1. Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum
Our first stop on this adventure was the Orphanage Museum on the former grounds of Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children. The primary museum is located in the central hall of the City Administration Building. Walking through the museum, we saw photos and artifacts that told the stories of the children who lived this history!
2. Cottage 11
After your self-guided tour of the Museum, you are invited to tour Cottage 11, a restored boys' cottage. We walked through an original cottage from the State School era to learn the stories of the boys who lived there. There was a gift shop, built-in audio systems, and even a way to take a peek into the underground tunnel system!
3. National Farmers' Bank
Take a self-guided tour or call the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism to organize a group tour of the National Farmers' Bank. The bank was designed in the early 1900s by Louis Sullivan and features gold leaf arches, stained glass windows, ornate terra cotta, and 2-ton electroliers.
4. Torey's Restaurant & Bar
Stop for lunch at Torey's Restaurant & Bar for dine-in or take-out options. The lunch menu has a variety of appetizers, salads & soups, sandwiches, pastas, and entrees. They recently started doing grab-and-go lunches on weekdays from 11 am-1 pm located at the back entrance of the restaurant!
5. Costas Candies
After lunch, we walked over to Costas Candies- a can't-miss destination! Founded in 1919, Costas has long indulged their customers with a range of exquisitely hand-dipped, rolled, and individually wrapped chocolate candies. From gooey caramels to truffles, Costas Candies are known and loved worldwide. The charming and nostalgic store has been family-owned and operated for generations in its original location.
6. Village of Yesteryear
Experience what life was like in Minnesota at the turn of the 20th Century at the Village of Yesteryear! The 19-structure site has become a landmark in the county and a historic treasure. Take a self-guided tour to explore the outside of the building and read about the history behind them! To tour the inside of the buildings, book a guided tour. (Tuesday-Sunday at 1:30 pm or by appointment. Adult Admission: $5, Children: 7 - 16 $3, Six and under FREE, Group Rates Available)
7. Steele County History Center
At the last stop of this tour, we went to the Steele County History Center. It was established in 1949 and is the official historical society of the county and one of the oldest in the state. The SCHS is home to the Village of Yesteryear and the History Center which houses the exhibit hall, gift shop, and the Zamboni Genealogy!
