• MEETINGS
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Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & TourismOwatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & TourismOwatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & TourismOwatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
  • ABOUT
    • HISTORY OF OWATONNA
    • VISITOR INFORMATION
  • THINGS TO DO
  • OUTDOORS
  • DINING
  • EVENTS
  • PLAN YOUR VISIT
  • PLACES TO STAY

GROUP TOUR PLANNING

Treasures Await to be explored

In the heart of Southern Minnesota, Owatonna has been at the crossroads of history for decades. From unforgettable history to architectural masterpieces to bountiful argriculture, Owatonna showcases an array of treasures to explore! Call the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism for pricing and availability for your next Group Tour!

 

Visit Owatonna Invites You

Visit the heart of Southern Minnesota where there’s so much to do for all ages, interests and budgets. Explore the world of State Schoolers, Louis Sullivan architecture and early Minnesota history. Enjoy outdoor adventures, local and international “foodie” experiences, shopping and much more.

Whatever the size of your group, our staff will create your very own customized tour schedule. Leave the details to us, we guarantee you will receive friendly and helpful service.

Tour guide services are available for tour buses and large groups when reservations are made in advance of a visit. Check out our Group Tour attractions and services below!

For special summertime itineraries click here.

Summer Group Itineraries

After your tour, stop by other group-friendly businesses like Russell Stover Chocolates, Country Goods, the candy counter at Costas’ Candies, and the fiber arts store, Straight River Rug Hooking and Fiber Arts.

With so many things to do in Owatonna, it’s hard to see them all in one day. We are happy to reach out to our local lodging properties to secure room blocks for your group.

Step Back In Time Group Tour Package

For group tour inquiries, email Anne Peterson,  apeterson@owatonna.org  or click the button below.

Learn more about group tours!

Call us at: 800-423-6466
Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitter
Address: 3900 Cabela drive – off I-35 | Phone: 507-451-4545
Website: www.cabelas.com
Operations: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-7pm

Get ready for your outdoor adventure at one of the largest fishing, hunting and outdoor retail stores in the Midwest. Cabelas also features 100 game mounts, museum-quality dioramas, three aquariums, and outdoor lifestyle classes. After stocking up on quality outdoor products, get a sweet treat in the fudge shop (made fresh, daily). Just down the road pick up chocolate, brittle, caramel gifts, and ice cream at Russell Stover Candies.

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

historic-walking-tour-owatonnaEncounter 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. The Historic Walking Tour Guide Brochure is available at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism and can also be viewed online (click here).  Allow 1 hour for the  guided group tour. Admission is $5/person with a minimum charge of $50/group.

Little Theatre of Owatonna

Address: 560 Dunnell Dr | Phone: 507-451-0764 | https://littletheatreofowatonna.org/

Get your group together, and head to Owatonna to experience its live theater and rich history! A Little Theatre of Owatonna production is the perfect activity for our group tours and can be coordinated with several other local attractions for a full day, or 2 day visit.

 

It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Pick the show you would like to see
  2. Pick the date you would like to see it
  3. Leave the rest of the planning up to us

We will coordinate the rest of the tour, including restaurant reservations, and hotel reservations to fit your interests and timeline.

NATIONAL FARMERS’ BANK
Address: 101 N Cedar Avenue | Phone: 800-423-6466
Operations: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-12pm

The National Farmers’ Bank is a premier example of Prairie School Architecture and was named one of the “11 Can’t-Miss Stops on a Tour of America’s Hidden Architecture Gems”. The bank was designed in the early 1900s by Louis Sullivan who was known as the “father of the skyscraper”and Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor. The National Farmers Bank became the first, and most famous of Louis Sullivan’s “jewel box” banks. The building features gold leaf arches, stained glass windows, ornate terra cotta, and 2-ton electroliers. Now an operating Wells Fargo, the bank is located across from Central Park in Historic Downtown. Take a self-guided tour or call the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism to organize a group tour.  Allow 45 minutes  for the  guided group tour. Admission is $5/person with a minimum charge of $50/group.

ORPHANAGE MUSEUM
Address: 540 West Hills Circle | Phone: 507-774-7369
Website: www.orphanagemuseum.com

Operations: Museum M-F 8am-5pm & Sat-Sun 1pm-5pm | Cottage 11 Tues-Sun 1pm-4pm from May 1 to Labor Day and 1pm-3pm other months. Closed Jan and Feb. Call to make an appointment during off hours.

Approximately 10,635 orphaned, abandoned or abused children were sent to Owatonna between 1886 and 1945 to live at the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children, located on what is now called the West Hills Campus. The historic campus is now home to the Owatonna Arts Center, the Little Theatre of Owatonna, City offices and the only known Orphanage Museum in the nation. The museum was founded by a former “State-Schooler” to remember the children who lived there. Explore the Museum, historic Cottage 11, the Children’s Cemetery, and an audio tour to get a glimpse of what life was like for the children who called the State School their home. Whether you schedule a guided group tour or choose a self-guided visit, you will find unforgettable history awaiting you. Allow 1 1/2 hours for the  guided group tour. Admission charged.

