Top things to do in the fall in owatonna
Owatonna is a hidden gem in south central Minnesota, where world-renowned architecture fills a recently designated National Register Historic District in the downtown. As temperatures grow cooler, you can wander streets full of classic, beautifully constructed and maintained buildings, erected from the 1870s to the late 1950s, while taking a self-guided Historic Walking Tour. Pick up a brochure at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.
Fiery foliage turns Owatonna into a beautiful fall destination, whether you explore Kaplan’s Woods, a hardwood nature preserve near the city’s southern border, Rice Lake State Park’s trails or Central Park—a beautiful focal point of the downtown district. The park lies near multiple local restaurants as well as book or bike shops, and much more.
It’s the home for the Owatonna Farmers’ Market, too, where seasonal produce abounds on Saturdays through the end of October. You can pick up farm-fresh squash and pumpkins or buy hardy fall flowers and houseplants, but also indulge in homemade arts and crafts as well.
Fall Festivities and Events
Owatonna’s fall is filled with a variety of family friendly events and festivals. One of the highlights is the State School Orphanage Fall Festival, a tradition featuring the historic story of West Hills.
Mineral Springs Brewery and Foremost Brewing Cooperative’s Oktoberfests feature local craft beer, live music, and festive atmosphere.
Halloween enthusiasts can enjoy Downtown Owatonna’s Trick or Treat, Flashlight Fright Night at the Village of Yesteryear, or the Little Theater’s Murder Mystery Dinner for a spooky and thrilling experience.
As November approaches, the community comes together for Fall Bazaars, offering a wide range of handmade crafts, baked goods, and unique gifts.
Hunting for deals
The first two weekends in November visitors flock to Owatonna – but for a different kind of hunting. With numerous bazaars throughout all of Owatonna shoppers can get a jump start on purchasing holiday gifts.
With more than 12 craft and artisan sales in Owatonna over the first two weekends of November there are numerous ways to complete your fall decorating and holiday gift giving. In addition the the craft sales and bazaars, visitors can also take advantage of specials at many businesses in town, including flower, gift, shoe and clothing shops.
During this fun weekend event, jewelry, scarves, stained glass and homemade baked goods are only a few of the many items available. Visit the Pastimes Fine Arts and Crafts Show at the Owatonna Arts Center, as well as the Owatonna Hospital, Auxillary Bazaar, and the Steele County History Museum and other community organizations for a wide selection of gift ideas. For details see our calendar of events.
Don’t forget your outdoor decor! Turtle Creek Nursery and Souba Greenhouse also offer a variety of gifts, outdoor decor and of course seasonal plants and flowers. It’s a great time of decorating and gift giving all season long.
…and more deals
Cabela’s World Famous Outfitters becomes a shopper and hunter’s haven each fall. Located just off of I-35, and south of the Twin Cities, the 150,000-sq.-ft. retail showroom is packed with outdoor equipment. In addition, experienced Outfitters are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your next outdoor adventure.
Some of the items you can find at Cabela’s include the right footwear to accommodate individual hunting conditions, knives, archery equipment and more.
the links and trails
Take a break from shopping and go for a walk or bike ride on one of Owatonna’s many trails. Owatonna has a major interconnected city trail system that winds through picturesque parks all over town, providing the perfect chance to see fall colors.
If you love golf, you’ll enjoy playing the popular Brooktree Golf Course, a regulation 18-hole, par 71 course encompassing more than 6,400 yards. You don’t have to love golf to spend time at Brooktree. It is also a great place to grab a beer while cuddled up beside the cozy patio fire pit.
fall fare
Hunting for great food and drink at Owatonna restaurants is another favorite fall activity. Explore many of the new restaurants that have opened recently, including Roma’s Italian Eatery location in Historic Downtown. Love freshly baked pies? Order a slice of Rasp-Chocolate Cream Cheese or Sour Cream Raisin at the family-owned Kernel Restaurant, which has served breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1981.
More than half a dozen Owatonna restaurants feature Mexican fare, and you’ll also find locally owned Asian restaurants. Savor homemade burgers and pizza with a side of bowling at Spare Time Entertainment, or fresh brewed coffee and baked goods at Central Park Coffee while you do some shopping downtown. There are plenty of sweet treats available too including handmade chocolates from Costa’s Candies.
Cozy and welcoming, Owatonna, Minnesota features all the ingredients for a memorable fall visit. Request a free visitor guide today.
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