About Owatonna

Today, more than 27,000 people call Owatonna home. It is a community that boasts high average income levels and high education levels.

With a commitment to growth and access to services, Owatonna is equally committed to a quality of life – to care enough to leave a legacy for generations to come.

So please, take a closer look at Owatonna, stay a while – make it home.

History

Owatonna is rich in history. The region where Owatonna is located was historically used by Native Americans as a hunting area. The only known periodic encampment was at Rice Lake for hunting and harvesting wild rice. Upon its founding by settlers in 1854, the area was named Owatonna after the Dakota name for the Straight River, “Wakpá Owóthaŋna.”

Today, Owatonna’s history is preserved at area attractions like the Orphanage Museum, the National Farmers’ Bank, and Village of Yesteryear. The historic downtown offers a snapshot of what Owatonna was like at the turn of the century.

City and County

The Owatonna City Offices are located in the West Hills Complex and house many of Owatonna’s city-run departments.

Owatonna Police Department

The Owatonna Police Department provides full-service police protection for the citizens of Owatonna. All city and county emergency services are dispatched from the Law Enforcement Center. The offices of the Owatonna Police Department and the Steele County Sheriff’s Department are both located at the center. The Owatonna Police Department offers crime prevention programs to the community.

Police Department: 204 E Pearl St
Emergencies: 911
Records and Administration: (507) 444-3800
Non-emergencies: (507) 451-8232

Owatonna Fire Department

The Owatonna Fire Department is dedicated to providing members of our community with proficient emergency services before, during and after an emergency. With a fleet of 10 vehicles, the department protects the community by providing fires suppression and rescue services as well as public fire safety education, fire equipment maintenance, safety programs and emergency management planning.

Fire Department: 107 W Main St
Emergencies: 911
Non-emergencies: (507) 444-2454

Owatonna Public Utilities

Owatonna Public Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit water, electric and natural gas supplier, created by local residents more than 75 years ago to provide high quality, affordable services tailored to the unique needs of the Owatonna area.

Owatonna Public Utilities: 208 Walnut Ave
General Information: (507) 451-2480

Owatonna Public Library

Millions of possibilities await you at the Owatonna Public Library. A full service library with access to books through SELCO (Southeastern Libraries Cooperating), a wide variety of references and periodicals for reading and research at the library, and Internet access for online references and information.

Owatonna Public Library: 105 N Elm Ave
General Information: (507) 444-2460

Owatonna Park and Recreation

The Owatonna Parks and Recreation department provides residents with a comprehensive array of activities and facilities year-round, reinforcing the city's commitment to well-being and community.

Owatonna Park & Recreation: 500 Dunnell Drive
General Information: 507-444-4321