Perfect Day Itineraries

Back In Time History Tour

Every city has their story. Learn about Owatonna's story in this fun history tour of the city.

Day Trip

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.

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 Moravia Church. The buildings are furnished according to the time they were built, and are connected by a board walk. Discover more about the Village of Yesteryear thru their website.

Located immediately adjacent to the Village of Yesteryear, the new Steele County History Center illustrates history beyond the Village of Yesteryear circa 1920. Archives, artifacts, antiques and fascinating personal mementoes will be shared through displays, tours, oral history, genealogical research, school programs, workshops, community presentations, preservation initiatives and publications. The newest tourist attraction to Owatonna offers facilities for meetings and events and a catering kitchen. A small theatre within the Center will be used for group to view documentaries, movies or to host presentations.

The Minnesota State School Orphanage for Dependent and Neglected Children plays a major part in Owatonna and Minnesota history. Tour the State School Orphanage Museum and learn the story of Minnesota's orphans. Between 1886-1945, over 10,000 orphans passed through this State School Orphanage, the only one in the country. Take a guided tour, watch videos and hear stories as told by those who lived at the orphanage. Visit their website for hours.

If you were a farmer back in the early 1900's, there was only one place to do your banking. 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.

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. Visit Downtown Owatonna, residential exteriors and Owatonna's murals throughout your walking tour.

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