Opening Day Just Announced For New Attraction in Southeast Minnesota

A park and zoo in Southeast Minnesota just announced the opening day of its brand-new nature center!

If you've been out to Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, you've probably visited the original nature center on the property.  This building was built in December 1981 and has helped educate school groups and many families and individuals throughout the years.

Back in 2021 during the spring, construction started for a new nature center on the property.  The new facility will allow more individuals to enjoy the programming that's provided at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo.

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According to a post on the Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo Facebook page, the opening date for the new place has been announced.

We can finally announce that we have an OPENING DATE! Join us May 5th at 1:00 pm! Thank you to Friends of Oxbow for all of their fundraising efforts!

The new facility features 13,000 square feet with live animal displays, educational exhibits, fun activities, spaces for exploratory play, and even a wildlife viewing area.

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The new facility also features an event space that has easy access to the "prairie terrace", where outdoor gatherings can take place and accommodate about 150 people.  Offices for staff are also part of the new Nature Center as well as storage space and an equipment rental station.

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Offices for staff are also part of the new Nature Center as well as storage space and an equipment rental station.

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After the new facility is open, phase 2 of the project will start.  This phase will feature changes of the entry plaza between the. new Nature Center, Zollman Zoo, and the parking lot.  You'll also see additional features like new seating as well as a gathering area.

Learn more about the project at the video below and at the Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo website here.

Outdoor Classroom Fun in Byron, Minnesota

If you've got kids, I highly recommend heading out to let your little ones explore the outdoor classroom that is right next to the parking lot by Zollman Zoo in Byron, Minnesota. It is A-Maz-Ing! Tunnels, musical instruments, planets that you have to find, and even a teeter-totter made out of a log is there to enjoy. Probably one of my favorites though is what I call "Little Bean". I snapped a selfie with it and a few photos to give you a glimpse at the exhibits. Check those out below...