If ever there was the need for a getaway, about now sure feels like the time. Owatonna is a great place to safely escape now that Minnesota has started to relax social distancing restrictions
Float on through the river
Have you ever noticed when your kayaking down the river and your compass points north? Well, that happens often when rowing down the Straight River in Owatonna. Enjoy a nice summer afternoon paddling through town and meeting up with your pick-up crew in Medford!
Take a self-guided audio tourS
The Orphanage Museum welcomes you to tour the six outdoor audio stations located throughout the State School grounds. The first station is located just north of the flag pole plaza in front of the City Administration Building. Each station guides you to each historic site, such as Boys’ Cottage 11, the Children’s Cemetery, Root Cellar, Flag Pole Plaza, Rock Garden, and 1898 School Monument. Not only does this self-guided tour give the history of the State School, it also loops you though the grounds so you may take in the historic architecture and re-faced Root Cellar. Also check out the Village of Yesteryear at the Steele County Historical Center
Kaplan’s woods is great for social Distancing
One of the Owatonna’s most popular recreation areas is Kaplan’s Woods Parkway, which offers 225 acres for hiking, biking and jogging. Within this scenic parkway, Lake Kohlmier offers a beach facility for swimming, canoeing and docks for fishing. The Kaplan’s Woods Parkway contains over 6 miles of hiking and nearly two miles of hard-surfaced, handicapped-accessible trails. This recreation area is so popular that it was featured as 1 of 10 fall hikes by Explore Minnesota’s Hike Campaign in 2018. Restrooms and facilities located at Morehouse Park. Maps are located along the trail. For the avid mountain biker, the new mountain bike trail system will leave you breathless. Find outdoor equipment rentals for all seasons at Straight River Sports & Fitness.
Where to Stay while visiting
You’ll feel safe whether you are visiting one of our campgrounds, state parks or hotels. Our partners been working hard to put additional measures in place to protect you and your family against coronavirus transmission. Call ahead to ensure availability.
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OWATONNA MAPS
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