Trails

Conquer The Trails

Whether you are a runner or a cyclist, Owatonna has enough trails to keep you occupied for days.

For the avid mountain biker, the new mountain bike trail system will leave you breathless. Ride the multi-use Buxton and Muckle trails along the Straight River and enjoy the scenery at multiple parks throughout the city.

Book Your Stay

Cross Country Skiing

Park & Recreation Office: 540 West Hills Circle | Phone: 507-444-4321
Website: www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

The Owatonna Parks and Recreation Department maintains and grooms cross country ski trails in the following areas from mid-December to mid-February (depending on weather and snow conditions). Over 11 miles of cross country skiing trails can be found from Kaplan’s Woods Parkway starting from Morehouse Park through Kaplan’s Woods and into the County Club Golf Course (in excess of 8 miles) and Brooktree Golf Course (2 miles).

Kaplan’s Woods Parkway & Lake Kohlmier

Location: 225 Acres | 18th Street SW/Mosher Avenue
Website: www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

One of the city’s most popular recreation areas is Kaplan’s Woods Parkway, which offers 225 acres for hiking, biking, jogging, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing. Within this scenic parkway, Lake Kohlmier offers a beach facility for swimming, canoeing and docks for fishing. The Kaplan’s Woods Parkway contains over 6 miles of hiking and cross country skiing trails, and nearly two miles of hard-surfaced, handicapped-accessible trails. This recreation area is so popular that it was featured as 1 of 10 fall hikes by Explore Minnesota’s Hike Campaign in 2018. Restrooms and facilities located at Morehouse Park. Maps are located along the trail. For the avid mountain biker, the new mountain bike trail system will leave you breathless. Find outdoor equipment rentals for all seasons at Straight River Sports & Fitness.

Lake Kohlmier Rental & Concessions

Phone: 507-774-7372
Website: www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

Memorial Day - Labor Day Open During Normal Park Hours

Group reservations are available June 5 through August 23, 2026
Group reservations can be scheduled for a minimum of 2 hours with each reservation including 10 vessels.
If the facility closes due to weather or water quality, a date change can be made or the reservation can be canceled at no cost.
Address: 1550 Mosher Drive, Owatonna, MN 55060
Lake Kohlmier Boat Rentals are available for large group reservations. Lake Kohlmier will be stocked with Adult, Child and Infant sized lifejackets which are included and required with each aquatic rental. The beach is open daily and ropes are placed to indicate swim areas. There are no lifeguards on duty - individuals will swim according to beach rules and at their own risk.

Leo Rudolph Nature Reserve

Location: 57 Acres | Young Drive, Jeffrey Drive or Lemond Road
Website: www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

In 1987, the City obtained this piece of land for $1.00 from the State of Minnesota. City staff developed plans for this tract to be restored to a native prairie. This reserve area includes a two acre pond and numerous varieties of prairie grasses and wildflowers. Amenities include a hiking and cross-country ski trail and picnic site.

Rice Lake State Park

Location: 8485 Rose Street | Phone: 507-455-5871
Website: www.dnr.state.mn.us
Operations: Open year-round

Long ago, American Indians harvested wild rice from this lake where today, the shallow waters and marshy edges of Rice Lake attract many waterfowl during migrations. Rice Lake is a major wetland in the area. Visitors enjoy photographing spring wildflowers, picnicking, and bird watching. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and snowmobiling on the trails. For a more secluded camping experience, paddle across the lake and camp in a canoe campsite (camping available April-October). Located 7 miles east of Owatonna, the park is open for day-use activities year-round.

Snowmobiling

Website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling

The Steele County Trail System includes 175 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, connecting with five adjoining counties. Check out the trails at Rice Lake State Park for a winter ride through the woods. Visit the Minnesota DNR website to view a map or stop by the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism for a complimentary Snowmobile Trail Map before heading out on the trails.

Steele County, Buxton & Muckle Trails

Distances: 175 miles | 3 miles | 1.4 miles
Website: www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

Owatonna’s multiple-use trail system has been created to provide a variety of recreational opportunities for city residents and visitors. The Muckle Trail runs along the Straight River in the heart of Owatonna, connecting Morehouse Park to the Buxton Trail. The Buxton Trail begins at North Street, traveling adjacent to Maple Creek and winding its way through Dartts Park, Brooktree Golf Course and Mineral Springs Park, before reaching its conclusion on the city’s eastern edge.