OWATONNA ARTS CENTER
Address: 435 Garden View Lane | Phone: 507-451-0533
Website: www.oacarts.org
Self-Guided Tours: Tuesday-Sunday 1pm-5pm

Spend an afternoon enjoying the current art exhibit at the Owatonna Art Center and the diverse group of works by local and regional artists, which comprises the majority of the OAC permanent collection. For over 35 years, the Owatonna Arts Center has been a cultural beacon serving community members by inviting them to explore, experience, and engage in unique and meaningful art experiences. The Owatonna Arts Center is housed on the West Hills Campus where the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children was in operation from 1886 until 1945. Make sure to check out the beautiful stained glass windows that were salvaged from a local church. Walk down the hall to the Orphanage Museum to learn more about the rich history of the State School. No Admission Fee – donations appreciated.

OWATONNA Public Utilities
Address: 208 Walnut Ave S | Phone: 800-423-6466
Operations: Monday-Wednesday 8-5, Thursday 8-6, and Friday 8-4

With 3 smokestacks, behind the  signature red neon lettering; the old Owatonna Power Plant stands to this day as a local landmark. The original municipal power plant was built in 1855 as a steam power plant. After the Straight River flooded the building in 2010, the plant shut down. The inside was renovated in 2015 to house the Owatonna Public Utilities headquarters. The building still has its original iconic structure and powerful sense of space.
Take a walk through the lower level of the building to see parts of the original plant incorporated in the renovated architecture. Take group tour to learn about the plant’s history and visit all three floors, including the top floor with a one-of-a-kind view of the city. Contact the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism to organize a tour.
Guided Tours Available. Allow 45 minutes for tour. Admission is $5/person with a minimum charge of $50/group.

STEELE COUNTY HISTORY SOCIETY
Address: 1700 Austin Road | Phone: 507-451-1420
Website: www.schsmn.org
Operations: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, Thursday 10am-8pm, Saturday 11am-3pm

Immerse yourself in the history of Steele County and Minnesota at the Steele County History Center. The beautiful new building is also home to many events throughout the year.  Visit the Village of Yesteryear next door (guided tours May-September). Free-will admission to the History Center. Check website for current exhibits.

STEP BACK IN TIME: OWATONNA GROUP TOUR PACKAGE
Phone: 800.423.6466

Spend a full day with your group on the Step Back in Time tour in Owatonna. Your tour will feature the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum, Village of Yesteryear, Steele County History Center, and Louis Sullivan Bank. Lunch is included in this complete package. We look forward to hearing from you! Offered seasonally May 1 -September 30.  Click here for details

Owatonna Mystery Tour
Phone: 800.423.6466

Keep the destination and activities a secret from your group. Add excitement back into your trips. Let us know your desired dates, attractions, and activities and we will help put together a custom itinerary! Take a look at our Mystery Tour Brochure for trip ideas.
Click here for details

VILLAGE OF YESTERYEAR
Address: 1448 Austin Road | Phone: 507-451-1420
Website: https://www.schsmn.org/village-of-yesteryear
Operations: May 1 – September 30, Tuesday – Sunday at 1:30pm

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 19 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 of Moravia Church. The buildings are furnished according to the time they were built, and are connected by a boardwalk. Allow 1 1/2 hours for the tour. Admission charged.


scroll Down To…

Historic Walking Tour

Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitter

National Farmers’ Bank

Orphanage Museum

Owatonna Public Utilities

Step Back In Time: Group Tour Package

Village of Yesteryear

Owatonna Mystery Tour

REQUEST A FREE VISITOR’S GUIDE
Request your free Visitor’s Guide and see what Owatonna has to offer. Order now »

OWATONNA MAPS
Check out our maps for places to dine and shop. View maps »

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    ABOUT

    Let Owatonna’s charm draw you in as you stroll our historic downtown, catch a concert in Central Park, play a game of pickleball, and snack on artisan chocolates. Step back in time at our museums and historic buildings and enjoy the outdoors by hiking, biking or skiing our trails.
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    CONTACT US

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    Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

    120 South Oak Ave.
    Owatonna, MN 55060

    Email
    oacct@owatonna.org

    Phone
    800-423-6466
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    • ABOUT
      • HISTORY OF OWATONNA
      • VISITOR INFORMATION
      • PHOTO GALLERY
    • THINGS TO DO
    • OUTDOORS
    • DINING
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    • PLAN YOUR VISIT
    • PLACES TO STAY
    • MEETINGS
    • REUNIONS
    • TOURNAMENTS
    Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism