No matter which of our interesting attractions you choose to visit, rest assured that you will be greeted by the friendly faces of the people of Owatonna! Whether planning a day trip or a longer tour - Owatonna has the people and amenities to make sure your visit is a pleasant one!
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Village of Yesteryear
1448 Austin Road | 507-451-1420
Open: May 1 - September 30
Guided Tours: Tuesday-Sunday at 1:30pm Experience what life was like in Owatonna at the turn of the 20th Century at the Village of Yesteryear. Presented by the Steele County Historical Society, the 15 structure site has become a landmark in the county and a historic treasure. The Village of Yesteryear features two log cabins, railroad station and a caboose from Steele County, general store/post office, fire station, farm machinery building, blacksmith shop, country school, Dunnell mansion, and the St. Wenceslaus of Moravia Church. The buildings are furnished according to the time they were built, and are connected by a boardwalk. Tours are $5.00 for adults, students ages 7-16 are $3.00, and children under the age of 6 are free with an adult. Allow 1 1/2 hours for the tour. Visit Website |
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Cabela's World's Foremost Outfitter
3900 Cabela Drive | 507-451-4545
Cabela's is the largest fishing, hunting and outdoor gear store in the Midwest and a place the whole family can enjoy. With three million visitors a year, it is the second most popular tourist attraction in Minnesota. Visit Website |
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National Farmers' Bank
101 N Cedar Avenue | 507-451-5670
Self-Guided Tours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am - 5pm, Sat. 8am - 4pm
Built from 1906-1908, the National Farmers' Bank is widely recognized as one of the premier pieces of "Prairie School Architecture" in America. The most famous of all Louis Sullivan's banks, it is considered "a jewel box of the prairie", featuring gold leaf arches, stained glass windows, and nouveau baroque art designs. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and was commemorated on a United States postage stamp in 1981. Visitors from all over the United States and many other countries visit the bank annually. No admission fee. |
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Russell Stover Candies, Inc.
4500 West Frontage Road | 507-451-9127
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9am - 8pm, Sun. 11am - 7pm
The Russell Stover Candies store features a full selection of Russell Stover boxed candies and chocolates! The candy kitchen offers handmade specialties, cookies, brittle, caramel apples and more! The ice cream parlor serves delicious Blue Bell's hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes, floats and shakes. Build a box of your favorite Russell Stover chocolates or select from one of the many gift baskets! Kids Zone filled with fun treats for kids and adults of all ages. Buses always welcome! Visit Website |
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State School Orphanage Museum
540 West Hills Circle | 507-774-7369
Guided & Self-Guided Tours:
Minnesota's only state-run orphanage (1886 - 1945) is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Self-Guided Tour: A Museum is located in the Administration Building where you can watch videos and see photos and artifacts which tell the story of the children who lived this history. Explore the campus by following the 6-station Outdoor Audio Tour which leads you to historic sites such as Cottage 11, the Children's Cemetery, Root Cellar, Flag Pole Plaza, Rock Garden and 1898 School Monument… to name a few
Group Tours: Include a presentation by Harvey Ronglien (former Ward of the State 1932 - 1943), a Museum visit, Cottage 11 tour, and viewing of 1930's video. Tours may be booked through the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism 800-423-6466. Admission charged for group tours.
Museum Hours: Mon - Fri (8am - 5pm) & Sat - Sun (1pm - 5pm)
Cottage 11 (May 1 - Labor Day): Tues - Fri (12pm - 4pm) & Sat - Sun (1pm - 4pm)
Cottage 11 (Labor Day - May 1): Tues - Sat (1pm - 3pm). Visit Website |
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Owatonna Arts Center
435 Garden View Lane | 507-451-0533
Self-Guided Tour Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 1pm - 5pm
Spend an afternoon enjoying the current art exhibit at the Owatonna Art Center and the diverse group of works by local and regional artists, which comprises the majority of the OAC permanent collection. For over 35 years, the Owatonna Arts Center has been a cultural beacon serving community members by inviting them to explore, experience, and engage in unique and meaningful art experiences. No admission fee - donations appreciated. Visit Website |
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RAD Zoo — Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Zoo
3297 County Road 45 N | 1-888-4-RADZOO
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am - 6pm, Sun. Noon - 5pm
Self-Guided Tour: Come and experience the amazing creatures of the reptile and amphibian world including snakes, turtles, lizards, crocodilians, toads, frogs, and salamanders. Our zoo is home to 100 kinds of animals from all over the world. Catch our daily "Everglades Encounter", followed by an opportunity to pet an alligator or a snake. Show Times: Mon.-Fri. 4:30pm; Sat. 11:30am, 2pm, & 4:30pm; Sun. 1:30pm & 4pm. Admission charged. Visit Website |
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Historic Walking Tour
Self-Guided Tour: Encounter a blend of architectural styles from the late 1800s to early 1900s during the Historic Walking Tour including historic homes, schools, churches and other buildings. The Historic Walking Tour Guide Brochure is available at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism or online - click here |
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Historic Holiday House Tour
1st Saturday in December | Noon - 5 pm
Guided Tour: Visit unique homes in Steele County, decorated for the holidays. All houses have an interesting story to tell. Admission charged. Tickets are available at the Steele County Historical Society and the homes. Visit Website |
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Steele County History Center
1700 Austin Road | 507-451-1420
Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri. 10am - 4pm; Thurs. 10am - 8pm; Sat. 11am - 3pm
New in 2012, the fully accessible Steele County History Center will feature rotating exhibits, displays, and educational programming relative to Steele County and Minnesota history. The Center also features a multipurpose room and mini theater that are available for rent for public and private functions. For more information about the Center please check the SCHS website. Adult admission is $5.00, Children 7-16 is $3.00, Children 6 & under are FREE. Groups of 20+ are $4.00 (Village or HC) both are $8.00 per person. Visit Website |
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Frank Gehry's Winton Guest House
Gainey Conference Center, 2480 S County Rd 45 |
507-446-4460
Guided or Self-Guided Tours: The Winton Guesthouse is an intricate structure designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Frank Gehry. The Guest House, named a Time Magazine House of the Year, was created by Gehry for Mike and Penny Winton in 1987 and is the only Gehry-designed residence open for public viewing. In addition to unique architectural design and application, the house features an exhibit about the Wintons, Gehry, and the relocation of the home to the Gainey Estate. Open seasonally. Group tour packages are available by reservation only. Visit Website |
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Oakview Nursery
7921 County Road 45 S. | 507-451-0454
With over 25 activities and attractions, Oakview Nursery offers a day full of family activities for all ages. It's the perfect location for birthday parties, family or company gatherings. Spend the day and have old fashioned family fun! Seasonal, call or visit website for current hours and information. Visit Website |
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Medford Outlet Center
North of owatonna on i-35 - Exit 48
www.medfordoutletcenter.com
507-451-4111
Shop at great stores like GAP, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, Nike Clearance Store, Maurices, Lane Bryant, The Children's Place, Bass, Levi's, Gymboree, Carter's and many more unique retail stores at outlet prices Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm.
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Attractions & Tours