Top Things to Do in Owatonna
Things to Do in Owatonna
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40 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Speciality & Gift Shops • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Showing results 1-30 of 40
What travelers are saying
- Mark HFond du Lac, WI3,002 contributionsThis bank is a national treasure and a must-see if you're in southern Minnesota even if you're not a bug fan of the prairie school style. It's free and they welcome visitors and photos.
There's a historical marker across the street in the park that give a good overview if you can't make it inside. The stained glass windows are exceptional in the twilight.
I'm glad I finally made it inside to walk around.Written July 9, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - cenztIowa5,821 contributionsAverage trip. We arrived at approximately 1 pm and made our way inside cottage 11 to tour first. We were met promptly by a tour guide who first sat us down in the living room, where we watched a short documentary about the cottage. The documentary was narrated by an individual who actually spent the majority of his childhood in the cottage. He went over what life was like in the cottage, as well as providing a little bit of background information on the workers who worked there. The tour guide then took us through the cottage, going through each individual room, and explaining what each room was used for. She even told us some stories about the children who lived there! After the guided tour was done, we were free to go through the house on our own. There were several audio stations in the rooms, in which we could hear recounts of memories that took place inside of the cottage. After touring the cottage, we went into the city hall building, which housed the main museum on the first floor. It consisted of a single wrap around hallway, that contained artifacts and small informational plaques, explaining how life was like at the orphanage. I would have liked to see a bigger exhibit/better display of objects.
Tip: I recommend spending 4 hours here if you truly want to see everything. Check the website for the most updated hours to tour the cottage, as that was the highlight of the trip.Written August 8, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Clare LTucson12 contributionsThis is a charming place to wander around for an hour or so and learn the early history of Owatonna.Written October 11, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Judy PBlue Earth, United States15 contributionsThis small, no frills, zoo offers up a large array of reptiles & amphibians. The staff was welcoming and accommodating . They brought out a snake for children to have an “up close encounter “ and also a young alligator. They have a seating area for daily demonstrations . Cost of admission is reasonable and you enter and exit through a small gift shop.Written April 4, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Healthy MMinneapolis, MN27 contributionsFun park with walking trails, bridges, unique playground equipment, horseshoe pits and restroom facilities. Plenty of shade if needed with some picnic tables and benches.Written July 31, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carl WOwatonna, MN777 contributionsWe have been here many times for fund raising events and such. This time was for the Friends of OAC Luncheon. Silvan Durban did a fantastic job along with all the other people involved. The location is great to visit with all the history of the Orphanage and art work, including the stain glass portable walls.
No matter what the reason to go here, it is always very relaxing.Written October 2, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Pat KOwatonna, MN90 contributionsOwatonna has a wonderful library. The staff are helpful. Very clean facility. They are a part of the SELCO system and I can reserve so many items, even if this library does not have it.Written January 4, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TriCityDudeSaginaw, MI744 contributionsNice hilly terrain and very well marked trails. Perfect for a winter hike through the serene woods and spot animals and lots of animal tracks and walk by the partially frozen creeks.Written December 28, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BVELockMankato, MN268 contributionsI stopped at this state park on a day trip to do some hiking. This park is located right on Rice Lake and is heavily wooded. There are some nice trails but it can be buggy so bring bug spray. The office and gift shop was still closed during my visit. The only complaint I have is that park bathroom and picnic shelter were older and could use some upgrades. I would stop back at this park again.Written July 21, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cmiller1 contributionWe enjoyed our visit to SCHS. The village of local historical buildings was not open when we visited, it is open during the summer months. We look forward to going back when the village is open. SCHS holds a variety of events for all ages throughout the year. There was off street parking available. The fee was $5 per person (for non-society members).Written January 10, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dave KOwatonna, MN100 contributionsThis lake is a reclaimed gravel pit. I hear the fishing can decent.
I just like to hangout here the my 5 year old grandson throwing rocks.Written October 7, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kelly S2 contributionsMy husband and I met each other opening this store:) So many great memories, I wish I got back more often to visit:) SO HELLO to anyone who remembers Kelly from the Archery department :)Written September 13, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Clare LTucson12 contributionsA nice little park to spend a few hours in enjoying the scenery and cool weather. Well kept up and easy access.Written October 11, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Our Fork in the Road33 contributionsWe thought it was a depot you could take a tour through. We were wrong, it’s a meeting place. We did walk around the building.Written June 26, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ingodwetrusttodayOwatonna, MN100 contributionsOwatonna's summer fun for the kids. The staff is one of the best things there. They are very attentive, run a tight ship. There are plenty of sun umbrellas to hide in the shade. Lots of lounge and lawn chairs. Always check their website or call before you go. Last year, we went three times before we actually got in, because they had not opened because it was not a certain temp by 11:00...Written March 19, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Owatonna
- The top attractions to visit in Owatonna are:
- RAD Zoo (Reptile Amphibian Discovery Zoo)
- State School Orphanage Museum
- Prairie School Bank
- Village of Yesteryear
- Mineral Springs Park
- The best outdoor activities in Owatonna according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- RAD Zoo (Reptile Amphibian Discovery Zoo)
- Mineral Springs Park
- Rice Lake State Park
- Kaplan's Woods Parkway
- Lake Kohlmier
- The most popular things to do in Owatonna with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- State School Orphanage Museum
- RAD Zoo (Reptile Amphibian Discovery Zoo)
- Village of Yesteryear
- Mineral Springs Park
- Rice Lake State Park