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
The plan
The plan
- 1Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo(2 hr 30 min)→
- 2Five West(1 hr 15 min)→
- 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
- 12h 30mOxbow 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.
21h 15mFive WestFood & 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.
3Optional 30 minDanielle's ConsignmentShopping
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.
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The route
On the map
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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