Olmsted is a county in the southeast of Minnesota, which belongs to the Rochester Metropolitan Area. Olmsted county has many dam-created reservoirs that form part of a few parks in the area. The rugged bluff and prairie country of Minnesota's southeast area lends itself to many types of recreational parks as well.
Chester Woods Park
Chester Woods Park is on the Bear Creek Reservoir in the countryside of southern Minnesota. There is a beach for swimming and sunbathing, with canoing and paddle boats available. An area for fishing is also available. The park has trails for hiking and there are ample picnicking facilities as well. In the winter months there are trails for skiing and then camping is open for the warmer months. There is also a youth turkey hunt in the fall. There is a fee for a daily visit, or the park also offers annual passes for a reduced rate. Call the park for the most current rates. Chester Woods Park is located at 8378 Highway 14 East in Eyota, Minnesota
Oxbow Park & Zoo
The Oxbow Park & Zoo is located in the Zumbro River valley in a large land area of about 620 acres near the town of Byron. The park offers hiking, camping, picnicking and nature study. The zoo was added to the park in the early 1970's and it is now an integral part of the park's environmental education program that it offers. The park also has a nature center that was added in 1981 and it includes expanded recreational and educational activities that are great for school groups. A raptor exhibit and wildcat enclosure are also in the park in addition to the Zollman Zoo. The park is open all year, but the campground is seasonal, call in advance to get the current opening dates as they tend to fluctuate. The park also offers a variety of visitor programs such as Otter feeding and maple syruping. Call the park to get dates on specific programs. Oxbow Park is located at 5731 County Rd 105 NW in Byron, Minnesota.
Oronoco Park
Oronoco Park is by the shore of Lake Shady in the city of Oronoco. The park was first opened in 1937 and was the first state park in the county of Olmsted. Oronoco is a 33-acre park and has camping facilities, a large picnic area with barbecue facilities, sheltered eating tables and restrooms. A playground for children and hiking trails are also available. The park offers a tranquil and scenic atmosphere as well as ample parking shaded by trees. Oronoco Park is also the site for the city's annual 4th of July celebrations. Oronoco Park is located at 310 3rd Avenue Northwest in Oronoco, Minnesota.
Anna Sanclement - Anna holds a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and has worked as a designer for about 10 years. She now devotes her time to writing ...
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