Perfect Day Itineraries

Architect's Dream

Visit the sites and hear stories of Owatonna's Architectural past. Visit the works of Louis Sullivan, Edwin Lundie, and many more.

Day Trip

Discover historic downtown and the National Farmer's Bank. 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 National Register of Historic Places and was commemorated on a United States postage stamp in 1981.

With the architectural design help of Edwin Lundie, visit the exterior of the Daniel C. Gainey Conference Center. Completed in 1957, the French Norman estate once served as a home to Daniel Gainey, majority owner of Jostens. The attention to detail and fine craftsmanship is shown throughout the home. For guided tours of the Gainey Home, contact the Gainey Conference Center.

The Gainey Conference Center is also home to Frank Gehry's Winton Guest House. The guesthouse is an intricate structure designed by internationally-acclaimed Frank Gehry for Mike and Penny Winton in 1987. The 2,300 square foot home once served as a guest house on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The Winton Guesthouse was donated to the University of St. Thomas in 2007 and now resides on the Gainey Conference Center's grounds. The house features an exhibition about the Wintons, Gehry, and the relocation of the house which was once names a Time Magazine House of the Year. To request a tour the Winton Guesthouse, click here.

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. Visit the sites of buildings that listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Historic Walking Tour Guide Brochure is available at the Owatonna Chamber. The Historic Walking Tour includes buildings designed by Warren Dunnell, Hammel Brothers and Purcell, Feick & Elmslie.

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