Top 10 Things to Do in Owatonna, MN: Your Guide to Unforgettable Adventures
Welcome to Owatonna, Minnesota, a charming city just an hour south of Minneapolis that blends small-town warmth with a vibrant mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re marveling at the architectural masterpiece of the National Farmers’ Bank, splashing down slides at River Springs Water Park, or exploring the historic Village of Yesteryear, Owatonna offers a diverse array of attractions for visitors of all ages. This guide highlights the top 10 things to do in Owatonna, crafted with local expertise and informed by trusted sources like visitowatonna.org and owatonna.gov. From family-friendly adventures to cultural gems, here’s your roadmap to an unforgettable Owatonna experience!
Ready to explore Owatonna’s top attractions? Let’s get started!
Why Owatonna is a Must-Visit Destination
Owatonna, with its population of about 26,000, is a hidden gem in southern Minnesota, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and community spirit. Founded in 1854, the city is home to architectural treasures, over 700 acres of parkland, and unique attractions like the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo. Its vibrant events, like the Steele County Free Fair, draw thousands of visitors annually, making it a lively destination year-round. This guide, authored by a local enthusiast, draws on personal experiences and reliable sources to ensure you discover the best of Owatonna. Updated as of September 2025, it’s designed to inspire and inform your visit.
“Owatonna is a place where every corner tells a story—whether it’s a historic building, a scenic trail, or a festival filled with laughter.”
Top 10 Things to Do in Owatonna, MN
From cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures, here are the top 10 must-do activities in Owatonna, curated for visitors seeking the best experiences.
1. Tour the National Farmers’ Bank ️
Location: 101 N Cedar Ave
Details: Designed by Louis Sullivan in 1908, this Prairie School masterpiece, known as the “jewel box,” features stunning stained-glass windows, gold leaf arches, and terracotta details. Now operated by Wells Fargo, it offers free guided tours that highlight its architectural significance and intricate murals. Perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts. Pro Tip: Book a tour in advance through visitowatonna.org to secure your spot and learn about Sullivan’s innovative design. Open weekdays, 9 AM–3 PM.
2. Explore the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum
Location: 540 W Hills Cir
Details: This poignant museum, housed in the 1886 administration building, tells the story of over 10,000 children who lived at the orphanage until 1945. Exhibits include photos, artifacts, and personal narratives, with guided tours offering a deeper look at resilience and community care. Admission is $5 for adults, free for kids under 12. Pro Tip: Visit on weekends for guided tours, and check orphanagemuseum.com for special events like living history days. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1 PM–4 PM.
3. Splash at River Springs Water Park
Location: 3065 St Paul Rd
Details: Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this family-friendly water park features a 262-foot lazy river, tube and body slides, a zero-depth pool, a climbing wall, and a lily pad walk. Day passes are around $10, with season passes available for frequent visitors. Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a tube for the lazy river and book passes online at secure.rec1.com to skip the line. Open daily in summer, 11 AM–7 PM.
4. Hike and Geocache at Kaplan’s Woods Park
Location: 1500 Lemond Rd
Details: This 225-acre park offers seven miles of hiking and biking trails through forests and prairies, plus disc golf and winter cross-country skiing. It’s a prime spot for birdwatching and geocaching, a treasure-hunting activity that’s fun for all ages. Free entry. Pro Tip: Borrow a geocaching kit from the Park and Recreation Office at owatonna.gov for a thrilling adventure. Trails open daily, dawn to dusk.
5. Visit the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery (RAD) Zoo
Location: 6750 Frontage Rd W, Medford (10 minutes from Owatonna)
Details: Home to one of the world’s largest collections of reptiles and amphibians, this zoo features snakes, crocodiles, lizards, and frogs. Daily shows allow visitors to pet a python or tortoise. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for kids. Pro Tip: Visit on weekends for animal feeding times, and book tickets at theradzoo.com. Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM.
6. Experience the Steele County Free Fair
Location: Steele County Fairgrounds, 1525 S Cedar Ave
Details: Held annually in mid-August (exact dates for 2026 TBD), Minnesota’s largest free county fair features carnival rides, a petting zoo, live music, tractor pulls, and craft exhibits. Free admission, with some rides ticketed. Pro Tip: Visit the 4-H exhibits for hands-on activities, and check scff.org for the schedule. Open daily during fair week, 8 AM–10 PM.
7. Wander the Village of Yesteryear ️
Location: 1431 Austin Rd
Details: Part of the Steele County Historical Society, this living history museum features 19 relocated historic buildings, including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and log cabin. Costumed interpreters demonstrate crafts like butter churning during events. Open during the Steele County Free Fair and by appointment, with a suggested donation of $5. Pro Tip: Visit during the fair for interactive demonstrations—check schsmn.org.
8. Relax at Lake Kohlmier Park ️
Location: 602 E Main St
Details: This lakefront park offers a sandy beach for swimming, paddleboat rentals, fishing, playgrounds, and volleyball courts. It’s perfect for a relaxing day by the water. Free entry, with paddleboat rentals starting at $5/hour. Pro Tip: Rent a paddleboat for a scenic family outing—book at owatonna.gov. Open daily, dawn to dusk.
