Whether you are staying for a weekend or just visiting for a day, there are many things to do in Owatonna. From arts to history to sports to food, here are our top 10 things to do in Owatonna.
1. Grab a beer and a bite a Foremost Brewing Cooperative. Built originally as a furniture store in the late 19th century, Foremost's historic building is a good first stop. Have a beer, cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage and grab a bite. You will want a full tummy as you explore all Owatonna has to offer.
2. Be wowed by the historic National Farmers’ Bank. This beautiful bank building was designed by Louis Sullivan and has decorative elements by George Elmslie. Built in 1908, it was the first of Sullivan's "jewel box" bank designs. It is truly a “gem.”
3. Eat some Chocolate. Costas Candies, right across the street from the bank, has been in business for over 100 years. Rumor has it they make the best truffles you can find. Our favorite is the champagne truffle. Or maybe it’s the caramel. Or the Grand Marnier. Or the Amaretto. Or the cheesecake. Or . . .
4. Check out the Farmers Market. May 1 through October 31, farmers and artisans set up all around Central Park each Saturday morning until noon. Whether you are looking for something sweet (honey, caramel rolls, or cookies), something healthy (fruits and vegetables), local art (paintings, knit items, or wood crafts), or just want to people watch, the farmers market is the place to be on a summer Saturday.
5. Do a little shopping. Downtown Owatonna is home to a number of unique stores. Whether you are looking for clothing or housewares or art, Owatonna is your one-stop shop.
6. Bike, run, ski, or hike the trails in Kaplan’s Woods. Kaplan's Woods offers free admission and parking, well-marked trail maps, and nearly 7 miles of trails. These trails range from easy to intermediate, and include hills, dirt terrain, and heavily wooded landscape. They connect to over 10 miles of paved trails the run throughout the town.
7. Visit the State School Orphanage Museum. Did you know Minnesota once had a state orphanage? The Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children was built in Owatonna 1886 and closed in 1945. The museum uses exhibits of artifacts, as well as video and audio stations to tell the story of the more than 10,000 children who came through the school.
8. Get artsy. The Owatonna Arts Center is on the grounds of the State School Orphanage Museum. This beautiful building boast galleries, classes, concerts, and an event space.
9. Come on a Downtown Thursday. On the evenings of the first Thursdays of June, July, August, and September, Owatonna closes the first three blocks of Cedar to cars and fills them with food trucks, bands and local artists.
10. Grab a crowler or merch from Foremost Brewing Cooperative! Before you head out of town, be sure to stop by Foremost again. A crowler of your favorite beer and a Foremost t-shirt or a pint glass will be a lovely mementos of the time you spent in Owatonna.
There are many things to do in Owatonna! We have listed only our top 10. If you need additional ideas, feel free to reach out or ask one of our servers when you stop in for a beer and a bite. We love sharing our town!