Perfect Day Itineraries

A Place for the Whole Family

No matter how young or old - there is always family fun in Owatonna.

Day One

Experience the amazing creatures at the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo (RAD Zoo), which world includes snakes, turtles, lizards, crocodiles, toads, frogs and salamanders. The zoo is home to 100 kinds of animals from all over the world. Come see crocodiles, caimans, pythons, a banded bamboo shark, a snowflake eel, and poison dart frogs in the newest exhibit the "Danger Zone." Catch the daily "Everglades Encounter," followed by an opportunity to pet an alligator or a snake.

Open year round, the Great Serengeti Indoor Water Park is decorated with trees, a life-size giraffe, a hippopotamus kids slide and a spraying elephant. Kids play area with a zero-entry pool, Kilimanjaro tube slide, python body slide, the relaxing lazy Zambezi River and water basketball.

During the summer the family can enjoy River Springs Water Park, featuring 2 water slides, lazy river, zero-depth entry with play features, lily pad walk, sand volleyball court, activity pool with water basketball, and a climbing wall.

In need of a sugar rush? 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 ice cream, sundaes, floats and shakes. Build a box of your favorite chocolates or select from one of the many gift baskets. Kids Zone filled with fun treats for kids and adults of all ages.

Looking for an adventure? Adventure Greens Miniature Golf is Owatonna's 18-hole miniature golf course is designed to challenge guests of all ages. Water hazards and a boulder bank shots make for interesting play.

Day Two

Cabela's is the largest fishing, hunting and outdoor gear store in the Midwest. With nearly four million visitors a year, it is the second most popular tourist attraction in Minnesota. In 2011 the store underwent a $5.5 million remodel, which added an additional 10,000- square feet of retail space, a new archery range and tech shop and a new boat showroom. Cabela's also offers an educational center that celebrates the outdoors and the men and women who enjoy it and a park-like restaurant serving outstanding deli-style fare (including elk and bison), that brings the great outdoors, indoors.

Visiting in the fall? Families will enjoy an old fashioned day of fun at Oak View Nursery's pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch also offers a bounce house, inflatable tug-of-war, corn maze, wagon rides and a petting zoo. Oak View also has all your decorating needs: mums, straw, corn stalks, gourds, pumpkins and more.

Known for its "healing waters," Mineral Springs Park is the birthplace of Owatonna and where the legendary Princess Owatonna watches over the water. Drink from the natural springs to hope to be healed. It's a great location for an afternoon picnic and hike. While at the park challenge your children to a round of disc golf at the disc golf course.

If you are visiting the third week in August - attend the Steele County Free Fair, the largest free county fair in Minnesota! Held the third week in August, the SCFF has over 100 food vendors and activities for all ages. For one week the fairgrounds in Owatonna rivals as a large shopping center. Vendors from over 25 states and Canada bring their wide range of goods to Owatonna. At the SCFF thrill seekers can enjoy the 30 plus rides or one of the many attractions in adventure alley. Music lovers of all ages can visit the free entertainment stages as they enjoy a variety of music throughout the week.

For more itineraries and activities in Owatonna, contact the Tourism Department 800-423-6466.