Size | 620 acres |
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Parking | N44 4.958, W92 39.060 |
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Hiking Trails | About 12.5 miles |
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Hunting | No hunting |
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Ecological Classification | Province | Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province |
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Section | Paleozoic Plateau |
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Subsection(s) | Rochester Plateau |
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Land Type Association(s) | Chester Ridge Stewartville Plain |
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Native Plant Communities1 | Oak - Shagbark Hickory Woodland Southern Mesic Maple-Basswood Forest |
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Comments | Overview Oxbow Park contains two native plant communities. Three plants with conservation status in Minnesota are found here: handsome sedge, an endangered species; and rattlesnake master and white wild indigo, both special concern species. The Nature Center and Zollman Zoo are open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. They may not be open yet when you arrive early in the morning, and may be already closed when you finish your hike in the late afternoon. |
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Visits | 6/23/2016 |
Visitor Photos | |||
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Wayne Rasmussen | |||
Oxbow Co Park & Zoo, Olmstead County The idea of a new park for Olmsted County was fostered by the Olmsted County Park Board and residents of the ark area. The initial 465 acres of land were purchased in 1967. Located in the Zumbro River Valley, the area offered ideal recreational opportunities. A large bend in the river, called an "oxbow" because of its resemblance to an ox yoke, gave the park its name. This "oxbow" has been preserved through bank stabilization and now surrounds the main picnic area. During the years since 1967, the park has been transformed from farm fields into a beautifully preserved area. A zoo was established in 1969 with the donation of native Minnesota animals from John Gilbertson, the regional game warden at that time. This zoo is now an integral part of park activities. In 1974, an additional 107 acres north of the park were purchased, protecting the park from future development. This brought the total size of the park to 572 acres. A nature center, completed in December, 1981, is located near the zoo. This facility expands both programming potential and work capabilities at the park and offers additional exhibit areas for public use. The uniqueness of Oxbow Park is found in the amount of public participation and support it has received since its founding. The dedication of park visitors to its well-being has made Oxbow a favorite spot for many in southeastern Minnesota. —from Olmstead Co site |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos | |||
Park Entrance |
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Parking Lot and Federal Signal Modulator |
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Visitor Center |
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Zumbro River, South Branch, Middle Fork |
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Oak - Shagbark Hickory Woodland |
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Zumbro Trail |
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North Meadow Trail |
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Bluff Top Prairie |
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1st Bridge |
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Visitor Videos | ||
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Other Videos | ||
Oxbow Park Hike, Byron , MN Wilter's World |
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About
Published on May 18, 2015 Savannah and I go on a hike in Oxbow Park, Byron, MN. Peaceful nature trail. Enjoy and get out there! Wilter's World. |
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Oxbow Park Promo Olmsted County |
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About
Published on Jun 2, 2014 A short promo video about Oxbow Park and what it has to offer. |
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Federal Signal Modulator 6024 Oxbow Park, Minnesota Aaron Nepstad |
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About
Published on Aug 6, 2014 Here is my video another county park modulator. I have recored this one couple time but I wanted to get it 1080p and have the two voice messages. it was great to watch all of the parents and kids reactions to the FSK and The test |
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An Autumn Walk at Oxbow Park nibimocs |
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About
Published on Oct 17, 2015 Come along with me as I walk through Autumn Splendor. Filmed at Oxbow County Park, Byron, MN on October 14, 2015. |
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Oxbow Park.m4v Kyle D Traynor |
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About
Published on May 19, 2012 Oxbow Park Trail, Byron, MN. Saturday, May 19, 2012 |
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