Location: Owatonna
Top Things to do in Owatonna
The 10 Best Things to Do in Owatonna, United States
Owatonna (/ˌoʊwəˈtɒnə/) is a city in Steele County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 25,599 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Steele County. Owatonna is home to the Steele County Fairgrounds, which hosts the Steele County Free Fair in August.
Restaurants in Owatonna
1. State School Orphanage Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 42 reviews
Experience what life was like at this state-run school for orphaned or neglected children. The Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children was built in 1886 and closed in 1945. The museum uses exhibits of artifacts, as well as video and audio stations to tell the story of the more than 10,000 children who came through the school.
Reviewed By Andria S
We visited with a group (St. Cloud Antique Auto Club - Pantowners) the weekend of Oct 7-9. We had a very enjoyable visit and thank you for accommodating our large group.Thank you for coming...and for taking the time to write the great review! The SCAAC group was terrific.
2. Prairie School Bank
Overall Ratings
5 based on 38 reviews
Built in the early 1900s this financial institution features stained glass, murals and ornate chandeliers.
Reviewed By Pip18Wisconsin - Wisconsin
We toured this last year while visiting friends. It really is a must see and not at all what you might expect in this small town. It is still in use as a bank but they kindly let you walk, go upstairs and view the bank in action along with appreciating the murals and design. I must see.
3. RAD Zoo (Reptile Amphibian Discovery Zoo)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By jjh123456 - Saint Paul, Minnesota
We went here in the summer and it was hot in there and a little smelly but hey it's a reptile and amphibian zoo, what do you expect :) We had a lot of fun here. They do demonstrations and let you touch an alligator, a snake and a turtle. My husband and I paid the extra $10 to have our picture taken with the snake. And get this my husband was more nervous than me! I also really enjoyed the staff here, they walked around and talked a bit about their animals when you were looking at them which made it even more interesting.
4. Village of Yesteryear
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
In 1962 the Society was offered the Saco Church located 7 miles southwest of Owatonna, and with the support of the Steele County Agricultural Society, the Society permanently leased a portion of the southeast section of the fairgrounds to begin a pioneer village. The original layout was similar to the center of Owatonna and its Central Park, which was originally circular. Thus was established the Village of Yesteryear, which has grown in the years since through the additional move of historic structures, as well as museum buildings built on site.
Reviewed By Carl W - Owatonna, Minnesota
Living in Owatonna, this is a place that we have visited at different times of the year. Gus's Gas Station takes you back in time with all the old displays of candy and oil and such. We just visited the Dunnell House with Christmas decorations. Every room is decorated by a group or business in town, highlighting the decorator. The complex is a great place to relax and go back in time.
5. Mineral Springs Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By tammyb - Owatonna, Minnesota
This park is wonderful every season of the year. Make sure you find the waterfall. The playground is great for all ages. Grill are placed so you can have your own little picnic. Bring the marshmallow and have a fire on a cool evening.
6. Rice Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
A blend of marsh, lake, meadows and woods and an ideal place for birdwatching.
Reviewed By Carl W - Owatonna, Minnesota
This is a small quiet park, easy to get to, with paved roads to the park. Nothing fancy here, but is a great get away for peace and quiet, for picnics and camping. Great for locals to use for a relaxing day. This could be one of those parks that you will want to use it, or we could loose it if we have funding cutbacks on the park system.
7. Kaplan's Woods Parkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Established in 1987, this 225-acre park offers walking and biking trails and four golf courses.
Reviewed By TravelinSoul - New York City, New York
Kaplan's Woods is a nice small place to walk. There is parking and it isn't too far of a walk from the "big" "Lake" Kolimer. In the winter, you can cross country ski at Kaplan's. Kaplan's isn't a big place, but it is nice forested place to walk your dog. Be forewarned, a lot of people ignore the leash law and don't lease their dogs and their dogs will charge you. Se be careful. The police know about it but don't do anything about it. It is in a residential neighborhood and can be difficult to find.
8. Owatonna Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By A_Miracle_Day - New York City, New York
Took our little guy here on a rainy day this summer and he really enjoyed himself. They've got lots of play things out and ready for use. He made friends, and didn't want to leave.
The book selection is broad, and they have good movies too!!
Staff is always friendly, and even let us look at the butterflies catching!
I remember renting toys as a kid, and it doesn't seem like they do that anymore, but we had a nice day.
9. Lake Kohlmier
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Owatonna lake complete with a swimming beach.
Reviewed By luciearl - minnesota
I take my dogs to Kohlmier to walk. It's barely used Fall, Winter, and Spring during the week. Its also connected to a bike/walking trail, including one that goes 3/4 of the way around the lake. Nice beach, but I wouldn't swim passed June. Gets a little murky.
10. Steele County History Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Carl W - Owatonna, Minnesota
We have been here several times, living in Owatonna. This time we went for a round table discussion on the history of auto industry in Steele Co. The speakers were very informative. The displays are also very informative. Well worth the time spent. Very nice building and grounds next to Steele Co Free Fair.
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