9. Discover Art at the Owatonna Arts Center
Location: 435 Garden View Ln
Details: This cultural hub hosts rotating art exhibits, pottery workshops, concerts, and theater performances. Its galleries showcase local and regional artists, and events like the Arts Center Summer Festival (August) are visitor favorites. Free admission, with workshop fees varying. Pro Tip: Join a pottery workshop for a hands-on experience—check oacarts.org. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 PM–5 PM.
10. Shop and Explore at Cabela’s
Location: 3900 Cabela Dr
Details: More than a retail store, Cabela’s is an attraction with wildlife dioramas, aquariums, and 100 game mounts. It offers fishing, hunting, and camping gear, plus classes like outdoor cooking. Free entry. Pro Tip: Explore the aquariums and grab a snack at the in-store restaurant—visit cabelas.com. Open daily, 9 AM–8 PM.
Top Pick
The National Farmers’ Bank is a must-visit for its breathtaking architecture. The free guided tour is a highlight—don’t miss the stained-glass windows! Book at visitowatonna.org.
Practical Tips for Visiting Owatonna
Planning your trip? These tips will ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Getting to Owatonna
Owatonna is a 1-hour drive from Minneapolis via Interstate 35 or 45 minutes from Rochester. The nearest airport is Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP), with car rentals available. A car is recommended for exploring attractions, though taxis and ride-sharing services are options.
Where to Stay
- Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites: Family-friendly with an indoor pool and free breakfast, near River Springs Water Park. Located at 2365 43rd St NW, ihg.com.
- Comfort Inn: Budget-friendly with free Wi-Fi, close to I-35. Located at 2345 43rd St NW, choicehotels.com.
- Country Inn & Suites: Cozy with complimentary breakfast, near Kaplan’s Woods. Located at 130 Allan Ave SW, radissonhotels.com.
Dining Recommendations
- Torey’s Restaurant & Bar: Casual dining with burgers and salads. Located at 208 N Cedar Ave, toreys.com.
- Central Park Coffee: Cozy spot for coffee and pastries. Located at 113 N Cedar Ave, centralparkcoffee.com.
- Famous Dave’s BBQ: Hearty BBQ meals. Located at 4355 W Frontage Rd, famousdaves.com.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) for the Steele County Free Fair and water park; fall (September–October) for vibrant foliage and events like the Rustic Mamas’ Fall Market (October 11, 2025).
- Reservations: Book tours, water park passes, or rentals at secure.rec1.com or respective websites.
- Accessibility: Most attractions, like Lake Kohlmier Park and the Orphanage Museum, offer accessible facilities. Contact 507-444-4321 for details.
- Budget-Friendly: Many attractions, like parks and the farmers market, are free. Look for deals on zoo tickets or water park passes.
- Weather Prep: Pack sunscreen and water bottles for summer; bring layers for fall and winter outdoor activities.
Sample Itineraries for Your Owatonna Adventure
Need a plan? These itineraries highlight the top 10 attractions for different interests.
Cultural Day Trip
- Morning: Tour the National Farmers’ Bank (1 hour). Book at visitowatonna.org.
- Afternoon: Visit the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum (1.5 hours). Check orphanagemuseum.com.
- Evening: Explore the Owatonna Arts Center and join a workshop (1.5 hours). Visit oacarts.org.
Family Fun Weekend (Summer)
- Day 1 Morning: Splash at River Springs Water Park (2 hours). Book at secure.rec1.com.
- Day 1 Afternoon: Visit the RAD Zoo for a reptile show (1.5 hours). Check theradzoo.com.
- Day 1 Evening: Dine at Torey’s Restaurant & Bar (1 hour).
- Day 2 Morning: Play at Lake Kohlmier Park with paddleboats and the playground (2 hours).
- Day 2 Afternoon: Explore Cabela’s wildlife displays (1.5 hours).
- Day 2 Evening: Geocache at Kaplan’s Woods Park (1.5 hours). Borrow a kit at owatonna.gov.
Fair and Outdoor Day (August 2026)
- Morning: Visit the Steele County Free Fair for rides and exhibits (2 hours). Check scff.org.
- Afternoon: Explore the Village of Yesteryear (1.5 hours).
- Evening: Play disc golf at Kaplan’s Woods Park (1.5 hours).
Top 10 Things to Do Directory
| Attraction | Type | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Farmers’ Bank | Historical Site | 101 N Cedar Ave | visitowatonna.org |
| Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum | Museum | 540 W Hills Cir | orphanagemuseum.com |
| River Springs Water Park | Water Park | 3065 St Paul Rd | secure.rec1.com |
| Kaplan’s Woods Park | Park | 1500 Lemond Rd | owatonna.gov |
| Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo | Zoo | 6750 Frontage Rd W, Medford | theradzoo.com |
| Steele County Free Fair | Event | 1525 S Cedar Ave | scff.org |
| Village of Yesteryear | Museum | 1431 Austin Rd | schsmn.org |
| Lake Kohlmier Park | Park | 602 E Main St | owatonna.gov |
| Owatonna Arts Center | Art Center | 435 Garden View Ln | oacarts.org |
| Cabela’s | Retail/Attraction | 3900 Cabela Dr | cabelas.com |
Why Owatonna’s Top 10 Will Captivate You
Owatonna’s top 10 attractions offer a perfect mix of history, adventure, and community spirit. From the architectural splendor of the National Farmers’ Bank to the family-friendly thrills of River Springs Water Park, each experience invites you to connect with the city’s unique character. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Owatonna promises memories that will linger long after your visit.
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