Spend a Weekend in Owatonna, MN

A fun-filled, relaxing 36 hours awaits in the region.

By Amy Antonation, Livability on February 8, 2024

Photo by:  Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

An hour south of the Twin Cities is Owatonna, MN, a city known for its historic charm, locally owned breweries and restaurants, and fun outdoor recreation. In other words, a relaxing weekend in Owatonna, MN, makes for the perfect vacation or staycation.

Glenda Smith, director of conventions and tourism at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce, details the best way to spend a weekend in Owatonna, MN. Follow this itinerary for an unforgettable, fun-filled 36 hours.

Friday in Owatonna, MN

Start with a beverage and a bite at Foremost Brewing Cooperative, which, as its name suggests, is one of the best spots in town to “hydrate.” Adventurous imbibers can take their tastebuds on a journey by sipping the Code of Hammurabi Belgian Quadruple, a big, bold beer that’s aged on cherry wood, or the Pearple Rain Kettle Sour, a tart tribute to Minneapolis’ favorite son. Not into craft beer? Opt for wine or cocktails from its full bar. Pair your drinks with the cooperative’s solid selection of appetizers, pub grub and desserts, like the berry flatbread (a berry compote atop vanilla pudding with a honey drizzle).

After filling up, catch a show at Little Theatre of Owatonna, which has been putting on performances for nearly 60 years.

Saturday in Owatonna, MN

Early risers can’t go wrong in historic downtown Owatonna. For freshly baked bagels and breakfast sandwiches, hit up Old Town Bagels. This family-owned spot lets you pair these golden rounds with delicious cream cheese spreads. Its breakfast bagel pizza is a must-try, as well.

Just a few doors down, Central Park Coffee Co. offers coffee drinks and waffles topped with everything from caramel cream to brown sugar and bacon.

Owatonna Farmers Market sets up shop in Central Park every Saturday. After browsing the wares, turn your attention to the historic buildings surrounding the park – the most famous of which is National Farmers’ Bank, built in 1907-08 and now operating as Wells Fargo. Designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan, a mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright, the building is the first of a series of banks Sullivan designed throughout the Midwest that are known as “jewel box” banks, thanks to their modern facades and lavish, highly ornamental interiors. Owatonna’s “Jewel Box of the Prairie” is considered the finest of these structures and was even featured on a U.S. postage stamp.

Finish out your downtown experience by exploring the local boutiques and gift shops.

Retail therapy requires fuel, so grab a slice or a sub at A Taste of The Big Apple pizza restaurant or, for fancier digs, dine at Roma’s Italian Eatery, which serves pasta dishes (think baked Bolognese, lobster ravioli and chicken parmesan) along with Italian-style steaks.

After lunch, head south to the Steele County Historical Society’s Village of Yesteryear, a cluster of 19th-century buildings, including a church, a town hall, cabins and a schoolhouse, all of which were moved to the site from their original locations around the region. Following your village adventure, visit the Owatonna Veterans Memorial, which opened in 2023.

“Take a break at Mineral Springs Brewery to enjoy the comradery of the friendly local regulars, relax with a game of cards or a board game, listen to the regular live music, catch the current game on TV or simply enjoy great conversation before moving along with your Saturday afternoon,” Smith says. (Note: Many of Mineral Springs’ brews are named in honor of notable people and places in the region.)

Just outside the doors of the brewery is a greenery-lined trail that takes walkers and bikers to Morehouse Park, where visitors can see the Straight River’s Owatonna Dam. Follow the trail southwest to Lake Kohlmier – the city has 17 miles of trails connecting its parks system – and rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard for some time on the water.

Not a water fan? Take advantage of Owatonna’s golf courses: Brooktree Golf Course, the par three Havana Hills Golf, Range & Event Center and Waters Edge Mini Golf offer a variety of outdoor courses, while Inside Swing boasts simulators with over 300 different courses available for play.

Food at one of Owatonna’s locally owned Mexican restaurants is Smith’s pick for dinner, pointing to El Loro, Don Juan Cantina & Grill, El Tequila or Plaza Morena Campestre Grill.

To round out the evening, settle in and listen to live music at Foremost Brewing Cooperative, Mineral Springs Brewery, Owatonna Eagles Club and Reggie’s Brewhouse, all of which host regular performances year-round.

Sunday in Owatonna, MN

Start your morning off at SpareTime, a facility with bowling, laser tag and arcade games that also boasts an “incredible” Sunday brunch and bloody mary bar, according to Smith. Other a.m. options are Olivia’s Family Restaurant and Kernel Restaurant, both old-school diners that serve breakfast all day.

Before leaving town, make sure to visit the Minnesota State School Orphanage, where children in state care resided from 1886 to 1945. The grounds include a museum, a restored residential cottage and a cemetery. It offers self-guided tours and audio stations that bring the stories of the children who lived there to life.

Owatonna Arts Center is located on the same campus and includes ever-changing exhibits.

On the way out of town, sneak in some last-minute shopping at Cabela’s, where you can grab some recreational gear for your next visit. You can also snag cute gifts at Country Goods and Western wear at Let’s Ride Boots & Apparel.

Click here to learn more about Owatonna.

This article was sponsored by the Owatonna Partners for Economic Development.