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This organization is AMAZING. The animals are well cared for and they work hard to provide for them all the best possible environment they can. Reading each animal's story was super interesting and hits you in the feels. The bison were super cool to see as well since we got to get up close and peer through the fence area at these magnificent creatures. Their new facility/building is really nice too and definitely built with education in mind. Definitely bring the kiddos and if you're feeling adventurous camp there too!
A lot of animals and great space for picnic.
Also is donations Only and everything is so in good shape
This was our 1st time going here. We were very impressed! The price is great, especially for all the things available to do. There are 2 playgrounds, a zoo, walking trails, a river for fishing(& playing in.*life jackets & close supervision! It is a river! ). Everything was well maintained & pretty clean. My parents were staying the weekend, so we just visited for the day. We are definitely going to consider staying sometime.
Wolves howled (and coyotes too!)! Owls were cool. Eagles were 'Merica. Otters were adorable. Turkey looked delicious. We got to borrow a red wagon for the kiddos. 5 stars.
FREE. ZOO AND PARK: we came on a 40° grey wintery day, and it was not crowded, but also not deserted. Some paths are a bit muddy, but you can walk around on paved and wood chip paths, and stay dry, if you want to.
See photos for accessibility accommodations, and that their bison are purely bison, not mixed with cattle! Amazing!
Just adding a couple of photos of the new Oxbow Nature Center. This place is amazing! I've been to Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo before, many times: in the great outdoor park with play areas for kids; for picnics, whether as a family or with large groups for fellowship at the bridge picnic areas; and I've looked at the animals outside before, when it was warm. But this new nature center is incredible! Warm and dry of course, but also informative and modern with wonderful amenities. With this indoor space available in rainy and cold weather, we will be coming a lot more often.
The natural play area for school the groups and other young visitors is interesting and there are many things to climb in, and a pond with turtles and frogs in warm weather. They have built a scaled model of the solar system, with spheres of different sizes and distances from the "sun", and informative plaques about their similarities and differences.
I've been here with children from the age of 2 all the way up to 12 years, and they all think that it's pretty awesome. The otters are amusing and fascinating to watch for half an hour at a time. They have wolf siblings and coyotes. The turkey loves to show off his beautiful feathers. The Lynx and the bobcat are amazing, as well as the beautiful cougar. The Hawks, Eagles and Owls that they have here at Zollman Zoo would never have survived in the wild (whether because of a broken wing, or an injured eye, or whatever) and have a pretty good life here. It's amazing that all the animals here are native to Minnesota (though some are endangered, threatened, or rare).
