Whether you are coming to visit for a few hours, a few days, or longer - we hope your stay in Owatonna is a pleasant one. Nearly 25,000 people call Owatonna home. It is a community where progress and growth are built on a strong foundation of history. Owatonna has something for all ages to enjoy.

Owatonna is a beautiful tree-filled city built on the shores of the Straight River. Surrounded by farmland and prairie and teeming with parks and trails, Owatonna is a mecca for people who enjoy outdoor recreation and nature. Famous for its four colorful seasons, you can enjoy our "great outdoors" throughout the year. Our beautiful springs and crisp autumns full of vivid color are delightful times to visit.

The founding of the community was based on the proximity to the Straight River and Maple Creek. Today, location remains key to Owatonna's success as the city is positioned at the intersection of I-35 and US Highways 14 and 218, just one hour south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and 30-minutes north of I-90. Owatonna enjoys one of the most accessible locations in Minnesota.

So please, take a closer look at Owatonna and stay a while!

Directory of Services

Why the name "oh-wa-tah-na"?

Legend has it...

Chief Wabena heard of the curing waters called minnewaucan. His daughter, Princess Owatonna, was very frail so he moved his tribe to the site of the natural springs on the banks of Maple Creek. Princess Owatonna drank from the springs daily and recovered her health. Her kindly spirit hovers near the bubbling waters and beckons weary travelers to pause in the beautiful valley and drink of the magic waters.

True Origins...

For hundreds of years before the arrival of the first white settlers, Native Americans camped on the banks of a river they called "Ouitunya," which means "straight" and is today the name of the major river in Steele County.

Owatonna welcomes you to visit the springs and the statue of Princess Owatonna at Mineral Springs Park.

Did you know these fun facts about Owatonna?

	Bushel Boy Tomatos Have you sliced into a plump, juicy Bushel Boy tomato lately? Every single Bushel Boy tomato is grown right here in Owatonna MN, nowhere else!
	Owl City Ever listened to the song "Fireflies" by National recording artist Owl City? Adam Young, an Owatonna native, began his music career in the basement of his parent's home.
	Viracon, Inc Viracon Inc., an Owatonna company, fabricated 800,000 square feet of glass for the windows of World Trade Center Tower One, also known as the Freedom Tower in New York City.
	Cybex Inernational, Inc Cybex Iinternational, Inc., an Owatonna manufacturer of premium exercise equipment, was named Fitness Equipment Partner to the hit TV show The Biggest Loser in 2011!
	Angus The movie Angus (1995) was filmed at the Owatonna High School including the football team and marching band. The film stars Charlie Talbert and James Van Der Beek in their first film roles, as well as Chris Owen, Ariana Richards, George C. Scott, Kathy Bates and Rita Moreno.
	Jostens, Inc. Manufacturing high-quality class rings for high school and college students, Jostens, Inc., an Owatonna company, has produced specially commissioned rings for the World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Championship, & NHL Stanley Cup.
	Interstate 35 Steele County has a part of the oldest section of interstate in MN—also the most commonly traveled.
	Sequence The popular game, Sequence, was invented by Owatonna native Doug Reuter in 1970's.
	Steele County Free Fair The Steele County Free Fair (SCFF) is the largest free county fair in Minnesota.