17. at 11 a.m. — Life cycles): Oxbow Park offers Naturalist Programs reserved for homeschool families. The fee is $5 per student, 3 years and older (parents and children 2 and under are free). Call 507-328-7340 to sign up.
Discover Chester Woods Park
Chester Woods Park offers a variety of exciting programs during April and May that will engage families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
- ZVAS Woodcock Hike (April 10, 7 p.m.): Experience the fascinating courtship display of the Woodcock at Chester Woods County Park, one of nature's most captivating springtime rituals.
- RAVA Volunteer Fair (April 16, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.): Explore volunteer opportunities with the Rochester Area Volunteer Alliance at 125 Live. Whether you're interested in environmental stewardship or community outreach, there's a role for everyone.
- Spring Cleanup Day (April 26, 9 a.m. to noon): Join Friends of Chester Woods to prepare the park for the season. This event is a wonderful way to give back to the community and help maintain the park's beauty.
- ZVAS Bird Walk at Root River Park (April 27, 9 a.m.): Join an expert naturalist on a walk through Root River Park to explore local wildlife and early spring wildflowers. It is a fantastic opportunity for beginner birdwatchers.
- ZVAS Big Birding Day (May 10, 8 a.m.): Experience peak spring migration at Chester Woods Park, one of the best times of year for birdwatching in Southeast Minnesota.
- Beach & Watercraft Rentals Open (May 23, 10 a.m.): Celebrate the official start of summer with a relaxing day by the water. Rentals for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards will be available so you can enjoy the park's beautiful lake.
Rochester Recreation Programs: Stay Active
The City of Rochester invites you to stay active by offering various recreational programs designed to keep you active and engaged — including tennis, hockey and the AccessABLE Recreation program, which supports people with intellectual disabilities. For more details, visit Rochester Summer Activities.
Project Get Outdoors
Project Get Outdoors provides enriching outdoor experiences for families and children, connecting them to nature through storytelling, hands-on activities and exploration.
- Nature in the Neighborhood (Wabasha Public Library)
- May 2 — Morel Mushroom Field Trip, 10 a.m. to noon.
- Nature Explorers (Lake City Public Library & Frontenac State Park)
- May 6: Dragonflies, 10 to 11 a.m.
- May 28: Baby Animals, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Childcare Provider Training & Wellbeing Development
- May 8: La Crescent Training Event, 6 to 8 p.m.
Making parks accessible to all
Olmsted County Parks is committed to making outdoor experiences accessible for everyone. To support this effort, the parks offer:
- Action Trackchairs for enhanced mobility assistance.
- Sensory-friendly kits for people with sensitivities.
- ASL interpretation and audio support for select programs.
For accessibility requests, please get in touch with oxbow@olmstedcounty.gov or call 507-328-7340 at least two days in advance (two weeks for ASL interpretation).
Additional activities in Southeast Minnesota parks
If you're looking for even more ways to connect with nature, check out these exciting events in Southeast Minnesota parks this spring:
- BARK Ranger Walk at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park (May 24, 10 to 11 a.m.): Bring your leashed canine companion for a ranger-guided walk through the park.
- Free Fly Fishing 101 Beginner Classes: These classes begin April 5 and are every other Saturday during the season.
- Minnesota Trout Streams Opener: (April 15): Celebrate the opening of the trout fishing season in Minnesota's beautiful, scenic streams.
- Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association May Festival (May 16-18, Houston, Minnesota): Enjoy a weekend full of bluegrass music at this annual festival held at a scenic campsite connected to the Root River State Trail. The event features live performances from regional and national bluegrass artists, hands-on workshops, and open jam sessions where musicians of all skill levels can join in. Whether you're an avid bluegrass fan or just looking for a fun outdoor experience, this festival is a wonderful way to enjoy music and nature in a beautiful setting.
Step outside and get involved!
With so many ways to explore, learn and be involved with nature, this spring promises a season of memorable outdoor experiences for all ages. Whether you're planting a garden, spotting birds or attending an educational workshop, now is the perfect time to embrace the beauty of Olmsted County's parks.
Muse Abdi, M.B.B.S., B.BiomedSc, M.P.H., has a background in medicine and leads nature-based health initiatives, including Park Rx/Exercise is Medicine, Healing Forest, and the cultural liaison program in the parks under the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant. He facilitates the SE Minnesota Park Rx Coalition, a key component of the Park Initiative. He also leads health equity and community engagement efforts through SHIP, including the MOVE (Mobilizing Olmsted Voices for Equity) project. Expertise: Nature-Based Health Promotion, Healthcare Integration, Health Equity & Equity-Focused Programs, Cross-Cultural Communication & Community Engagement, Program Development& Evaluation, Organizational Health Literacy, Cultural Competency, Policy, Systems and Environmental Change.
Brian A. Lynch, M.D., is a primary care pediatrician at Mayo Family Clinic Northwest in Rochester. He co-chairs the Primary Care Work Group of the Mayo Clinic Obesity Council and chairs the Primary Care Obesity Task Force. Dr. Lynch works closely with the Southeast Minnesota Park Rx Team to promote the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature with his patients and colleagues.