Owatonna is home to Minnesota’s Largest FREE County Fair! The Steele County Free Fair, held the third week in August, has over 100 food vendors and activities for all ages.

Day One

Upon arrival in Owatonna, check-in to one of our ten lodging properties. Unpack and apply sunscreen for a fun-filled day at the fair!

3 PM: Take in the sights and sounds of the animals on exhibit on Leisure Lane of the SCFF. Catch the Pig Races and a camel ride on your way down to Market Street!

5 PM: “Boy do those cheese curds, mini donuts, corn dogs, and gyros smell good!” Sample food from around the world on Market Street of the SCFF. With over 100 food and drink stands you’re bound to find something to satisfy just about any appetite. Check out the KRFO, United Prairie Bank or Elmer Reseland Stage for music and entertainment as you enjoy your lunch! Don’t forget all the entertainment on the grounds is FREE!

6 PM: Let your stomach settle before checking out over 30 carnival rides on the Midway. Be sure to check out the daily ride specials! Head into the Four Seasons Centre to see what’s on display and for sale from the over 300 vendors from 25 states and Canada – a wide range of goods, from crystals to quilts, art to furniture, potato peelers to RV’s!

7:30 PM: Let loose and enjoy live music in the Beer Gardens until late in the evening!

Day Two

Enjoy the morning discovering what else Owatonna has to offer!

9 AM: Leading the way with a variety of famous historical sites, Owatonna features the Minnesota State School and Orphanage Museum, the largest school of its kind ever operated in Minnesota from 1886-1945. Relive history through pictures, artifacts and personal stories by the orphans who were raised at the Orphanage.

10 AM: See the National Historic Landmark, commemorated on a US postage stamp in 1981, the National Farmers’ Bank, a Louis Sullivan designed Bank. Highlights of this architectural marvel include stained glass windows, gold leaf arches, chandeliers weighing 2.25 tons each, and murals by Oskar Gross.

11 AM: Arrive back at the Fairgrounds and wander through the SCFF on your own to see the Exotic Petting Zoo, Lumberjack Show, Auto Museum, Old Iron Show, Magic Shows, Livestock Hall of Fame, Draft Horse Show, and much more!

12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at the Aurora Lutheran Church Food Stand at the SCFF- a sit down home cooked meal and homemade pies like the church ladies used to make!

2 PM: Experience life in Owatonna at the turn of the 20th Century at the Village of Yesteryear! See the pioneer village and reenactments of times past! The Village of Yesteryear Stage also offers entertainment!

Events are subject to change. Please visit the Steele County Free Fair website for up to date details. For more itineraries and activities in Owatonna, contact the Tourism Department 800-423-6466.