Perfect Day Itineraries

History Comes Alive!

Visit Owatonna in the second weekend of July and you can be a part of history!

Day one - Friday

7 AM - Noon:
Make your way to Owatonna in time to shop the Farmers' Market in Central Park. Vendors line the ‘town square' displaying beautiful hand-made items, homemade foods & fresh produce.

11 AM:
Cross the street and discover historic downtown in the National Farmer's Bank, designed by world-renowned architect Louis Sullivan. The bank building is famous for its Prairie School architecture. Take a closer look at the historic downtown, homes, churches and schools with a self-guided walking tour. Pick-up your guide book at the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

12:30 PM:
Relax and enjoy the historic buildings, coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants downtown. For treats of the chocolate sort stop by Costa's Café & Chocolate Shop featuring delicious hand-made/hand-dipped candies. Discover a variety of perfect lunch spots to choose from downtown.

2:30 PM:
Tour the State School Orphanage Museum and learn the story of Minnesota's orphans. Between 1886-1945, 10,635 orphans passed through the only State School Orphanage in the country. Take a guided tour, watch videos and hear stories as told by those who lived at the orphanage.

5 PM:
Enjoy an evening of cowboy fare and entertainment during the Chuckwagon Supper at the Village of Yesteryear, the kickoff to their annual historic Extravaganza!

8 PM:
Relax and enjoy the rest of the evening with coffee and pie at Owatonna's Family Restaurant or a specialty martini at Torey's restaurant. Hospitality and a good night sleep await you back at your hotel.

Day two - Saturday

9 AM:
Rise and shine and discover Owatonna's Parks and Trails for a brisk walk through Kaplan's Wood's or enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake Kohlmeier.

11 AM - 5 PM:
Music, food, historic demonstrations, blacksmithing, soap making, handwork demonstrations, horse-drawn rides, antique tractor show and more at the Steele County Historical Society's, Village of Yesteryear Extravaganza. The Old West Society of Minnesota will be on hand to entertain you and take you back to the "old west". All Village buildings are open to enjoy. Free admission, donations are appreciated.

*Events and times are subject to change. Contact the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce and Tourism for up to date details.*

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