Experience · Rochester

Oxbow Park Adventure & Casual Bites

Embark on a family adventure at Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, where kids can discover native animals and explore nature trails. Afterward, head to Five West for a relaxed, family-friendly meal. This outing provides a perfect blend of outdoor exploration and comfortable dining for all ages.

A 4-hour Rochester afternoon plan for solo — Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, Five West, Danielle's Consignment.

Duration
4 hrs
Cost
$50–$100
Stops
3 stops
Walking
Moderate walking · Total 8.1-mile driving route
Best time
12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for
Solo · Families · Kids
Customize
Oxbow Park Adventure & Casual Bites

The plan

The plan

  1. 1Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo(2 hr 30 min)→
  2. 2Five West(1 hr 15 min)→
  3. 3Danielle's Consignment(30 min)

Why this plan works

The stops span roughly 8.1 miles across Rochester, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Danielle's Consignment — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to solo, families, and families with kids who want a planned Rochester outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Embark on a family adventure at Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, where kids can discover native animals and explore nature trails. Afterward, head to Five West for a relaxed, family-friendly meal. This outing provides a perfect blend of outdoor exploration and comfortable dining for all ages.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo1
    2h 30m
    Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo

    Family

    Park featuring hiking trails, a campground, picnic areas, a playground & a zoo with native animals.

    What to do — Explore the Zollman Zoo's collection of native Minnesota animals and walk the easy nature trails of Oxbow Park.

    7.2 mi · 19 min drive

    Then Drive a short distance for a casual family meal.

  2. Five West2
    1h 15m
    Five West

    Food & Drink

    Open, modern restaurant featuring American eats & spirits, plus an outdoor bar & seating.

    What to do — Enjoy a casual, modern American meal with options for the whole family, including an outdoor seating area.

    0.9 mi · 18 min walk or 5 min drive

    Then Short hop over to Danielle's Consignment.

  3. Danielle's Consignment3
    Optional 30 min
    Danielle's Consignment

    Shopping

    Upscale consignment boutique featuring name-brand & designer clothing, shoes, purses & more.

    What to do — Give yourselves a $10 "find something weird" challenge at Danielle's Consignment.

The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Rochester itinerary for solo?
Yes. It's built for solo, families, and families with kids and runs about 4 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 4 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Rochester itinerary cost?
Roughly $50–$100 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Not entirely. The stops cover about 8.1 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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